His Cursed Luna

Chapter 3

Lucien's POV

I stood on the cliff, a surge of pain coursing through my system.

Each breath became a struggle, leaving me feeling weak and drained.

In my mind, Astrid's face appeared.

I called her name. I desperately tried to connect with her, but an impenetrable barrier stood between us, preventing me from reaching her.

With a heavy heart, I turned and ran back to my territory, the forest quickly fading away behind me.

As I arrived, my Beta, Nicholas, greeted me with a respectful nod.

"I need to see my mate," I declared, determination in my voice.

I made my way towards the room where the hidden mirror that connects me to the human world can be found.

"You know that going to the human world will drain your strength," Nicholas reminded me, concern etched on his face. But I couldn't bear the thought of losing Astrid, so his warning didn't stop me.

I pressed forward, knowing the mirror was my portal to her.

"I can't lose my mate, Nicholas," I replied firmly, brushing off his words. Without hesitation, I stepped through the mirror, breaking the boundary that separated us.

As I passed through, I could feel my strength fading, a consequence of defying the rules. Yet, I pressed on, pushing myself to emerge from the basement.

Upon entering the living room, a sight of horror greeted me. Astrid lay on the floor, covered in blood.

"Astrid," I called her name weakly, my voice barely a whisper.

Rushing to her side, I cradled her fragile body, as if she were made of glass.

"Astrid," I repeated, desperation creeping into my voice, but she remained unresponsive. Checking her pulse, I felt it growing weaker by the moment.

Despite my weakness, I gathered every ounce of strength left within me and lifted her into my arms.

Determinedly, I carried her back to the basement, passing through the mirror once more. Waiting for me on the other side was Nicholas, his eyes filled with worry.

Taking Astrid from my arms as I stumbled, he called, "Alpha Lucien," concern lacing his voice.

I managed a weak smile.

"I'm fine, just save her," I commanded, reassuring him that I would be okay.

"Yes, Alpha Lucien," he acknowledged, his voice filled with determination.

"Ensure that no one knows she's here. We must hide her until the next full moon," I reminded him, emphasizing the importance of keeping Astrid's presence a secret.

Nicholas nodded in understanding before leaving the room, leaving me alone with my broken reflection in the shattered mirror.

Staring at my fragmented image, I felt like a different person entirely.

My strength had deserted me, and frustration bubbled within.

In a fit of anger and helplessness, I punched the broken mirror, cutting my hand and feeling my blood boil.

"I will come for you," I vowed, swearing to inflict the most agonizing death upon those who had harmed my mate.

I remained in the room for several hours, trying to calm myself and regain some semblance of strength.

I would remain as weak as an omega, until the next full moon, where my bond with Astrid would be sealed with the blessing of the Moon Goddess.

Leaving the room, I made my way to the chamber where Astrid was being treated.

As I entered, both Nicholas and Magnus, my trusted physician turned their attention to me.

"Alpha Lucien," they greeted in unison.

"Have you concealed her scent?" I inquired, looking directly at Nicholas.

"Yes, Alpha," he replied promptly.

Turning to Magnus I awaited his diagnosis, my heart pounding with anticipation.

"How is my mate?" I asked, hoping for positive news.

Magnus exhaled deeply, his eyes filled with worry.

"Her pulse is weak, and she has lost a significant amount of blood. However, her body is recovering at a faster rate than expected. I expect her to regain consciousness within a few hours," he informed me.

Relief washed over me as I heard his words.

"Thank you," I genuinely expressed my gratitude, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. However, Magnus's worry remained evident.

"You have drained your strength, Lucien," he pointed out.

"I assure you, I'll be fine," I reassured him, though his concern lingered.

"And what about our pack?" he inquired.

"How will they react when their Alpha is as weak as an omega?" His question struck a chord within me, emphasizing the weight of the sacrifice I had made.

"They won't know. My diminished strength will be concealed from the pack, do you understand?" I emphasized, locking eyes with Magnus.

Despite his initial hesitation, he nodded, acknowledging the necessity of the decision.

