Switched Luna

Chapter 8: Theodore

|Carmella|

My eyes drifted to the easel in the corner, where a half-finished painting rested. The floor around it was littered with tubes of paint, some capped, others squeezed haphazardly. It was such a familiar sight, one that tugged at memories I thought I’d buried long ago. Camilla had always been the quiet one, the artist, content to lose herself in her paints and brushes while the world rushed by outside. I could picture her sitting there, completely absorbed in her work, the tip of her tongue poking out in concentration as she mixed her colors just right.

I walked deeper into the area, letting my fingers trail over the edge of her desk, where sketchbooks were stacked in neat piles. She used to show them to me, her eyes bright with excitement as she explained every detail—why she chose a certain shade of blue, or how she captured the light just so. Back then, I’d nod along, not really understanding, but happy to see her happy.

From another corner, my gaze landed on a tall cabinet overflowing with books. I couldn’t help but smile, a bittersweet kind of smile that tugged at the corners of my mouth. Politics, science, medicine—Camilla had always been drawn to what I thought were the most boring subjects imaginable. I could still hear our mother praising her, telling her how proud she was of her academic achievements, while I rolled my eyes and escaped outside to climb trees or practice sparring. Camilla never minded, though. She was content with her books and her paints, with the quiet satisfaction they brought her.

And me? I was the wild one. The one who craved adventure and excitement, who couldn’t sit still for more than a few minutes without feeling like the walls were closing in. I remember the arguments, the way I used to storm out of the house, slamming doors behind me, while Camilla stayed behind, her voice soft and reasonable as she tried to keep the peace. She always seemed so mature, so composed, while I was the firebrand, the one who never knew when to back down.

Now, standing in her room, I felt a pang of guilt mixed with that nostalgia. How much had I missed? I sighed, the sound heavy in the stillness of the room. This place was Camilla in its purest form, a reflection of everything she cherished, everything that made her who she was. But I had to do this. For her. I had to find out what happened, why she was lying in that hospital bed, and why the bruises and the coma had come for her.

After finishing breakfast and taking some time to rest, I turned to Janina, seeking her help to guide me through the mansion. It was important for me to become acquainted with my surroundings if I was to play my role convincingly. Janina readily agreed, advising that I should stick to Camilla’s usual routines to avoid arousing suspicion. As we began our tour, I met Lesley, another of Camilla’s handmaidens. Though I was prepared to meet more of the household staff, I couldn’t help but notice Theodore’s absence.

"Where exactly is Theodore, Janina?" I inquired the moment Lesley excused herself to fetch my afternoon snack. The question had been lingering in my mind since my arrival this morning. I had expected to at least catch a glimpse of him, but he remained conspicuously absent, leaving me with an unsettling feeling that I could no longer ignore.

Janina paused in her task, her fingers lingering on the edges of the papers she had been meticulously sorting. Her gaze flicked up to meet mine, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, as though she was deliberating how much to reveal. After a moment, she exhaled softly, as if accepting the inevitable.

“He’s in Estian Territory, Luna,” she said at last, her voice calm yet guarded.

“Estian?” I echoed, an odd swirl of emotions tightening in my chest. Relief washed over me, knowing that I wouldn’t have to confront him right away. Yet, frustration quickly followed—his absence only deepened the mystery, making it all the more difficult to uncover the truth.

“Why Estian? What could he possibly be doing there?”

Estian Territory was a place of stark, untamed beauty, its highlands rising like ancient sentinels against the sky. To the east, the land stretched toward Grimshire Lake, a vast, shimmering expanse of water that glinted beneath the sun's gaze. The lake, under the dominion of Grimshire Territory where the Gilmore pack held sway, acted as a formidable natural barrier between the two lands, their boundaries drawn by the whims of nature and the politics of the packs.

Janina carefully arranged the papers on the desk, her eyes locking onto mine with an expression that hinted at something—sympathy, perhaps, or a sense of caution.

"I’ve discovered that he’s been for business there ever since Luna Camilla left for Doric Territory. Luna Camilla went there not just to oversee some of the Gilmore family’s business but also to take a break—a vacation."

A vacation. The word felt like a sharp sting, knowing full well that Camilla had sought refuge in Doric, only to end up in a coma due to other, more secretive plans. But I forced that bitter thought away, concentrating on Janina’s words.

“And Theodore?” I probed further, my voice steady. “Why Estian?”

