The Luna Queen - Chapter 56: Chapter 56

_Leah's POV_
The next few days were torture.
I acted like everything was fine. I smiled when I had to. I laughed when he expected me to. I even let him kiss my forehead or hold my hand without pulling away. But inside, I was shaking. My stomach twisted every time I looked at Tariq. Every time he smiled at me, I wanted to run.
I kept thinking about the diary. His words haunted me.
He wanted to marry me and then… kill me. Just to lift a curse he brought on himself.
I didn’t sleep well. At night, I kept waking up and staring at the ceiling, wondering how I got here. I felt like I was walking on a tightrope, one wrong step away from falling into darkness.
Every morning, I thought about running. I even started packing small things in a pouch I hid under the bed...some food, a little water, a few clothes. But where would I go? The forest outside the pack was full of rogues. If they found me, they would rip me apart. There were also guards everywhere. I couldn’t take two steps outside without someone watching me.
But maybe... maybe being killed by rogues would be better than being sacrificed by someone I once trusted. Or would it?
I didn’t know.
Athena?
Her voice answered softly in my mind. “I’m here, Leah.”
I don’t know what to do. I feel trapped.
“I know. But you’re not alone. I’m with you.”
I keep thinking about escaping.
“It’s dangerous. But staying here may be worse. We have to wait for the right moment. We can’t act out of fear.”
Her calm steadied me. I nodded slightly, even though no one could see me.
Then, three nights later, Tariq came into the room with a smile on his face.
“I have news,” he said. “You’re going to love it.”
I sat up slowly. “What is it?”
“There’s going to be an Alpha Ball in some days. All the surrounding packs will be there. It’ll be huge. There will be music, dancing and good food. And you, my lovely Leah, will be the center of attention.”
My throat went dry. “Me?”
He sat beside me on the bed. “Yes, of course. You’ll be coming with me. I want the whole world to see what a beautiful woman I’m about to marry.”
I forced a smile. My heart was beating too fast. “I don’t really feel like going.”
His brows rose. “Why not?”
“I just... don’t like crowds. And I’ve been tired lately. Maybe you could go with Susan?”
He laughed, but it didn’t sound amused. “Leah, you’re my fiancée. Why would I not take my would -be-wife to a ball? People would talk.”
I looked down at my hands. “I just don’t feel like it.”
He cupped my chin and lifted my face. “You’re going. I want to show you off. Everyone will be jealous of me. I mean, look at you.” He grinned. “You’re perfect.”
I felt sick.
Athena, what if this is a trap?
“It might be. Or maybe not. But there’s something off. We shouldn’t go.”
I told him I didn’t want to go.
“Then why is he insisting?”
I don’t know. But I remember something from the diary. He said the sacrifice only works after marriage. We’re not married yet.
“So we’re safe. For now.”
I hope so.
Tariq stood up and walked toward the window. “It’ll be good for us. You’ve been locked away for so long. Don’t you want to wear something pretty, dance a little? Smile?”
I didn’t reply.
He turned back to me. “You’ll look stunning in red. I’ll ask Susan to help you pick a dress. And don’t worry, I’ll be by your side the whole time.”
I didn’t say anything.
He walked back and sat beside me again. His voice lowered. “You’re so quiet lately. Is something wrong?”
I shook my head. “No. Just tired.”
He leaned in and kissed my forehead. “I love you, Leah. So much.”
I froze.
He brushed his fingers along my arm. “I can’t believe I got so lucky. Out of everyone in the world, you chose me.”
I didn’t choose you, I wanted to say. You tricked me. Lied to me. Used me.
But I just nodded and gave a small smile.
He continued, “You don’t know how many Alphas will wish they were me when they see you walk in with me. You’re not just beautiful....you’re powerful. Special. There’s something about you. You shine.”
If only he knew how much I wanted to scream.
He reached for my hand. “I remember the first time I saw you. So fierce, even when you were scared. I knew you were different. I knew I had to have you.”
I wasn’t yours to have.
“Do you know how much I think about our future?” he said. “I dream about the house we’ll build. The pups we’ll raise. You’ll be an amazing mother, Leah.”
My chest felt tight. His words were soft, sweet… but they didn’t reach his eyes. Something dark was always hiding behind them.
“Say something,” he said gently.
I looked up at him. “What do you want me to say?”
“Anything. Tell me you love me back. Tell me you’re happy.”
I forced the words out. “I’m... happy.”
His face lit up. “Really?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
He leaned closer and brushed his lips against my cheek. “I can’t wait for the ball. Everyone will know you’re mine. I’ll make sure the whole world knows how much I love you.”
I gave a weak smile. “I’m sure they will.”
He stood and stretched. “I’ll leave you to rest. I have some things to prepare. Sleep well, my love.”
When he left the room, I slumped against the wall and let out a shaky breath. I wrapped my arms around myself.
Athena, I don’t know how much longer I can do this.
“You’re doing great. We’ll get through this. Just stay strong. And keep your eyes open at that ball.”
I will. I promise.
Because that night could be my chance.
Or it could be the end.
But either way… I had to be ready.