I then turned my attention to Nicholas, meeting his gaze directly.

"Do you understand, Nicholas?" I asked, searching his eyes for any signs of doubt.

Nicholas studied my face intently for a brief moment, contemplating the situation. Eventually, he let out a deep breath before nodding in affirmation.

I could sense his discontent with the choice I had made, but he had no other option.

"Our pack will endure," I assured them both, instilling confidence in their hearts, even if doubt still lingered.

"I will request additional guards for our borders," Nicholas suggested, and I nodded, agreeing with his plan.

"Thank you, Nicholas," I expressed my gratitude before he exited the room.

Once Nicholas left, I turned my gaze toward Magnus.

"We must endure until the following full moon, which is a month away. Do you believe we can survive until then?" Magnus asked.

I looked at him intently and without any hesitation, I nod my head.

"I can protect our pack and I can protect our Luna," I assured.

Worry was etched on his face but after a while, he nod his head believing in my words.

"I place my trust in your words, Alpha Lucien," he replied, bowing respectfully before casting a glance at Astrid.

"I hope she is worth the sacrifice," he murmured, then looked at me once more before exiting the room.

Left alone with Astrid, I drew nearer to her bedside.

She looks peaceful while sleeping.

Her long red hair complemented her fair complexion.

Her lips, crimson as blood, tempted me to taste.

I gently held her hand, which now felt warmth different from earlier.

I contented myself with gazing at her, and after a while, her eyes fluttered open.

Her emerald eyes met mine.

She scrutinized my face intently, seemingly attempting to comprehend the figure standing before her.

"Who are you?" she weakly inquired.

I studied her for a brief moment before replying.

"Lucien," I stated.

She continued to gaze at me, withdrawing her hand from mine and curling into a corner of the bed, her eyes wandering around the room.

"Where am I?" she asked, her voice tinged with fear and confusion.

"You are within my territory, Astrid," I responded.

Once again, she regarded me.

Her eyes searched my face as if attempting to discern if she was trapped in a dream.

"The police... their eyes... who are they?" she asked, fear resurfacing in her eyes as she recalled the incident.

"I do not know," I admitted.

I remained unaware of the identity of her assailants, for upon passing through the mirror, I had lost my strength and could not detect their scent.

"Why are they after me?" she pleaded.

Panic shimmered in her eyes.

"Because you are special Astrid," I answered, causing her brow to furrow, and she let out a sarcastic laugh.

"I cannot bear this," she declared, forcefully removing a small tube from her wrist, and limping away from the bed while clutching her chest.

She was about to leave the room when I swiftly pinned her against the door.

My movements were swift, shocking her. Her eyes widened.

Her heart pounded audibly within her chest.

Raising her head, she looked into my eyes.

Fear filled her gaze.

"What do you want?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Tears streamed down her face.

"You cannot leave, Astrid," I declared coldly, maintaining our intense gaze.

"I do not wish to remain here! Please, let me go," she pleaded, frustration evident as she struggled against my grip. So, I tightened my hold on her.

"Whether you like it or not, you must stay here," I stated, locking eyes with her.

She stared back, resisting the intensity of my gaze.

She exhaled deeply.

"Who are you? Who were those people who attacked me? Where am I?" she inquired, her eagerness for answers apparent.

"I am Alpha Lucien. Those who attacked you are werewolves from an unknown pack, Astrid, and you are within Grim Claw territory," I revealed.

Her confusion only deepened upon hearing my response.

"Alpha? Werewolves? Grim Claw territory? What on earth are you talking about?" she exclaimed, frustration and confusion etched into her gaze.

I bent down so that our faces were level.

With a tender touch, I caressed her cheeks.

"Welcome to our world, my mate," I whispered, staring directly into her eyes.

I witnessed my own eyes reflecting through hers, turning crimson.

As the colour of my eyes shifted, I saw her eyes widen, filled with fear.

"What is happening?" she mouthed, her eyes fixed on mine, a mix of fear and confusion overtaking her.