Imperfect Luna and the Alpha King

Chapter 08

Elena's POV

We both walked down the stairs that snaked into a dark, unlit room. A musty smell greeted us when we set foot in the basement area. Grey stopped walking when we arrived in front of a secret room in the basement of this mansion.

He dug into his pocket for something. He took out a key and inserted it into the hole in the brown-painted wooden door. He unlocked the door and stepped through first. It creaked as he opened the door further, then I followed him. Grey touched the switch on the wall, the incandescent light illuminating the room. With that minimal brightness, I could see a giant statue standing proudly in the center of the room. A round wooden table surrounded it with a hole in the center, where the figure stood.

On either side of the room, there were tall wooden shelves. There were several objects there, cups, candlesticks, ancient books, and some cult or ritual tools.

"What is this place?" I thought. I had never seen a place like this before, not even in my parent's old house.

He looked around.

“Damn,” he muttered quietly.

The inside of the was dusty from disuse. There were cobwebs everywhere. The floorboards creaked under my feet with every step. A thick layer of dust covered everything, even the chandelier.

"What room is this?" I asked, not understanding why Grey had brought me to this chamber. Grey turned around and looked at me sharply.

"This is the worship chamber of the moon goddess at the birth of each new soul of the Velixus family."

"Do you know why this room is now deserted?"

I shooked my head.

"Can you guess it?"

"Because the Grey family already has another chamber to celebrate the birth of their offspring?" I answered hesitantly.

"You're out of luck, and your answer is imprecise." He chuckled.

I didn't know why. Somehow, being in that dimmed and dirty room with that man made me shudder with fear. Although Grey was smiling sweetly, I felt it was just too bizarre.

"Do you want to know why Elena?" asked Grey.

"Isn't it important for me to know?"

Grey let out a long breath.

"This room was no longer used after I was born."

I didn't understand what Grey was saying.

"So?"

"My family and I were cursed. We can no longer have offspring," he replied in a heavy voice.

"How come? I mean, who did this to your family?" I furrowed my brows.

Grey chuckled, "It's a long story."

"Is there any way to break the cursed?"

"Yeah, and the only person who can break the curse is..."

"You." Grey continued.

I blinked. "Me?"

"Yes. It's you."

" If anyone can do this, it's you."

"How?"

Grey looked away from me. He said nothing. His gaze landed on the closed door.

"I don't know how to say it, but that's the truth. Only you can break this curse from my family."

I stammered when I heard his explanation. I didn't know what to do.

"What should I do?"

"You must give up the most precious thing to me."

"What is it?" I asked with all the fear and worry in my heart.

"Your virginity."

"So you, let me be your partner, want me to lift the curse on your family? "

"What did you expect?" He said in a calm tone.

"I'm not interested in a relationship with anyone. You know, I'm too busy to think about romance. But my father forced me to rescue you and mate with you."

"I will pay for your virginity. You don't have to worry."

I couldn't believe what I had heard. My whole world was dashing to pieces like a house collapsing in the blink of an eye.

I felt dizzy, as if everything suddenly made sense. I finally figured out why he had summoned me to this place. I had to sacrifice my virginity for him.

It had to be done. This was no ordinary curse. My life is about to change completely. I can already feel the change. There is no turning back now. He will make me surrender to him, and I am sure he means what he says. He knows exactly how much power he has over me.

Maybe it wouldn't feel like this if he asked me to give up everything because he wanted to have me as his Luna. But now I know he wished to merely because he tried to break the curse.

What he did hurt me. And it was a tremendous humiliation. Somehow my heart said he would throw me away once this curse was broken.

I swallowed my bitterness. I didn't know what to say at all. This truth was unexpected, though it didn't surprise me too much.

"How about it, do you agree? Are you willing to give that up for me?" Grey asked.

"I'm not sure I can give it up to a man who doesn't love me."

Hearing my answer, Grey burst out laughing as if it were funny.

"Elena, why are you so innocent? Do you still believe in love? There is no love in this world anymore. Open your eyes. We are all just after power and fulfillment. There is no more love in our hearts. We are the most selfish creatures who take refuge behind the word love."

"I'll give you time, don't worry. I'll pay you a lot once you give me your virginity. I wish I could force you, but my father forbids me. Therefore I am politely asking you. Think about it carefully. And don't disappoint me."

He opened the door, then paused. Grey turned to me with a thin smile, and it shone in his eyes. With those words, he left, leaving me staring at his retreating form.

I stood there for a while, trying to process what had just happened. My mind was racing.

After he left and completely disappeared from my sight, I quickly walked out of the dusty room. Everything seemed clearer about what made Grey want to mate with me. The thought still didn't sit well in my brain.

I wanted something different, but it felt like it was too much. Suppose other wolves choose their mates because of fate and love. But I was determined and made a mate just because I could save his family from the curse. Does that feel fair? The truth is, I'm not ready to accept a man who will treat me as his property– one that needs to be protected, controlled, or even utilized.

***