My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 58

**Apphia POV**

“I need to talk to you,” I begin, my voice barely above a whisper, my gaze fixed on the ground. The weight of my words hangs heavily in the air. He exhales slowly, then gently lifts my chin with his fingers, compelling me to meet his eyes. “It’s about yesterday, when things got a little too heated. I’m truly sorry for how I behaved,” I confess, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

“No, don’t you dare apologize for that, Apphia. The fault lies with me—I should have exercised more self-control,” he counters, his voice steady. But I shake my head vehemently, the sting of tears welling in my eyes once more.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just that…” I falter, my heart constricting painfully in my chest. “Ever since the…” My voice trails off, the words tangled in my throat, and soon enough, tears begin to cascade down my cheeks.

“Please don’t cry, Apphia,” he murmurs softly, his thumb brushing away the tears that mark my face.

“I just need some time!” I blurt out, the urgency of my emotions spilling over.

Nicholas nods, a gentle understanding in his eyes, and plants a tender kiss on my forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment that feels like an eternity. I close my eyes, savoring the warmth of his touch.

“All the time you need, love. Fortunately for us, I possess an abundance of patience,” he quips, a smirk dancing on his lips, a hint of playfulness in his tone.

In a moment of boldness, I wrap my arms around my waist, surprising him. Yet, he responds by tightening his embrace, as if he’s reluctant to let me go just yet.

As the world around us fades, I become acutely aware of the bustling life outside. Everyone else has scattered to pursue their daily routines, leaving me alone with my swirling thoughts as I wander through the garden. The sun shines brighter today, its rays breaking through the clouds, accompanied by a gentle breeze that carries the scent of blooming flowers.

My mind is a whirlwind, grappling with the reality that I am now a marked wolf, bestowed with divine powers, a notion both surreal and terrifying. The thought of the evil seeker, who will undoubtedly come after me once my powers awaken, sends shivers down my spine. What kind of powers will I possess?

Suddenly, I hear Vicky’s voice calling my name, jolting me from my spiraling thoughts. “Apphia!” she exclaims, rushing towards me with an exuberant smile that is impossible to resist. She envelops me in a quick hug, and I can’t help but wonder why everyone seems to be so affectionate today.

“Hey! What’s up with all the hugs?” I ask, half-laughing, half-confused.

“Let’s go shopping! I need a dress for the ceremony tomorrow night, and I want you to come with me!” Vicky declares, her enthusiasm infectious.

“I have plenty of dresses in my closet, Vicky,” I respond, pouting slightly, pushing my lower lip out in a playful attempt to deter her from the shopping idea.

“It’s going to be so much fun! Please, Apphia, come with me!” she pleads, mimicking my pout, her expression too adorable to resist.

“I really can’t get anything, though. I don’t have any money,” I admit, my voice tinged with reluctance.

Her eyes sparkle mischievously as she grabs my hand. “We can solve that problem! Come on, Luna,” she insists, tugging me back toward the house. Luna. The term feels foreign and heavy on my tongue, a title that seems to carry an immense weight. I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever grow accustomed to being addressed as Luna.

As I follow Vicky, I struggle to keep up with her brisk pace. We enter an unfamiliar wing of the castle, and she pushes open one of the grand doors, revealing a sight that takes my breath away. There, seated at a polished mahogany desk, is my mate. He stands up and strides towards me in three swift steps.

“Apphia, is everything alright?” he asks, concern lacing his voice.

My heart races, exhilaration coursing through me. I hear a joyful howl echo from his office as I sprint down the hall, a giggle escaping my lips when I rejoin Vicky. She catches my eye, a smirk playing on her face, and I feel my cheeks heat up once more.

“Not a word, Vicky,” I warn playfully.

We make our way downstairs and step outside, where a driver awaits us. A man emerges from the driver’s seat and bows respectfully.

“Luna, Miss Altamirano,” he greets us with a slight bow, “My name is Cedric, and I will be your driver today.”

I let out a soft sigh. The title of Luna feels so heavy, a mantle of responsibility I’m still grappling with. Yet, I know that titles and formalities signify rank and respect in this world. I resolve to adapt, for there’s no escaping it.

Just then, Drake steps out of the house, a bright smile on his face. Vicky rushes to him and kisses him, leaving me wide-eyed. I hadn’t realized they were dating! He pulls away, a nervous grin on his features, and turns to me.

“So, I heard you two are off to do some shopping?” he asks, his tone light.

“To the mall!” Vicky cheers, practically bouncing with excitement as she hops into the car. Cedric opens the door for me, and I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks at the formality.

“Thank you,” I murmur, feeling a bit embarrassed as I slide into the backseat. Drake hops into the front passenger seat, and soon we’re off.

The ride to the mall is delightful, the scenery outside the window captivating. The Sapphire Lycan moon pack is far more impressive than I had ever imagined. The houses are grander, more luxurious, with beautifully manicured gardens and stunning sculptures adorning the yards. It’s clear that they are the nobility of this realm, and I can’t help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation at my place among them.