My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 54

**Apphia POV**

“It’s true,” he shrugs nonchalantly, as if the weight of the revelation doesn’t press heavily upon us. “The results are available.”

“But that’s impossible!” I exclaim, my voice rising in panic. “I can’t have any divine powers. I’m not even close to being royal! Look at me—I don’t even have a wolf!” I gesture wildly, feeling the rush of anxiety flood my veins.

“We’re sorry to drop this on you, baby,” he continues, his tone softening, “but you deserve to know the truth of your hierarchy.”

I run a trembling hand through my disheveled hair, feeling utterly lost and overwhelmed. It feels like the world is spinning out of control. After I had finally calmed down, they proceeded to explain what they had uncovered in the ancient text. But suddenly, a wave of dizziness washes over me, and the voices in the room begin to blur, fading into a distant hum.

A soothing, celestial voice envelops me, cutting through the chaos. *“It’s time for you to remember, Apphia.”*

A blinding light pierces through my mind, and I’m bombarded with memories I had long buried. I hadn’t grasped what was happening until the conversation I had with the moon goddess resurfaced vividly in my thoughts. I remember everything!

Tears spring to my eyes, blurring my vision. I blink rapidly, returning to the present, and my gaze lands on Nicholas, who is crouched beside me, his warm hand gently cradling my cheek.

“Apphia, please talk to me,” he pleads, his voice filled with concern.

“The moon goddess visited me when I was in the hospital,” I whisper, my voice trembling. “The night before I woke up from the coma, she told me I was a marked wolf. But I completely forgot about it until now.” I wipe the tears that have begun to flow freely down my cheeks.

“She said I was born weak and destined to die, but my mom prayed to her tirelessly to bring me back to health. And as if that wasn’t enough, Mom sacrificed her life to save me years later during the attack on us.”

Silence envelops the room after I spill my heart out, and I can feel the weight of my words hanging in the air. I’m crying again, overwhelmed by the memory of my mother’s selflessness. She should have let me go; if she had, she would still be alive.

“I’m so sorry for everything you’ve been through, sweetie,” Lily says softly, her eyes glistening with sympathy.

“I won’t unlock these ‘powers’ because I don’t have an active wolf, so I guess that’s a good thing,” I murmur quietly, a flicker of hope igniting within me.

“Ziora is there and will come out when the time is right,” Nicholas reassures me, his grip on my hand tightening. “Apphia, when you shift and that evil seeker comes for you, I’ll protect you. No one will hurt you, I promise.” His eyes are filled with sincerity, and I find myself believing him, even amidst the chaos swirling in my mind.

I manage a small smile, but my thoughts continue to spiral with the weight of what I’ve just learned and remembered.

“Get some rest,” he says gently, noticing my exhaustion. I nod, ready to rise, but before I can gather my strength, he sweeps me off my feet effortlessly. I stare at him in surprise, my arms instinctively wrapping around his neck.

“I can walk,” I protest half-heartedly, my heart racing.

“I know,” he replies, a hint of amusement in his voice as he carries me out of the office.

“Apphia,” he breathes, concern etched across his features.

I’m trembling, fear coursing through me. Nicholas studies me intently, and I awkwardly disentangle myself from him. I can’t face him right now; the weight of everything is too much.

“I’m sorry,” I murmur, my heart racing, clutching my chest as if to keep it from bursting. Nicholas stands, moving closer, but I shake my head, pleading for him to stay back. I need a moment alone to gather my thoughts. I inhale deeply, trying to steady my racing heart.

“Get some rest,” he whispers, his voice laced with confusion as he steps out of the room, leaving me in a whirlwind of emotions. As soon as the door clicks shut behind him, the floodgates open, and I break down, sobbing uncontrollably.

Suddenly, Shai appears by my side, as if sensing my distress. I sit on my legs, wiping my tears and stroking her soft fur, finding solace in her presence.

I feel guilt gnawing at me for what just transpired. After a moment of wallowing in self-pity, I rise, determination pushing me forward. I need to find Nicholas; he deserves to know that I wasn’t rejecting him. I was simply terrified, haunted by the memories of the worst night of my life.

I hesitate in front of his door, my heart pounding in my chest. I lift my hand to knock, but before I can, the door swings open, revealing a striking brunette with chocolate-colored eyes. She halts, glaring at me with disdain.

“Urgh, get out of my way, bitch,” she sneers, shoving me aside as she struts past me down the corridor.

What the hell just happened?