Cursed Luna

Chapter one

I rubbed my arms together, trying to shake off the weird shiver that ran through me. Lately, everything felt… strange. My senses, my moods, even my dreams—it was starting to feel like I was being haunted.

Before I could sink too deep into that thought, my bedroom door was forced open.

“Rise and shine, princess!”

I jumped down from the bed, my heart pounding against my chest. I looked up only to find Bryan standing there, grinning like the menace he was.

“Bryan!” I groaned, grabbing the nearest pillow and throwing it at him. I felt satisfied after it landed hard on his chest, then grabbed another, hurling it at him again.

He laughed, dodging the pillow. “Whoa—chill!” he said. “Mom says breakfast’s ready. You might wanna look human before she sees you like this.”

I rolled my eyes, but a small smile tugged at my lips. “Get out before I use the second pillow.”

He raised his hand to his head, saluting dramatically as he backed out. “Whatever you say, Your Highness.”

I shook my head as the door clicked shut.

After a quick shower, I strolled lazily toward the wardrobe, searching for what to wear. Today’s interview was going to be the third one I’d gone to this week. I sighed, knowing it was probably going to be futile again.

After rummaging through my wardrobe, I finally settled on a blue long jean skirt with a black t-shirt, paired with black heels. I stood in front of the mirror, drooling slightly at the sight of myself—I was beautiful, no doubt.

I sprayed my perfume, applied my lip gloss, and gave myself one last look in the mirror before heading downstairs.

The house was filled with the smell of waffles and eggs. I inhaled the heavenly scents.

“You awake, Adri?” my mom asked.

“Yeah, Mom,” I answered.

I sat down as Mom placed my meal in front of me. By the time I was done, it was fifteen minutes before my interview.

“Holy Mary, save me,” I muttered as I stopped a cab. “Vanguard Group,” I told the driver.

Getting to the company, I dropped from the cab and smoothed my skirt, trying to look composed even though my heartbeat felt like it was going to rip out of its cage. My mouth hung open as I stared at the building—it was massive. It towered above every other building around. I moved closer, feeling the glass walls; they were smooth as silk.

I stood upright, clearing my throat, when I noticed footsteps coming from behind me.

I gulped down chunks of spit as I walked into the building, adjusting the strap of my bag.

People streamed in—men with polished suits and expensive cologne, women with heels clicking confidently on the marble floors. Everyone looked like they had their life perfectly figured out. Meanwhile, I prayed my lip gloss didn’t smudge.

The moment I stepped into the lobby, a strange shiver rolled through me. It was the same feeling I’d had in my room that morning. This time, it was different. I felt… happy, eager, like someone was waiting for me.

I shrugged my shoulders, pushing the feeling aside, and took gentle steps to the front desk. The receptionist, a woman with neat curls and sharp eyes, didn’t bother looking up as she typed.

“Name?” she asked coldly.

“Andrea… Carter,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm.

She finally looked up, scanning me from head to toe in a way that made me feel unwelcome.

“Interview?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“Take the elevator to the 28th floor. Someone will meet you there.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, breathing a sigh of relief as I left her desk. You’re improving, Andrea, I whispered to myself.

I walked toward the elevator, feeling every ounce of pressure settle on my shoulders. My palms were already sweating.

The moment I stepped inside, I was hit by an intoxicating smell. It was sharp, fresh, like rain soaked into earth. I inhaled slowly, letting it fill me.

Suddenly, the elevator began shaking. Panic surged through me as I opened my eyes, ready to brace myself, but I misstepped. My body tumbled forward and slammed hard onto a solid surface before I could even think to stop.

I squinted my eyes open slowly, desperate to see who had saved me.

I gasped as my gaze fell on the figure before me.

A man in a perfectly tailored blue suit knelt beside me, his hands steady on my arms as he held me. He had sharp features—a strong jawline, dark eyes that seemed to study every part of me without judgment, his brown hair was neatly combed, making it look like he belonged in a magazine.

He smiled faintly, a small, confident curve of his lips, and said in a low, smooth voice, “Careful. The first impression counts, and I’d hate to see you hurt on your first day.”

I froze, my heart rate moving faster, wait how did he know it was my first day?