The Marked Luna

Chapter Four: Velmior

Serena’s POV

I couldn’t bring myself to admit that I had caused those flames yesterday. I wasn’t capable of that. I was still lost in my thoughts when a knock on the door or rather Katja’s entrance snapped me back.

“Alpha Ronan requires your presence in the dining room.” Katja stood in front of me, expressionless. I almost snapped at her for not knocking, but she beat me to it.

“I knocked, but there was no response, so I had to let myself in,” she said coldly. I wanted to slap her one day.

You’re being paranoid, Serena, Myrren said.

For once I couldn’t argue. I’d been on edge since I got here, and I didn’t like it. Nothing about this place felt normal.

“Tell your Alpha I’m not hungry and I can’t stand to be around him.”

“He said if you don’t show up, he doesn’t mind coming over to carry you there himself.”

“Seems your Alpha already knows I won’t agree, Katja. And since I don’t want his disgusting hands on me, I’ll grace his majesty with my presence — lead the way, slave.” I drew the last part out and forced a sweet smile to rile her. Her face told me I’d succeeded.

“I am not a sl—”

“Shush, Katja. You’re not just a slave, you're my slave. I have every right to call you whatever I dim fit, and you know what? There’s nothing you can do about it, slave!” I said, fire in my eyes. I’m usually not this rude, but Katja had been testing me since she first walked into my room.

“The dining room is this way.” I noticed her shoulders tremble as she walked ahead. I had other things on my mind Ronan, mainly.

The dining room took my breath. It was huge. My mouth watered at the food spread before me; food always calmed me.

Ronan cleared his throat and gestured that I sit near him. Instead I walked to the far end of the table and sat. Let him and his subjects see me disrespect him.

“Serena, you’re supposed to sit close to me, not away,” Ronan said tensely.

I ignored him. I wasn’t ready to argue when there was food.

“Serena, I’m talking to you!” he snapped.

“Yes, Alpha. I heard you loud and clear, and I’m not interested in doing your bid,” I said, all sugar. Let him huff and puff that was his problem.

“After you’re done, you’ll meet my council of elders for a proper introduction. It’s time they meet their Luna.”

I tensed at the word. “What do you mean, Ronan? I’m not meeting anyone, and I am not your damn Luna!” I screamed the last part. The food tasted like chalk.

Ronan smirked at my frustration. “You will do as I say, Serena.” His face was void of warmth.

My hands clenched on the tablecloth. Flames leapt from my palms and began to burn the fabric. Gasps rose from the maids. I loved that their fear was a sweet thing. My eyes flitted to Ronan; he stared at me, unfazed. His men weren’t scared at all.

“Serena, when you’re done with your little show, you’ll be shown to the meeting room.”

Ronan stood. “Least I forget, Serena, those clothes don’t suit you. Katja will give you something befitting. And while you’re at it, eat before the food gets cold, my love.”

I waited until he walked away before I let out an angry scream. He sure knew how to press my buttons. I shoved the chair back and signaled Katja to fetch the clothes.

Twenty minutes later I was ready. Outside the meeting room I smoothed the burgundy gown I’d chosen; it matched my hair. I was still lost in thought when a guard opened the door.

Under the elders’ watchful eyes, I walked toward Ronan’s outstretched hand and placed mine in his surprisingly soft palm.

“Everyone, this is Serena, my mate and your Luna. Bow to your Luna.” Ronan’s voice filled the room.

“But Alpha, she is cursed and weak. She bears the mark; she’s cursed to kill you.” The voice belonged to a broad man with a small head, hatred plain on his face. Ronan’s elders were already against me.

“Garland is right, Alpha. We can’t accept a cursed girl as your Luna. She’ll bring nothing but disaster.” A hunchbacked, smaller man Curtis supported the first speaker.

“Don’t insult me, Curtis, and especially don’t insult the moon goddess.” Ronan’s tone cut through the room. Garland and Curtis paled as he approached.

“We apologize, Alpha. Forgive us,” they blurted, bowing to him.

“Is there anyone else who wishes to speak against my Luna? Come forward.” Silence.

“No Alpha,” the room answered in unison.

“You are dismissed.” Ronan’s bark sent the elders scrambling out. It wasn’t until the door clicked shut from outside that I spoke.

“Your elders hate me. Isn’t that wonderful, Alpha?” I smiled sweetly, but Ronan didn’t move.

“You know,” I continued, “you should listen to Garland and Curtis. I’m cursed, and I’ll bring nothing but disaster to you and the pack. Disaster isn’t good for business, Ronan.” I stepped closer.

He lifted his hand and cupped my face, leaning in. “You know what I’m thinking, Serena? I’m thinking of taking you right here, against my throne, and marking you. But I won't while you hate me.”

I pulled away, my pulse sprinting. His eyes were dark and hooded with something that made my heart skip. I shouldn’t be affected. I was maddened by how much I couldn’t control myself around him.

I smirked. “Keep dreaming, Alpha,” I tossed over my shoulder and turned to leave.

A man passed me in the doorway. He looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t place him. When he turned, shadows clung to his cloak like smoke; the fabric seemed to drink the light. Glimpses of his face were disturbing: ashen skin stretched thin over sharp bones, lips bruised and dark, and eyes cloudy like milky quartz that still glittered with cruel awareness.

The air around him felt heavy as if it recoiled in his presence. Bone and black-stone rings gripped his long, veined fingers; I caught the faint metallic smell of rust mixed with old, rotted herbs. Our eyes met as he closed the meeting room door, and I swear I saw his lips curl.

Velmior, I thought without knowing why. The name tasted like danger.