HIS LUNA; CHOSEN AT A COST

Episode 002

I was startled out of my slumber by the loud knock on the door.

"Luna! Get up, Luna!

My father spoke too early, loudly, and impatiently. I squinted at the stacks of boxes and bags lining my room as I massaged my eyes and slowly sat up. I was unaware of how much I had packed the night before. I staggered to the bathroom, half drowsy, rushed in for a brief shower, and came out wrapped in a towel. I didn't hesitate to enter the hall in such a manner because my brain hadn't completely switched on yet.

I then ran into someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry—"

Before I could collapse, strong hands grabbed me by the arms. When I opened my eyes, he was there.

"Good morning, Luna."

I went cold. "Alessio? Why are you here?

"We came to assist you with your move."

I looked around and saw that there were a lot of people in the house, mostly males, moving boxes and speaking quietly. I quickly reached for the towel and pulled it more tightly. I withdrew from him, my face flaming, and rushed into my room, slamming the door behind me.

What on earth was that?

Without even trying to match anything, I threw on a shirt and jeans. I was just pulling the shirt over my head when I heard a knock on my door.

"Are you prepared?" We're going to remove your belongings now," Alessio said.

I pretended to be composed as I opened the door. "Yes, it's alright."

Casually, as if he were supposed to, he leaned against the door frame. After I moved aside, five men rushed into my room in a matter of minutes. They completed the last box in a short amount of time. I felt as though I was seeing someone else's life vanish out the door while I sat on my bed.

I said, "Hey," after a moment. When we arrive, I'll be working, according to my dad. What sort of work is this?

Halfway through lifting a box, Alessio turned to face me. primarily cleaning. You will be employed by the boss.

"The manager?"

He smiled and continued, "Don't worry." " Lorenzo is not difficult to manage. Simply avoid bothering him, avoid staring at him, and follow his instructions quickly. That's all. When you get there, someone will explain the rest.

I scowled. Do you mean one of the 'females' when you say someone'?

He simply shrugged, grinned, and left. By that, what did he mean? Women?

Dad's voice echoed through the house before I could question.

"Luna! Come on!

I picked up my backpack and looked around my room, which was suddenly empty. On the nightstand, my phone was still there. I almost jumped when Alessio reappeared out of nowhere as I reached for it. For the second time that morning, I was caught in his arms.

"You enjoy ambushing people, don't you?"

His fingers moved far too slowly across my forehead as he laughed and brushed a lock of hair out of my face.

"Your boss will adore you."

I felt sick to my stomach. There was no compliment in that. That felt like a warning... or a threat?

However, he turned and left before I could inquire what he meant.

Strange. Simply... strange.

It was 7:03 AM when I looked at my phone.

Dad is going to yell again, so you'd better move.

I tossed my backpack next to me as I went outside and got into the car. After a minute, Dad came over with coffee. Instead of leaving our entire life behind, we pulled out of the driveway as if we were going to a typical day.

I took out my phone and texted Nico and Elisa.

I apologize for the abrupt disappearance. Dad received a last-minute promotion. Today, we are moving. He begins on Monday.

Elisa most likely wouldn't respond until much later. Unless we had plans to go to the mall, she usually slept all weekend. But Nico? I anticipated a prompt SMS response.

And he didn't let us down.

"Wait... what?" Bid farewell? What?

Before I could stop them, tears welled up in my eyes. Something heavy sat on my chest, tightening my throat.

It's a long way, I typed. It's like a day and a half's drive. New town. Dad’s boss is situated there.’

‘That sucks. What am I meant to do now?’

‘Go back to doing whatever you did before thinking I was your new best friend,’ I answered, trying to jest, but it didn’t really work. Just promise me you won’t go to that party tonight with Chiara. On Monday, she will take advantage of you and joke about it at San Lorenzo High.

No assurances. Before I met you, I was bored. I'll be bored once more now.

Elisa is still with you. She’ll keep you in control. Don't let Chiara's drama fool you. I'll pay you a visit. if you even desire that I do.

"I do, of course." What prevented you from texting me last night? I would have arrived to assist.

‘Didn’t feel like conversing. was upset with Dad.

My signal died while I was sending that. Oh no. No cell towers and country roads.

In search of additional information, I turned to Dad.

"What is the name of this town?"

With his gaze fixed on the road, he said, "White Wolves."

"That sounds a little phony."

"It's not. The boss of the company is there.

"Have you met him before?"

No response.

Normal.

The next thing I know, I'm being shaken awake by him.

"Take a lunch break. Do you have any desires?

My bones cracked when I stretched. "Yeah... sandwich with ham salad?"

After hours of driving, the car was much too crowded, so I got out as he left. I let the wind blow across my face as I crossed the street to a nearby field. The air was clear. cleaner than it was at home. As in, pure.

I somehow forgot we were in the middle of nowhere because of that.

I strolled over to a bush that had some flowers nearby, picked one, and smelled it. The flower's beauty seemed almost artificial. I saw it at that moment.

Clear, but far away, hardly perceptible.

A wolf. standing motionless. observing.

Avoid running. That will only cause it to pursue.

I gently retreated, acting as though I hadn't noticed. I was certain that my heart could hear how loudly it pounded. I only needed to take one step. Two. Keep your eyes down and avoid tripping. I looked up again, but it was gone.

Not a move. There was no sound. No, nothing.

Did it really happen?

I made my way back to the vehicle. Dad has just left the petrol station. Silently eating on the bonnet, we both pretended nothing was strange.

However, I continued to look at the trees.

Something was out there, I promise.

We stayed in a little motel after eating dinner at a roadside eatery. As I pulled myself inside and collapsed onto one of the mattresses, Dad took care of the room keys. I heard it at that point.

A low, lengthy howl.

I sat up, looking through the opening in the curtain. I caught a glimpse of the wolf's silhouette once more. The silhouette of a wolf was clearly visible. standing motionless.

Why does it continue to appear?

Still no signal. I was unable to text Elisa or Nico. By now, they most likely believed I was ignoring them.

I turned over on my back and gazed up at the ceiling.

What sort of town did the White Wolves inhabit?

Why were we being assisted in moving by strange men?

Why would Dad not discuss the boss?

And why on earth was that wolf acting that way?

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