In the quiet of the night, Liana prepared herself for what she hoped would be an intimate and transformative moment.
She stood in the luxurious bathing room, steam curling around her as she stepped out of the warm water. The tension of the day melted away as she dried herself and slipped into a delicate piece of lingerie. The fabric was soft and sheer, designed to captivate and seduce.
Liana gazed at herself in the mirror, adjusting the straps of the garment. Her reflection smiled back at her with confidence. She was no longer the ambitious daughter vying for power—she was Luna, and this was her first night as Kaelan’s mate.
With deliberate steps, she strode into the bedroom. Kaelan lay on the bed, his expression unreadable as he stared at the ceiling. His ceremonial robes had been replaced with loose-fitting nightwear, and his presence filled the room with a quiet intensity.
"Kaelan," Liana said softly, her voice lilting as she approached.
He turned his head slightly, his gaze flicking to her before returning to the ceiling. "Liana," he replied simply, his tone distant.
Undeterred, Liana moved closer, her hips swaying with purpose. "It's our first night together as mates," she murmured, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Kaelan didn’t respond, his silence gnawing at her confidence. Frustrated but determined, Liana leaned forward, placing a gentle hand on his chest. "We should celebrate," she said, her voice dipping lower.
Kaelan’s jaw tightened, and he turned his head away. "I’m tired, Liana. It’s been a long day."
Her patience frayed, Liana shifted onto the bed, sliding closer to him. "Kaelan," she whispered, her lips brushing against his ear. "You’re my mate. This is our time. You need to mate with me."
Finally, he sighed. He turned to face her, his eyes searching hers for a moment. Liana smiled, sensing victory as she pressed closer, her hands trailing down his chest.
Just as their lips met, a loud pounding on the door shattered the moment.
Both froze, their breaths mingling as they stared at the door. The pounding came again, more insistent this time.
Kaelan sat up, his brow furrowing in irritation. "Who could it be at this hour?"
Liana’s face twisted with frustration as she reached for a nearby robe. "I’ll see who it is," she offered, though her tone betrayed her annoyance.
But before she could move, the pounding intensified, accompanied by a voice shouting from the other side. "Alpha! It’s urgent!"
Kaelan swung his legs over the side of the bed, his body tense as he stood. "Stay here," he ordered, his voice sharp as he strode to the door.