Claiming His Luna

Maria’s POV

Cercei had always been easy to predict, but at this moment, I had no clue where she was.

There was no clear trail to follow, only the stolen car she had abandoned, left stranded in the middle of the road. Maybe my own heart was burdened with too much worry, clouding my thoughts.

I knew exactly where she was going-the Moonstone mansion. But the plan was to stop her before she reached her destination and shake some sense into her mind before it was too late.

I left the Red without saying a word, not even a goodbye to anyone, not even to Frank. I had already told them I was going to bring Cercei back, and I carried the responsibility for her escape entirely on my shoulders. I had underestimated Cercei and hadn’t foreseen her audacity, no matter the reasons behind it. It doesn’t really make up for the little trick she pulled.

“I’m going to pull your hair, Cercei!” I whispered in a hushed voice.

Now that I was back on the streets, alone and without a clear destination, an overwhelming emptiness shrouded me. My mind bounced between thoughts of Cercei’s whereabouts and Frank’s name, echoing loudly in my heart. I pictured him seething with anger, and his face appeared cold.

He would never forgive me, and I knew he held a grudge against me. It seemed to be his specialty.

A bitter smile crept onto my lips; how did he manage to keep such a cold heart? If the roles were reversed, I would have forgiven him in an instant.

Staying focused on this rescue mission was tough when I doubted whether the person I was searching for even wanted to be saved.

It had been years since I had walked these streets alone, unburdened by responsibility. I had spent years avoiding this sense of isolation, but now, I reluctantly admitted to finding comfort in it.

If I couldn’t find Vienna and Cercei here, then it was likely that I’d have to trace their path to the South. Leaving from the North would be easy, as I was confident Lucian’s would allow me to leave this territory and surely would provide transportation. After all, I was the one tasked to bring back his mate.

But I couldn’t muster the courage to leave, to burden others. Cercei’s disappearance was my fault, and even if I managed to bring her back, it wouldn’t erase my mistakes.

This situation would have been far simpler if I were on a different continent. I had connections and leverage to pull there. However, this was the North-a territory where I had no influence, and the loyalty of all people to Lucian Red ran deep. Perhaps I could flirt with a pilot or someone with a ship to secure a ride? But the chances seemed slim.

In the end, I made a decision. I would merge with the crowds.

I observed men scrutinizing every individual entering and leaving the North. I opted to alter my appearance by dyeing my hair, a seemingly minor change. I doubted Frank would even notice my absence or care about whether I stayed or left. But he didn’t need to know. After all, vanishing without a trace was my expertise.

I had a collection of counterfeit passports and fake IDs to take on a new identity. This should make my exit a bit easier.

I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, and the fiery red hair stared back at me. I couldn’t deny it; I looked rather badass with this new look.

Certainly, a wig would have been more convenient, but it was time for a complete makeover. Besides, I craved this change. Something had shifted inside my heart since arriving in the North. In fact, the idea of leaving this place filled me with a pang of sadness. I had traveled through many lands, served different Lords, and taken on numerous identities, but this felt different. It felt genuine, and I met exceptional people.

For the first time in my life, it appeared as though I wasn’t lying or tricking anyone. But who was I fooling? I was a master of deception, a living mask. Even my closest friend remained unaware of my real self and the extent of my abilities.

I had thought about telling her my secret, but fear had always stopped me. I dreaded how she would react. She had always expressed a strong dislike for lies, and I was the epitome of deceit.

It wasn’t a matter of trust. I simply couldn’t bear to discuss it. Talking about it meant facing my past, and I had spent far too long trying to forget it.

As expected, the airport procedures went smoothly. No one had any suspicions, and I had a strong feeling that I would arrive before Cercei and Vienna did, giving me extra time to plan.

At the moment, I was too exhausted to think about the best rescue plan. I couldn’t imagine how I would get her from that cursed mansion. After all, she hadn’t just left her mate’s residence to come with me willingly. She had rendered me unconscious and fled to that dreadful place. A seamless rescue seemed highly far-fetched.

I had given Lucian my word that I would bring her back, and I was determined to fulfill that promise, regardless of the consequences. If reasoning with her won’t work, then I’ll have to resort to more forceful measures, maybe even a physical confrontation. And after that, we can consider the matter settled.

And then, after bringing her back, I might vanish for good. Things wouldn’t just go back to how they used to be.

I could feel a looming war on the horizon. Lucian and Frank were probably in a meeting at this very moment, crafting their strategies and deliberating how to execute revenge against Alpha Remus.

Suddenly, my heart ached when I looked outside the plane window, taking in the snowy landscape below. I closed my eyes and tried to engrave every detail of Frank’s face into my memory. The lines on his face, his beauty marks, the way his brows would furrow when he was annoyed or puzzled, the way his lips moved when he spoke, his tousled hair, his smile. A tear trickled down my cheek as I tried to preserve it all. I might be leaving, but my heart would always stay here, buried beneath the snow.