CHAPTER 3: LUNA'S LONELINESS

Evelyn POV.

The nighttime chill was sharp, yet not as intense as the gap separating Kieran and myself. The spacious bedroom, intended as a refuge for partners, seemed more like a jail. The walls were crafted from the finest stone, the bed expansive and opulent, but none of it could satisfy the void within me.

Kieran was positioned by the window, with his broad back facing me. I recognized him. With his muscular build and taut muscles, he kept the focus on himself by wearing only a black shirt. It was like holding onto something or someone. He stared at me with silver eyes that contained no spark of emotion.

Even when I sat with my hands locked into a safe position between my lap and the side of the bed, the warmth that sort of love gave me—the one I never thought I would feel again—sent me to an unexpected moment.

"Er, I mean it, Kieran," he said, his voice breaking away to contradict his jaw.

I gulped down. "Play make-believe?"

"That you desire this," he remarked, tilting his head slightly, his silhouette defined against the moonlight. "I understand you don't." "You’re merely acting as a loyal Luna."

His remarks hurt, but I compelled myself to stay composed. "I didn’t request this, yet the Moon Goddess matched us." "I’m your friend, Kieran."

His jaw tightened. "Negative." "You are under my care."

His words felt like a punch. I anticipated chilliness, yet this? This was something different. I held back the tears that were about to surface.

"I might not be the partner you desired," I gently said, "but I remain yours." The pack sees me as their Luna, and I will not let them down.”

He then turned completely to face me, his silver eyes boring into mine. “The pack comes first for me, Evelyn. That is what matters most to me.

My gaze slunk away, my heart pounding.

There was a heavy silence from both of us which was suffocating.  The Alpha, the most powerful of them and the loneliest, was a problem, I thought. I was starting to wake up at last to the fact that I wasn't alone.

The days passed in a blur of responsibilities. As Luna, I was expected to oversee the well-being of the pack, but Kieran’s distance made my role all the more difficult. The pack respected me, yet I could feel their silent judgment. Their Luna and Alpha barely spoke, barely looked at each other.

The gardens provided a soothing distraction for me, as the scent of lush greenery and blossoms soothed my anxiety. Thank goodness. I sat beside a row of white lilies, my fingers running along their delicate petals...

“You spend a lot of time out here.”

I turned at the voice. It was Nathan who was Kieran's closest friend and Beta...Nathan's eyes were warm, unlike Kieran's.

My face flickered with a small smile. "It's all good.".

After taking a moment to admire me, Nathan crouched down beside me. "Kieran isn't an easy person to be around.".

Despite the lack of humour, I laughed with intensity. "I've noticed.".

He shook his head in resignation. "He wasn't always like this, you know.". The loss of his parents at a young age and his sudden rise to the top made him feel more resilient.

I bit my lip. How could I get past the walls he had built when a man would refuse to let me speak?

Nathan reached out to me, giving me a hand. "He won't admit it, but Evelyn is dear.". More than he realizes.”.

But then I waited, holding his hand and standing up. “I don’t think there is any chance he’ll let me in.”.

Nathan smiled, but his eyes were pitted against sadness. “Let’s give him some time.”.

Time.

But how long would I have to wait?

During my sleep that night, I noticed a slight dip in the mattress. Despite having caught my breath, I didn't make any progress. I never had the chance to sleep with Kieran." He had always slept on the couch or returned to his office.

Close my eyes and I felt a heavy pulse in my chest.

Minutes passed, and then—.

“Evelyn.”.

His voice was low, rough. I opened my eyes slowly. Kieran sat on the bed's edge, facing me. He was clutching his hands tightly, with his body in place.

Despite his lack of hatred towards him, he confessed that they were not equipped to handle the situation.

The backside of my eyes burned with tears.

“Let me assist you,” I whispered.

Silence.

Then, without another word, Kieran stood and walked out of the room.

I was alone again.

For the first time, I observed a crack in his walls.

My goal is to break through and find a way.