A Luna's Broken Heart

Chapter 7: A Promise

-Selene-

I was sitting in my room with my hairbrush in my hand. I was dressed in a long white nightgown, just staring at my reflection in the mirror. I looked the same, yet I wasn’t. So much had happened. I was no longer the same person who had left this home to go and get mated to the king, thinking she was doing the right thing, and everything would work out for her. I had truly believed doing what my father said and not complaining would gain me everything I wanted, and Valerio had really been handsome when I saw him, but we had been so different. It was clear from the start something was missing. Of course, Octavia had been there from the start too, but now I knew, that even if she hadn’t been, we would still not have been sharing the same bedroom or even enjoyed a meal alone together.

Valerio had made a deal with my father, and through me, my father got the power he craved. I was just a game piece to the both of them. I was nothing but a thing to everyone. I was a link to powerful people, but no one really wanted me for me. They just wanted what I could bring them. Once people heard my father was returning home, they just couldn’t wait to come to my party. It was pathetic that I had even thought I might get my rightful place among them back. They just wanted my father. Not me. Even whenever Valerio or the people he lived with, Damian, Garrett, Evan, Chris, James, Lily, Isabella, Octavia … they only contacted me, whenever they needed something from me. A place for the half-bloods, a helping hand or contacts … I had of course, demanded things too … or a thing. I had requested my father to come home, otherwise I had tried to keep the contact at a minimum, and still I was alone. I didn’t seem to fit into my own world, and I didn’t belong with Valerio and his family anymore, now that I had cut ties with him. I was on my own. Even my own pack didn’t feel like I belonged with them or them with me. Half had left when my father was thrown in jail and it was made public, I was going to be luna. No one believed I could rule on my own … not even me.

“Who are you?” I asked mirror-me, but she didn’t say anything.

I slowly lifted my hand up to the neckline of my nightgown, then I paused for a second before grabbing the front of it and pulling it down over my shoulder. The bite mark Valerio had left was nothing but a painful reminder now. It had faded a bit, but I could still see it, and it hurt … it hurt just knowing it was there. How did I end up here, I wondered. What did I do wrong? I had tried my best to be what everyone needed, and still it wasn’t enough. I was still trying, and I was still being picked last …

I quickly covered my shoulder, before looking away from the mirror. It was just too much. The tears started to run down my cheeks and I quickly wiped them away. I just wanted the pain to stop. I just wanted it all to stop. I wanted to finally cut ties with Valerio and be free.

***

The next day, I was full of determination, as I walked inside the home for abused and left behind mates. I didn’t stop to say hello to anyone or look into the kitchen or living room on the ground floor to check up on people. I just walked upstairs and over to Cecilia’s room. I stopped as I came to it. The door was open, but the room was empty.

“Cecilia?” I asked, but no one answered.

Had she already left? Sh*t, had I missed my chance? I felt almost panicked, as I walked downstairs again, and checked the big living room. There was nothing but a few females sitting around relaxing with a book or watching TV. F*ck, where was she? I walked back into the hallway, and into the kitchen and saw …

“It tastes amazing!” Sara said.

“I know, family recipe!”

“A secret recipe?” Sara asked, while standing on the chair that was placed by the stove and looking into a big pot.

“Exactly, but I might just consider letting you in on it.”

“Really?”

Cecilia winked at Sara, before she noticed me in the doorway. She smiled at me, waved me closer. That was when Sara noticed me too.

“Miss Selene! We’re cooking,” she said excitedly.

“I can see that,” I said and came closer. “Isn’t it a bit early for dinner? It’s only three in the afternoon.”

“We’re just letting it stay warm until later,” Cecilia said while adding some oregano to whatever dish she was making. “Were you looking for something?”

“I was,” I said, refusing to back out now.

“Yes?”

“You. I …” I glanced at Sara between us, who was still watching Cecilia carefully. “I hoped you would finish your story.”

“What story?” Sara asked, intrigued.

“A secret story,” Cecilia answered playfully.

“Can I hear it?”

“Then who will watch over the food?”

“You mean I can keep an eye on it on my own?” Sara asked.

Cecilia winked at her but didn’t give her a yes. There was no way Sara was standing so close to something so hot on her own, but it was nice of Cecilia to make her believe so. Sara was a very independent and curious little girl. She liked being given the grown-up task.

“Find her mother, and I’ll continue the story,” she whispered in my ear after walking over to me.

I nodded and left to find Sara’s mother. Luckily, she was easy to find. She had placed herself in the living room with a book in her hands and enjoying some quiet time on her own. I called out to her and she smiled at me, before putting the book down and walking over to me.

“Can you help Sara with the food for a little while? I need to talk to Cecilia.”

Sara’s mother nodded happily, before we both returned to the kitchen, and she took over for Cecilia.

“I thought I would do it on my own!” Sara said, seeing her mother walking over to her.

“You are,” Cecilia said. “Your mother is just assisting you.”

Sara became one big smile, thinking she was still in charge. It was just too adorable. I wanted a child too. So much, but that would only happen, could I finally put Valerio behind me.

“Come. Let’s go to my room,” Cecilia said.

She was a lot stronger today after resting for a few days and eating probably. Her skin had gotten more color, and she seemed to have no trouble walking up the stairs and into her room. She even seemed to be doing just fine sitting down and needed no assistance.

“Come,” she said and patted the spot beside her.

I walked over to her and sat down.

“What I tell you now might sound kind of crazy, but you must promise me to keep it a secret to everyone, alright?”

I looked at her confused.

“Why?”

“Because they don’t want people to know they exist.”

“They?”

Cecilia nodded.

“Just promise me you won’t tell anyone about what you hear today," she said.

“Why are you even telling me about “them” if they are supposed to remain a secret?” I asked.

“Because I know you need to hear it. I know this is your only hope for a happy future, just like they were mine.”

I thought over her words for a little while, but then I nodded. Even if I was told her story, it didn’t mean I had to do what she did. I was still free to choose.

“Okay. I promise.”