My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 51

As I slowly peel my eyelids apart, a wave of tranquility washes over me. I can’t help but feel rejuvenated, as if I had just emerged from a deep, restorative slumber. Drake, standing by my side, informs me that I fainted after pressing my forehead against the cat. The details are hazy, but I faintly recall a brilliant light enveloping the room, a surreal sensation that preceded my unconsciousness. It feels like a dream now.

My gaze drifts to the feline, now elegantly curled at the foot of the bed, her body relaxed and serene. She looks so peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos of earlier.

Drake guides me back to my room, and I gently cradle the cat in my arms. She appears to have settled down, her trembling subsiding as if she has found solace in my presence.

I lower myself onto the plush, white carpet that adorns the bedroom floor, the soft fibers tickling my fingertips as I stroke the cat’s fur.

“Do you think they would allow me to keep her?” I ask, my voice laced with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. The absence of pets in the castle makes me doubt my chances.

“Who exactly do you mean by ‘they’?” Drake inquires, a teasing glint in his eyes.

“I don’t know… the royal family, perhaps?” I respond, my tone wavering slightly.

“I can’t imagine they’d mind. Besides, I doubt this little one has a home to go back to,” he shrugs, his casual demeanor easing some of my worries.

“What should I name her?” I ponder aloud, feeling the weight of the decision settle on my shoulders.

“How about Scar?” he suggests, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

“Absolutely not,” I reply, furrowing my brow in disapproval.

“Well, in The Lion King, there’s that lion with a scar, and his name is Scar, so I thought it would be fitting,” he explains, his tone light.

“No, a scar shouldn’t define her. She deserves something beautiful,” I counter, determined to find a name that reflects her spirit.

As I start to brainstorm potential names, none seem to resonate with me. I let out a sigh of frustration, “I think I’ll ask Nicholas if he has any suggestions. By the way, where is Nicholas? I haven’t seen him in what feels like ages,” I frown, a sense of longing creeping into my chest. It’s as if he’s intentionally avoiding me lately. I understand he’s the Alpha and has responsibilities, but surely he could carve out a moment for me, especially when he claims to want me in his life.

“He’s busy with work. Do you miss him?” Drake teases, a knowing smirk gracing his features.

“Yes, a little,” I admit, my cheeks flushing with warmth.

“Would you like to talk to him on my phone?” he offers, his tone playful yet sincere. I hesitate, biting my lower lip as I weigh my options. I don’t want to intrude on his busy schedule.

But before I can voice my concerns, Drake has already whipped out his phone and is dialing the Alpha Prince’s number.

“Should I really?” I ask, taking the phone from his hand and pressing it to my ear. The anticipation builds as it rings twice before a familiar voice breaks through the silence.

“Drake, what is it? Is she alright?” Nicholas’s voice sends my heart racing. Butterflies flutter wildly in my stomach, and I find myself at a loss for words. I glance at Drake, silently pleading for assistance, but he merely watches me with an amused expression. The pressure to respond weighs heavily on me.

“Apphia,” Nicholas’s tone shifts to a softer, warmer timbre, and I feel a rush of comfort.

“Hi, Nicholas,” I manage to whisper, surprised by the breathlessness of my own voice. Breathe, Apphia. Just breathe. He’s just a boy. But not just any boy—he’s Nicholas, the most breathtaking man I’ve ever encountered, my subconscious whispers.

“Hi… It’s lovely to hear your voice, Apphia. How are you feeling?”

“I know, Luna,” Drake replies, his smile widening.

Drake takes it upon himself to order cat food, bowls, and all the essentials this little creature will need. An hour later, a servant enters the room, carrying the supplies. I gratefully accept the items, thanking her with genuine warmth.

“Should we watch a movie?” Drake suggests, and I nod, eager to distract myself as I wait for Nicholas.

He selects an action movie, but my mind wanders. I can hardly focus on the screen, my eyes darting to the watch on my wrist. Any moment now, Nicholas will finish his work and come to see me. The anticipation churns in my stomach, a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door, and I leap to my feet, pacing the room with restless energy. Drake chuckles at my fidgeting.

“Is it him?” I ask, breathless with hope. But deep down, a whisper of disappointment lingers, hinting that it might not be him.

“Relax, Missy. It’s just our food,” he reassures me.

I let out a sigh, plopping back onto the couch, my heart sinking slightly. Two servants enter, balancing large trays filled with supper. My appetite wanes as I realize I’m not in the mood to eat. Lily, however, has been adamant about helping me gain some weight and has concocted a diet plan for me.

“Yes, I love everything here,” Drake exclaims, his eyes gleaming with delight as he surveys the spread.

After finishing supper, Drake excuses himself, allowing me some peace to rest. Yet, with each ticking minute, my disappointment grows. By the time the clock strikes ten, I crawl into bed, a frown etched on my face as I lament Nicholas’s absence. The cat curls up at my feet, providing a small comfort. As I close my eyes, tears escape, leaving streaks on my pillow. The cat snuggles closer, as if sensing my sadness.

“Good night… Shai,” I whisper, hoping for a brighter tomorrow.