The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 18

-Ava POV-

“I think you’ve had enough conversations for the day. Drops that bottle and go to bed. And keep your friend under control.”

Grayson’s voice was ice–cold, like a command carved out of stone, leaving no room for argument. Without sparing me another glance, he turned on his heel and walked away, his tall frame disappearing into the dim hallway like a shadow. The sound of his footsteps faded into the distance, leaving me starling there, feeling the weight of his control settle over me.

My heart pounded in my chest, but it wasn’t from fear. It was frustration, confusion and something else I couldn’t quite name. Every encounter with Grayson left me feeling off–balance like I was constantly playing a game where I didn’t know the rules. And the worst part? He was the only one who held the pieces.

I shook my head, trying to clear the fog that had crept in. How much time had passed? Suddenly, the fact that Isabella was still here registered, and panic surged through nie.

How had I forgotten?

I hurried back to the spot where I’d left her, only to find it empty. I scanned the area, my pulse quickening. Where had she gone? After a few minutes of searching, I gave up, defeated. I could only hope she’d gone back to the rooth Grayson had asked me to stay in. I made my way there, my mind racing with all the things I didn’t want to think about.

When I finally opened the door, relief washed over me. She was asleep, curled up on the bed, hugging a pillow like it was her lifeline. I couldn’t help but smile, a wave of affection softening the edges of my anxiety. She was my rock in all of this chaos.. and just seeing her there, peaceful and unaware of everything that had happened, made me feel grounded again.

I quietly set the bottle down and slid into bed next to her, wrapping my arms around her like I used to when we were

younger

“Lilian?” she mumbled sleepily.

“It’s me. Go back to sleep.”

“Hmmm.. was all she managed before drifting off again.

I lay there, staring at the ceiling, trying not to think about Grayson or the mess I had somehow found myself in. But the more I tried to push it away, the more it gnawed at me. Why was he so obsessed with keeping me here? The questions. swirled in my mind like a storm, but eventually, exhaustion pulled me under, and I let sleep take over

The morning sun was ruthless, its rays piercing through the curtains and landing right on my face. I groaned, pulling the pillow over my head in a feeble attempt to block it out.

“Wake up!” Isabella’s voice broke through my sleep–induced haze “There’s a lot to be done today!”

refusing to emerge from

weird. Normal people say five more minutes now come on! Get up!” She yanked the

into a ball. “I don’t want

“I’ve been up for hours. Jameson helped me make some calls and there was an ad put out, and guess what?” She

Thu, Dec 12

Chapter 18

me awake. Ishot gap in bed, my eyes wide. “Wait,

with herself. “Because

crashing in like a tidal wave. “Oh my Goddess, what am I going to wear? I didn’t pack anything for this. I mean, I was

brought anything permotely appropriate for an interview. Sure, I had the name, skills and qualifications,

It doesn’t matter who I am or what my name is. They’re not going to hire

smiled in that knowing way of hers. “You

blinked at her,

yer have

reveal some kind of magic trick. Then, she swung open the door to a walk–in

woman could ever need. Rows of designer dresses, shoes, bags–everything was perfectly arranged, like a high–end boutique. And the best part? It looked like it had all been tailored to

out, touching one of the dresses as if it might disappear under my fingertips.

got some

leaned against the doorway, grinning like the cat that got the cream. “Apparently our royal

“Where? When? How did he even know my size? And when did he have

grinning. “I don’t know, but it seems like he’s taken an interest

know whether to feel flattered or terrified.

had been plucked. right off a runway. “Well, my friend, you’ve just hit the literal jackpot.

every fabric softer and more luxurious than the last. It was overwhelming, but I didn’t have time to process it. I had

a tailored skirt, holding them up to my body. They fit perfectly, like they were made for me. I glanced over at Isabella, who was watching me with a

have no idea how

still amused. “Nope. But I’d

k you.