My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 48

**In Fragile Moments We Discover Strength Hidden In Stillness**

**by Tao Cole Rynn**

**Chapter 48**

Nicholas

I invite my mate to join me for a stroll in the garden, but she seems to maintain a distance, her demeanor icy and unwelcoming. This unsettles me deeply. What could I have possibly done to upset her?

“Apphia, are you upset with me? Have I crossed some line?” I inquire, my voice laced with concern.

“Why do you always prefer to be outside? Is it because you’re ashamed to be seen with me in public?” she snaps, her words slicing through the air like a sharp blade. I am momentarily taken aback, the accusation stinging more than I anticipated. “Is that it? Do you not want to be seen with me?”

The mere thought ignites a fire within me. I could never harbor shame for her, not now, not ever.

“No!” my Lycan surges forth, protective and fierce. “Don’t even entertain that idea. When I spotted you inside earlier, all I wanted was to rush over and introduce you to everyone, but you turned away so quickly.”

She turns her gaze toward me, her eyes cold and piercing. “I saw you with that woman. She touched your shoulder and whispered something in your ear. Is she your girlfriend?” The tension in her voice is palpable, and I can sense the storm brewing within her. A chuckle escapes my lips as I cup her cheeks in my hands, feeling her smallness, her vulnerability. She scowls at me, a mix of annoyance and uncertainty.

“Ah, now it all makes sense,” I say, my tone teasing.

“What do you mean?” she hisses, her defensiveness evident.

“You’re feeling jealous because another woman was close to me,” I declare, a playful smirk on my face.

“No! I-I wouldn’t be!” she exclaims, her voice rising as if the very idea is an affront to her pride, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

“You are, my love,” I reply softly, leaning in closer, my breath warm against her ear. “But there’s no need for jealousy. You hold my heart, now and always.”

Despite my reassurances, I can tell she still doubts my intentions, unsure of how deeply I wish to be with her. But I am a patient man, and I will wait for her to see the truth.

As we leave the castle grounds behind, Apphia and I make our way to the park. The world around us seems to fade as we engage in light-hearted conversation, discussing everything and nothing all at once. Being in her presence fills me with an overwhelming sense of joy, even if I cannot yet claim her as my Lycan desires.

Apphia

Last night was nothing short of enchanting. I spent precious moments with Prince Nicholas in the park, talking about the simplest things. I felt a sense of safety and warmth in his embrace that I had never experienced before.

As I rise from bed, I begin to prepare for the day ahead. I slip into a low-back, silk green dress, recalling that green is his favorite color. I adorn myself with matching earrings and sandals, feeling the color enhance my features, making my eyes sparkle.

The moment I swing open my door, I am met with a sight that takes my breath away: the prince stands before me, his hand poised to knock. He slowly lowers it, and my heart races in response to his presence.

“Good morning, Apphia,” he greets me, his voice smooth and inviting.

“Good morning, my Prince,” I reply, bowing slightly while maintaining eye contact, unwilling to break the connection.

Nicholas’s fist clenches at his side, as if he’s grappling with some internal struggle. His eyes flicker between a brilliant blue and a deep, shadowy black. Is his Lycan close to the surface? I often find myself wondering what his Lycan is truly like, what it feels like to be so intertwined with such a powerful force.

“You look stunning in green,” he remarks, his voice low and filled with admiration. I murmur my thanks, a smile spreading across my face, feeling the warmth of his words wrap around me like a comforting embrace.