Getting Married

After the meeting ended, Acantha was taken to a comfy room where her parents visited her.

She sat on the only available bed while her parents stood before her, staring down at her in disapproval as always.

Acantha bored a hole in her hands that was folded on her lap.

After a long silence, her father said, "It's a relief that you're finally out of my house."

Acantha bit hard on her lips in sad anger as she struggled to keep her emotions at bay.

"You don't want to be here. That much is obvious, but let me warn you," her mother lifted her face to meet hers.

"You will not bring more shame upon us by running away from this. Do you understand?" Acantha refused to answer, choosing rather to remain silent.

"But we know you're stubborn, so we're keeping tabs on you until your wedding with the Alpha."

"I wish the goddess has chosen a lady like Veinnel as mate for Alpha Ghod" her father said angrily

They didn't say anything else and exited the room.

Acantha tried to suppress the tears that threatened to tear her apart. She told herself that she had cried more than enough over her misfortune.

Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the bedsheets in a death grip, shutting her eyes to try to stop the searing pain in her heart.

A small gasp escaped her lips when she felt hot; peppery tears flowed down her cheeks.

Her heart hurt like a million stabs, and she couldn't contain the loud sob that escaped her lips.

She somehow hurt more than she had ever hurt all her miserable life, and she wasn't sure what to make of her emotions.

She gripped the silk material of her shirt as she tried desperately to claw out her feeble heart.

She hated herself for hurting so much and crying even after so many years of being treated like garbage.

Acantha cried herself to sleep, but Ghod couldn't sleep as he could feel the exact pain she felt.

He couldn't help but believe he was the cause of her devastation.

So much pain.

He had never felt such strong emotion in his entire life. Not even when both his parents died before his very eyes.

For the first time in his twenty-seven years, he cried. Not his tears but those of his destined mate.

Initially, he believed he was the only one rejecting her, but it hurt to know she rejected him even more.

He had only halfheartedly rejected her, but it seemed like she rejected him with all her being.

He had hurt her, and it made him feel like a fool. Not a feeling he was accustomed to.

...

The marriage came faster than expected and happened in a blur.

Acantha had numbed herself to every feeling and went through all the rites as if her soul were miles and miles away.

After the wedding, she was taken to Ghod's mansion, As they arrived Ghod turned to one of the maids, a young woman with bright eyes and a friendly demeanor. "Eliza, would you please show Acantha to her wing? Make sure she has everything she needs."

"Of course Alpha," Eliza replied, curtsying. She turned to Acantha with a warm smile. "If you'll follow me, milady, I'll take you to your quarters."

Acantha nodded, feeling nervous as she followed Eliza into the castle. The interior was just as magnificent as the exterior, with high ceilings and elegant furnishings.

"Your quarters are in the west wing," Eliza explained as they walked. "It's one of the most beautiful parts of the mansion, with a lovely view of the gardens."

As they made their way through the halls, Eliza pointed out various rooms and features. "This is the great hall, where we hold banquets and gatherings. And over there is the library, filled with books from every corner of the world. If you love to read, you'll find it a wonderful place to spend time."

"I do love to read," Acantha said, her interest piqued. "I can't wait to explore it."

Eliza smiled. "I thought you might.

They continued their tour, finally reaching the west wing. Eliza opened the door to Acantha's quarters, revealing a spacious and elegantly decorated room. The large windows offered a stunning view of the gardens below.

"Here we are," Eliza said, stepping aside to let Acantha enter. "I hope you find everything to your liking. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask."

Acantha looked around, taking in the luxurious surroundings. "It's perfect, Eliza. Thank you so much."

"It's my pleasure, milady," Eliza replied, her smile genuine. "I'll leave you to get settled. Dinner will be served in your dinning room at seven. Would you like me to escort you there?"

"Yes, please. That would be very helpful."

"Very well. I'll return to fetch you at half past six," Eliza said, curtsying once more before leaving the room.

Acantha took a moment to absorb her new surroundings. The room was beautifully furnished, with a four-poster bed, a sitting area, and a writing desk by the window. She was grateful for the warm welcome and the kindness of the maid she had met so far.

As she unpacked her belongings and arranged them in the room, She couldn't help but think about Ghod and the words he said to the council members.

"I don't want a weak Luna ... I am already attached to someone ."

She brushed the thoughts aside and went to have her bath

True to her word, Eliza returned promptly at half past six. "Are you ready, milady?" she asked with a bright smile.

"Yes, thank you, Eliza," Acantha replied.

As they walked through the Mansion, Eliza chatted amiably, helping to ease Acantha's nerves.

"You'll find the castle staff very friendly, milady. We're all here to help and make sure you feel at home."

"That's very nice, Eliza.

After she had dinner she went to her room.

She was relieved to be away from him and the rest of the world.

She let her depression swallow her whole like an anchor cast into the sea.

She no longer cried, trying instead to feel nothing at all.

Ghod stayed in the East Wing, while she stayed in the West Wing, which comforted and saddened her simultaneously.

It had been a week since they wed, but she hadn't seen him.

She was about to go to the dining area provided for her in her wing when she heard a knock

"Come in" she said

A young maid came in

"Good morning Luna," she said, the Alpha had requested your presence in his dining room."

"oh alright", she said feeling flustered

"lead the way"

Acantha tried to control her breathing as she approached his wing. With every step she took, a huge anxiety overcame her.

Ghod was seated at the far end of the large dining room when she arrived.

He was leaning back in a relaxed position, but the power he emitted was suffocating.

"Have a seat," he said while holding her gaze. Acantha did as she was told and sat at the end of the table, as far from him as possible.

Ghod lifted a brow, and an expression she couldn't understand overtook him. He wiped the look off his face before she could think more.

"I know you weren't informed, but it is customary for the Alpha and his Luna to have their meals together," he said, and Acantha couldn't help but find his powerful voice attractive.

She shut out the thought as quickly as it entered her mind.

"Okay," came her curt response, and she was confused to see a surprised expression on his face.

He started eating, and Acantha assumed it was her cue to do the same, so she ate.

She occasionally felt Ghod's eyes on her, and she found it uncomfortable but said nothing about it.

When they were done with their meals, they returned to their rooms without as much as a single word.

Acantha was comfortable with the silence, but the Alpha seemed a little uneasy each time she came in and ate her food silently.

He stared at her constantly, and Acantha no longer felt a huge discomfort from the gesture.

Weirdly enough, she couldn't help but look forward to their daily meetings, as it was the only human interaction she got all day, even though it wasn't much of an interaction.

To her dismay and worry, she realized that she was beginning to think a lot about the Alpha. She was alarmed by this discovery and thought something must be extremely wrong with her.

Each day grew more boring, and Acantha began to feel itchy to leave the palace, but she didn't know how to ask Ghod if she could venture away. He didn't trust her and always kept guards everywhere.

It confused Acantha as he had rejected her at first glance. It would have been a dream come true if she could run off and never return. She couldn't care less about what became of her parents. She didn't have the willpower to plot any more escapes.