The Luna Queen - Chapter 48: Chapter 48

_Leah's POV_
I felt my stomach twist as I made my way down to dinner with Tariq. I could still feel the weight of the key hidden in my purse, and the anticipation made it hard to act calm. My mind was miles away, thinking of the secrets that might be waiting for me. But I had to keep up appearances, so I put on a smile and took a deep breath, hoping to make it through the evening.
When I walked into the dining room, Tariq was already seated, his eyes lighting up as he saw me approach. “There you are,” he said warmly, pulling out my chair. “I was starting to wonder if you had changed your mind about joining me.”
I forced a smile, settling into my seat. “Of course not. I just needed a few minutes to freshen up,” I replied, hoping my voice sounded calm and normal.
Dinner was laid out before us, and I felt my stomach rumble slightly. The meal looked delicious; a roast chicken with golden-brown skin, seasoned vegetables, and a side of creamy mashed potatoes. Tariq poured me a glass of red wine, handing it to me with a smile.
“To us,” he said, lifting his own glass. “And to the future which we’re building together.”
I clinked my glass with his, my smile tight as I took a small sip. “To us,” I echoed softly, though my mind was still elsewhere.
Tariq watched me closely, a playful glint in his eyes. “You look beautiful tonight, Leah. But then, you always do.”
I felt my cheeks warm under his gaze. “Thank you,” I replied quietly, taking another sip of my wine to hide my discomfort. I needed to act the part of a loving, dutiful mate, but the words felt hollow in my mouth. I glanced at my plate, hoping to shift the conversation.
Tariq seemed to notice my unease, but he only chuckled. “You know,” he said, spearing a piece of chicken with his fork, “I’ve never been this excited about a wedding before. I can’t wait to see you walk down that aisle.”
I nodded, forcing another smile. “I’m looking forward to it too,” I replied, though my voice lacked enthusiasm.
Tariq leaned in closer, a teasing smile on his lips. “I know you’re just trying to keep me in suspense, but don’t think I didn’t catch that little look you gave me. Are you getting nervous?”
I managed a small laugh, hoping it sounded convincing. “Maybe a little. It’s a big day for both of us.”
Tariq grinned, reaching across the table to take my hand. “Well, I promise I’ll be there every step of the way. You won’t have to go through any of it alone.”
I looked down at his hand covering mine, feeling the weight of his touch. Part of me wanted to pull away, but I kept still, knowing I had to keep up the act. “I appreciate that,” I murmured while glancing back up at him.
We continued eating, with Tariq filling the silence with light conversation, talking about the pack, his plans for our future, and how he hoped to make me happy. I responded when needed, but my mind kept drifting back to the chest and the secrets waiting for me. Every minute felt like a slow crawl, and my patience was wearing thin.
When dinner was over, Tariq stood up, holding out a hand to help me rise from my chair. “Come on,” he said softly, his eyes warm as he looked at me. “Let’s go to our room.”
I hesitated but knew I couldn’t refuse. I took his hand, allowing him to lead me upstairs. My heart pounded with a mix of frustration and anxiety, but I forced myself to stay calm.
Once we were in the room, Tariq stretched out on the bed, patting the space beside him. “Come here,” he said, his voice playful. “I feel like I haven’t had you to myself all day.”
I forced myself to join him, lying down as he wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me close. His scent filled my senses, and I fought the urge to pull away, feeling trapped. Tariq leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.
“You’re so quiet tonight,” he murmured, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. “What’s on your mind?”
I swallowed, forcing a smile. “Just… everything. The wedding, the future,” I said, hoping it sounded believable.
Tariq chuckled softly, his fingers tracing gentle circles on my arm. “Well, you have nothing to worry about. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of, Leah.”
He kissed me again, this time on the lips, lingering a bit too long. My patience was running thin, but I kept my composure, letting him hold me close. I didn’t respond much, hoping he would notice and let me go, but Tariq only pulled me tighter.
“You’re mine, Leah,” he whispered, his voice filled with warmth and possessiveness. “And I can’t wait to start our life together.”
I gave a small nod, trying to ignore the irritation bubbling within me. I just needed him to fall asleep so I could slip away, but he seemed determined to keep me close. Eventually, his breathing slowed, and his grip on me loosened as he drifted off. I lay there, barely moving, until I was sure he was fully asleep.
When the first light of dawn peeked through the window, I opened my eyes, feeling the warmth of Tariq’s arm still draped over me. But then I noticed he was no longer beside me. He must have woken up early and left quietly, likely assuming that I was still asleep.
I felt relieved. This was my chance.
I got out of bed, my heart pounding as I made my way to the closet.
My heart pounded as I opened the closet, glancing over my shoulder one last time to ensure I was alone. My hands shook as I reached for the heavy wooden shelf that hid the secret entrance, carefully sliding it aside. I switched on my flashlight, the small beam of light cutting through the darkness as I crouched down, feeling my way along the narrow passage behind the closet.
The musty air of the hidden space made my heart beat faster with both fear and excitement. Taking a deep breath, I reached for the light switch I had discovered before, flicking it on. A dim glow filled the secret room.
Quickly, I turned and slid the closet door closed behind me, repositioning the shelf so no one from outside would notice anything unusual. I was completely hidden now.
Steeling myself, I moved deeper into the room, my gaze landing on the object I had come for. On the table was the chest.
I felt the weight of the key in my pocket as I approached it. I was finally here.