Waking up in the luxurious room, I glance at the ornate clock on the wall. Its hands point just past 7 a.m. I sit up, my body stiff and sore, and the memories of the previous night hit me like a crashing wave. The diner, my father's presence—it wasn't just a dream. As I survey the room, I realise I'm still alone, but my gaze lingers on the bathroom door.
Curiosity pulls me towards the lavishly designed bathroom. Marble floors and sinks gleam under golden-ton taps. I draw a bath, turning on the faucets and letting the water run as I explore the well-stocked cupboards filled with an assortment of soaps, bubble baths, and lotions.
Opting for a soothing lavender bubble bath, I squeeze it into the water and place a bottle of body wash and hair shampoo by the tub's edge. I peel off my dirty hoodie and tattered jeans, followed by my bra, when a sudden knock interrupts me.
'Um, who is it?' I inquire cautiously.
'Good morning, Luna! It's me, Mia!' A cheerful voice responds. 'Seth says you need something to wear. So, I brought you one of my dresses, seeing it will be warm today!'
Relieved by her friendly tone, I reply, 'Oh, okay! Let me unlock the door.' I quickly wrap a towel around myself, unlock the door, and greet Mia, who stands before me with an infectious smile.
However, her expression quickly shifts from delight to shock as she sees my bruised and battered body. 'Luna! What happened to you? There are bruises everywhere!' Mia exclaims, dropping the clothes she brought as her hand covers her mouth in horror.
I glance down at myself, noticing the fading marks on my skin, and a sense of shame washes over me. I wrap my arms around my body and look away, my discomfort evident. Mia, perceptive of my feelings, extends her help.
'Luna, I'm so sorry. Please, let me help you bathe?' she kindly offers.
I meet her gaze, finding comfort in her warm blue eyes, and finally nod in agreement. Mia's smile returns as she rushes past me to turn off the bathwater that's on the verge of overflowing. Gently, she takes my towel and removes the bandage from around my ribcage. I step into the inviting water, feeling a slight sting as my body adjusts to the warmth, but I keep my discomfort hidden from Mia. She proceeds to lather my arms and legs and then carefully wash my long, brown hair.
I glance at Mia. 'You're mates with Seth?' I inquire.
She smiles and nods. 'Yes, I'm so lucky to have him. Seth has always been incredibly sweet. Even when I was younger, before we found out we were mates, I already had a crush on him,' she blushes.
I smile as she looks away shyly. 'Have you lived here in Shadow Crest your whole life?' I ask.
'Yup! And I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I have so many fond memories here, many friends, and my family, of course,' she beams. 'What about your family? Are they going to move here to Shadow Crest to stay near you?' she asks.
I shake my head. 'I'm guessing Seth didn't tell you my stepfather did this to me?' I tell her.
Mia steps back and frowns. 'No, it was late, and he was pretty exhausted last night. I knew something big must have happened. He said Ryker had found his mate, and you would need some of my clothes in the morning. He said he'd explain what happened last night when he wakes up, but I woke up so early this morning and was so excited to meet you that I couldn't wait any longer. Then I heard the bath running, so I took the opportunity to meet you,' she says.
I nod in understanding. Mia tilts her head, hands on her hips. 'Surely you have a sibling, though? A mother even?' She asks innocently.
'No, it's just me and my stepfather. Well, just me now,' I pause.
Mia wags her finger and says, 'Nope, Luna, you have Ryker now, as well as me, Seth, and the rest of the pack. We're your family now,' she smiles.
Mia's words fill me with a comforting warmth, and a tear rolls down my cheek. 'Luna!' Mia gasps. 'I'm so sorry! Have I offended you? Please forgive me, Luna,' she says, dropping to her knees with her head bowed.
'No, Mia. You didn't offend me. I just really needed to hear what you said. It was a happy tear,' I assure her.
'Really?' she says.
'Yes, really, so please, don't worry,' I tell her.
Mia smiles and hums as she washes the shampoo from my hair and adds conditioner. As she combs through my hair, she pauses. 'Luna,' she smiles. 'How old are you?' She asks.
'I'll be eighteen in twelve days,' I reply.
Mia squeals. 'That's so exciting!' she says.
I smile. 'How old are you?' I ask her.
'I'm nineteen, and Seth is twenty-two,' she says, and she rinses my hair out of the conditioner. 'Well, you're all clean now, Luna,' she says, grabbing the towel as I step out of the bath.
Once I've finished drying off, Mia carefully wraps the bandage around my ribcage. Her eyes fill with concern. 'Does it hurt?' she asks softly.
I offer a small, reassuring smile. 'Each day, it hurts a little less,' I reply.
Mia nods, her gaze sympathetic. She helps me clip the back of my bra as I dress, her fingers gentle and comforting. Then she reaches for the dress, its fabric soft against my skin as she places it over my head. The dress is charming, with a hem that sits gracefully above my knees and short sleeves framing a sweetheart neckline. As I glance at myself in the mirror, I can't help but notice the fading bruises on my arms, a reminder of my daily past ordeals.
Seeing my troubled expression, Mia furrows her brow. 'I'll get you a cardigan,' she offers with concern. Without waiting for my response, she swiftly exits the room.
While I wait for her return, I head back to the bathroom and brush my hair, my reflection staring back at me. I'm relieved that the bruising around my eye has significantly faded. Hidden behind the bathroom mirror, I find a foundation and apply it carefully to conceal what remains of the bruise.
Soon, Mia returns, bearing a soft cardigan that she slips over my arms with utmost care. She steps back to admire her work and offers a warm, genuine smile. 'Luna, you look gorgeous. All you need are some shoes. Come this way,' she invites.