REJECTED LUNA

Chapter 4

As I helped Elisa into her old room and watched her fall into a troubled sleep, I couldn't help but wonder: how long could we protect her from the harsh reality of her marriage? And at what cost?

I stepped out of the room, quietly closing the door behind me. The silence is only broken by the distant ticking of the old clock.

I knew I had bought some time, but how much? And what would happen when time ran out?

The questions hung in the air, unanswered, as I stood alone in the quiet hallway. Tomorrow, the sun would rise, and the answers would come. But for tonight, the house fell silent, the secrets safely tucked away.

**********

There's something about slipping into the shoes of an everyday man, a servant no less, that gives me a thrill.

I, Alpha Edward, the man who was born into the world of power and dominion, have always found a peculiar sense of freedom in this charade.

My hands moved with practiced ease as I adjusted the simple cap on my head, a dull, nondescript thing that blended perfectly with the common masses.

It was far from my usual regalia, the ornate headdresses and lavish garments that screamed privilege and authority. But it was in these plain clothes that I found a semblance of peace, an escape from the heavy mantle of leadership that was thrust upon me.

My reflection stared back at me from the mirror, a man much unlike the Alpha everyone knew. A simple servant, with none of the commanding presence that came with my true identity. My lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. Perfect.

Just as I was about to step out, the familiar figure of my right-hand man, Ethan, blocked my path.

He was a burly man, with a stern countenance etched by years of loyalty and dedicated service. He was also the only one who knew of my little escapades.

"Eddie," he began, using the nickname he had for me since our childhood, "why do you keep doing this? Dressing up like one of them?"

I paused, my hand on the doorknob. The question hung in the air, a silent plea for understanding. His eyes held a mix of concern and curiosity. I released a sigh, choosing to ignore his question, and brushed past him.

But Ethan was persistent. He followed me, his heavy steps echoing in the silent corridor. "Eddie!" he called out again, "You cannot keep ignoring my questions."

I stopped in my tracks, my back still turned towards him. I could feel his gaze burning a hole in my back. "It's not your concern, Ethan," I responded, my voice cold and distant.

"But it is," he retorted, his voice filled with an unusual determination. "I've stood by your side all these years, Eddie. I've seen you wear this mask, day in and day out. I need to understand, why?"

I turned to face him, my eyes meeting him. There was a long silence as I searched for the right words. How could I explain this longing for a life I had never lived, a life I had been denied the moment I was born an Alpha?

"You wouldn't understand, Ethan," I said finally, my voice barely a whisper.

"Try me," he countered, his eyes never wavering from mine.

I looked at him, really looked at him, and saw the earnest concern in his eyes. And for the first time, I felt a strong urge to share my secret longing.

"It gives me a life I never had, Ethan," I confessed, my voice barely audible. "A life free from the shackles of power, where I'm not Alpha Edward but just Eddie. An ordinary man."

Ethan was silent for a moment, processing my words. Then, he nodded slowly, his eyes reflecting an understanding. "Alright, Eddie. I won't question you again."

The silence stretched, an invisible thread binding us at that moment. And then, just as I was about to step outside, Ethan's voice pulled me back.

"Where are you going now, Eddie?"

I whirled around, irritation flaring in my chest. "Why must you always ask so many questions, Ethan?" I snapped, my voice echoing in the empty corridor.

Ethan flinched, his usually stoic face betraying a flicker of hurt. The corridor fell into an uncomfortable silence, the air suddenly heavy with unspoken words and strained emotions.

I stood there, my hand still on the door, my heart pounding in my chest. I could feel a knot in my stomach as I watched Ethan's face, his hurt evident in his eyes. I hadn't meant for the words to come out as harsh as they did.

"Ethan," I started, my voice softer this time, "I didn't mean... I just don't like being questioned like a child."

Ethan remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor. He seemed to be struggling with his words. When he finally spoke, his voice was barely a whisper.

"You are like a son to me, Eddie," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I watched you grow from a boy into the Alpha you are now. I worry about your safety..."

His words hung in the air, a raw confession that left a lump in my throat. I had always known of Ethan's loyalty and his dedication to my family and me. But hearing him voice it out, hit me harder than I expected.

"I understand Ethan," I replied, my voice barely audible. "But I need this. I need to live a little, to breathe, to be just... Eddie."

We stood there, the silence stretching between us, our words echoing in the corridor. I could see the conflict in Ethan's eyes, the struggle between his duty and his concern for me.

Finally, he sighed, a deep, resigned sigh. "Alright, Eddie," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "Just... be careful."

As I stepped out into the bustling streets, Ethan's words echoed in my mind. I felt a pang of guilt, but I quickly pushed it aside. This was my escape, my brief respite from the burdens of my position. And I wasn't about to give it up.

Not yet.

Little did I know that the world outside was not really what I thought it was.