My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 30

“Yes, court you. I won’t force you into anything; I know you’re not ready, but I’m asking that when you are, please give me a chance,” he says.

Our gaze locks, and my lips feel dry.

“Okay,” I say, breathless for some reason.

He grins at me, and I exit the car, my face hot.

“Welcome home, Apphia!” Lily beams. She hugs me before I can prepare myself.

Blade and Knox join us.

Apphia

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“You’re back!” I turn my head to see a tall, good–looking man with thin dreadlocks and green eyes approach. Beside him is a girl with curly red hair and some freckles on her nose.

“Hi Apphia, my name is Drake. I’m the gamma of the pack. Nice to finally meet you,” he says, extending his hand for me to shake. I shake his hand and feel an odd, warm feeling through me. Drake feels like a friend I’ve known for a long time but lost contact with. He’s safe.

“Nice to meet you, Drake,” I say, genuinely happy. The girl beside him clears her throat, and I turn my head to her. She smiles broadly at me.

“Hi, Apphia. I’m Victoria Altamirano,” she says, excited. Are all lycans so delightful?

“Hi, Victoria,‘

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“You can call me Vicky; all my friends do. I have no doubt we’ll be besties,” she squeals, silently clapping

her hands.

The doors open, and a couple walks out. They look regal yet warm. The former king and Anaiah, I

presume.

King Leondre is tall and good–looking, with jet–black hair. He has similar features to the princes. Queen Anaiah is an excellent beauty, and warmth radiates off her. She has long raven curls, sapphire blue eyes, and flawless brown skin. She’s elegant, too. My heart is racing in their presence; I don’t know what to do or how to behave.

“Apphia, these are my parents, Anaiah and Leondre Lavista,” Nicholas says. “Mom, Dad, this is Apphia, the only girl who makes my heart beat faster.”

My eyes widen, and my heart is in my throat. I can’t believe Nicholas said that! Surprisingly, everyone

cheers and smiles.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Apphia,” the Queen says, kissing my cheek.

“Lovely to see you awake…” The king says, extending his hand.

I shake it. I return their warm smiles and bow my head low.

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Chapter 30

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“The pleasure is all mine, King Leondre, Queen Analah,” I say, my voice a little shaky.

“No need to use titles, dearest, and they are not ours anymore,” she says, “Please call me Anaiah.”

I bite my lips. Calling them by their first names would be challenging for me.

“I think she’ll find that difficult, Mom,” Lily chuckles and turns to me. “My parents are not in the office anymore, so that you can address her as Lady and him as Sir,”

“Or uncle and Aunt,” Adds Anaiah. I nod.

“Let’s go inside. Dinner will be ready soon.”

We enter the castle, and its interior beauty almost blinds me. It is lovely and minimalist with white marble.

“Apphia!” I hear a screech somewhere in the house. I glance at Nicholas beside me. He sighs inwardly, no doubt knowing who called my name.

“That Emiliana, our little sister. She’s been eager to meet you,” he groans, but there is affection to his

tone.

A cute girl, no older than thirteen, barrels down the hall towards me. She has long, curly hair and blue eyes. I thought she would knock me to the floor, but she stopped at my feet with an ear–splitting smile, showing me her braced teeth.

“Emily, what did I say about running in the house?” Lady Anaiah scolds gently.

“Sorry, Mommy,”

Emiliana regards me again, bright eyes full of excitement.

“Apphia, I’m so glad you’re well,” she says, wrapping her arms around my waist. I smile, sharing in her enthusiasm–it’s infectious.

She pulls away, and we exchange pleasantries, her hand holding mine.

“I love, love your hair so much!”

“Thank you. I love yours, too.”

“Yeah, but it’s a little boring. I asked Mommy if I could dye it like yours, but she refused. She says she’s the cool mom, but is not,” she whispers that last part. I stifle my giggle.

“Did you dye your hair?”

“No,”

“What about –

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“Emily, calm down. Please go wash up for dinner,” her mother demolishes gently. She carries a child, maybe three years old, whom I hadn’t noticed earlier because she was hiding behind her legs. She’s very adorable with big, glassy eyes, squishy cheeks, and short curls.

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“I was hoping to show Apphia to her room, Mommy,” Emily says, her voice begging.

“Lily will show her, after all, she’s the one who organized it.”

“I helped, too,”

There is a little back and forth between them before Emily resigns and releases my hand.

“Apphia, come. I’ll show you to your room,” Lily says. I follow her, glancing back at Nicholas again. He sends me a slight smile.

‘He’s sincere,‘ a faint whisper goes through my mind for a second. It was faint, but I heard!

‘Ziora!‘

M Sunshine Princess Author

So, this story has a slow start but it’s growing legs. Thank you for reading.

P

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