There was a moment of silence, the kind that stretches just before someone unveils a truth they wish they could keep hidden. Janina exhaled, her breath heavy with unspoken burdens, and her shoulders drooped as if she bore the weight of the world.

"I mentioned before that Alpha Theodore has countless mistresses, didn’t I?" she suddenly reminded me, her voice a reluctant whisper. My brow furrowed as I nodded in confirmation. But why bring it up now? Was one of his mistresses staying in Estian?

“Three years ago, Luna Camilla's relationship with Alpha Theodore deteriorated even further... because he met his mate.”

The words struck me like a frigid gust of wind, leaving me momentarily breathless. His mate. Not just another mistress, but his destined mate. I gripped the edge of the desk, the anger simmering just beneath the surface as I fought to keep my emotions in check.

“And ever since Alpha Theodore crossed paths with her, every time his business took him to Estian, he would make it a point to…visit that woman.”

A frown creased my forehead. “Are you certain it's only when he has business in Estian?”

Janina's face grew grave. “Actually, it’s not just during his trips for business, Luna,” she finally admitted. “He goes to see her at the end of every month.”

I pressed my lips together, frustration bubbling up as I rolled my eyes. “So, my sister just accepted this? Without a fight?” I demanded. “But why would she?”

“I wish I knew, Luna. But Camilla never confided in me about it. She kept so much hidden, bottling it all up, and she chose to overlook it, especially after she found a glimmer of happiness again.”

I was on the verge of pressing for more details when the sound of Lesley’s approaching footsteps halted me. I quickly shut my mouth and pretended to immerse myself in the documents before me, though I barely comprehended any of it.

With Theodore absent, I realized this was likely the ideal moment to begin unraveling the mystery behind Camilla's desperate plea for my help. The truth needed to be uncovered.

A few moments later, the door creaked open, and Lesley entered the office. Taking that as my signal, I put the documents aside and indulged in the tea and sweets before me, despite them not being to my taste.

As night fell, fatigue from the day’s events overtook me, especially after the overwhelming task of familiarizing myself with the vast mansion and estate. I found it hard to believe just how much worse Theodore’s infidelity was than I had anticipated.

Later, I sank deeper into the warm bath, letting the heat seep into my bones and ease the tension that had settled in since my arrival at the Gilmore estate. The water gently caressed my skin, and I closed my eyes, willing my mind to quiet the relentless thoughts that refused to stop swirling.

His mate, huh? I can't help but wonder who the woman is that Theodore, that wretched bastard, has become so obsessed with.

The thought made my stomach turn. How could Camilla endure such betrayal, such coldness from the man she was supposed to trust the most? I opened my eyes, staring at the ornate ceiling above me. The steam from the bath curled lazily toward it, disappearing into the shadows. I sighed, feeling a pang of sadness for my sister. She had always deserved better than this—a life of loyalty, love, not one marred by infidelity and pain. If only I had known of her situation…If only…

A sharp knock on the door jolted me from my thoughts. I sat up quickly, water sloshing over the edge of the tub as my heart raced. Who could possibly be here at this hour? I had already sent Janina and Lesley away for the night, craving nothing more than a moment of solitude to unwind.

I squeezed my eyes shut, concentrating, trying to detect a nearby presence. It was unfamiliar, not the comforting aura of Janina or Lesley, nor anyone else I had encountered earlier. This presence was different… someone I hadn't met before… someone unknown to me. And as it lingered just beyond my bedroom door, I could sense something commanding, almost oppressive, about it.

A sudden chill ran through me, a cold that had nothing to do with the cooling water around me. The presence was potent, almost as if it were challenging my own. My instincts flared with a warning, screaming that it could only be Theodore. Who else would dare approach my door so late, radiating such an aura of authority?

Taking a deep breath, I reached for the silk robe draped over the chair by the tub. The fabric clung to my damp skin as I wrapped it around myself, tying the belt tight. My pulse quickened as I stepped out of the bath, the cool air brushing against my exposed legs. I couldn’t afford to show any weakness, not now. If it was Theodore, I had to be ready—ready to face the man who might hold the answers I so desperately needed.

I padded across the marble floor, each step echoing in the quiet room, and paused in front of the door. For a moment, I considered not opening it. But that was impossible. If Theodore was on the other side, he wouldn’t leave until he got what he wanted. I needed to see him, needed to start piecing together the truth. With a final, steadying breath, I opened the door.

And there he was. The man I wanted to see since I stepped into his territory.

Theodore…Gilmore.