THE CURSED LUNA

Author pov

"Are you feeling shy, Arian? Please greet the camera." Luna Viviana continued to create an atmosphere of discomfort, while Sheelah was visibly rattled by her menacing remarks.

She rose from her seat, adjusted her dress, and approached the nightstand to retrieve her headscarf.

"Could you please stop recording? We have more important matters to discuss than this charade, Luna Viviana." She hesitated, then hurried towards Luna Viviana, attempting to knock the phone from her hand. However, Luna Viviana was quick enough to secure her phone before any damage could occur.

"Did you really think you could eliminate this valuable evidence? You are involved with my son's beta and expect me to overlook everything? Come on, Sheelah, I have been patient with your indiscretions." She scoffed, rolling her eyes. As she circled Sheelah, she delicately brushed her hair aside.

"Do not dare to threaten me again, do you understand?"

"I didn't quite catch what you just said, but I will choose to overlook your threat. We are all victims of our circumstances. Alpha Christian will not show mercy if he discovers our actions concerning his mate; remember, we are all implicated." Luna Viviana's eyes narrowed, her gaze cutting through Sheelah's attempts at evasion. "Do you consider yourself a victim? You, who have been clandestinely meeting with my son's beta and plotting against his mate? Do not feign innocence with me, Sheelah. I am fully aware of your little escapades."

Sheelah's complexion drained of color, her eyes flitting around the room as if seeking a way out. "L-Luna, please try to understand-"

"Understand?" Luna Viviana's voice escalated, her fury simmering just beneath the surface. "You wish for my understanding? You, who have shown blatant disrespect towards my family and our traditions? I will demonstrate what understanding truly means." She advanced a step, her phone still firmly in her grasp. "I will ensure that Alpha Christian is informed of your betrayal. And when he learns the truth, you will be the one pleading for mercy."

Sheelah's eyes glimmered with trepidation, yet she maintained her stance. "You will never reveal this to him. You cannot afford to expose your own secrets, Luna Viviana. Our fates are intertwined by our hidden truths, whether you accept it or not."

Luna Viviana's smile was frigid and calculated. "We shall see, Sheelah. A courageous woman who fails to recognize that her downfall is imminent."

"Indeed, that is the impression I have of both of you. Arian, leave immediately, you scoundrel, "Sheelah exclaimed, her eyes fixed on Arian, who was preening his hair.

"Depart!" Her voice carried a growl that underscored her words.

"Please, Sheelah, remain composed; I am departing now. There is no need to raise your voice over trivial matters, " Arian responded curtly.

"It is precisely your lack of relevance that justifies my shouting at you as I please. Therefore, I insist you leave!"

Arian maintained his unwavering smile as he rose, his movements smooth and intentional. "As you desire, Sheelah. However, be aware: I shall return, and next time, it will not be for trivial disputes." He executed a deep bow, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Luna Viviana, it has been... enlightening, as ever."

Luna Viviana observed him intently, her expression inscrutable. "Do not assume this is the conclusion, Arian. You remain unaware of the stakes involved."

Arian's laughter resonated throughout the room as he departed, leaving the two women enveloped in an uneasy silence.

Sheelah's chest rose and fell with barely contained fury, her eyes blazing with indignation. "That unbearable, arrogant-"

"Enough, Sheelah," Luna Viviana interjected, her tone icy and impersonal. "We have more urgent issues to address. Issues that demand our complete focus, rather than trivial disputes with someone like Arian."

Sheelah's gaze snapped back to Luna Viviana, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "What do you suggest we do, then? Remain passive while Alpha Christian uncovers our secrets?"

Luna Viviana's smile was a narrow, calculated expression. "Oh, no, Sheelah. I have devised a plan. And it commences with ensuring that Alpha Christian's mate is located."

"Subsequently, remove the video from your phone if you are certain about collaborating with us; we all possess secrets, so there is no cause for concern."

Luna Vivian approached Sheelah with deliberate slowness and leaned in to whisper softly.

"I will not become pregnant with your son. It was never my intention to conceive; I have boundaries regarding my actions, so please refrain from pursuing what is unattainable for me."

Sheelah's eyes widened, her complexion drained of color, as Luna Viviana's words lingered in the atmosphere like a provocation. "Do you truly dare to reject my request?" Sheelah's voice quivered with a mix of fury and desperation. "Do you believe you possess a choice? The future of my son's legacy hinges on this alliance, and I will not accept refusal."

Luna Viviana maintained her composure, her voice resolute. "I recognize the significance of your son's legacy, yet I refuse to be compelled into bearing a child against my will. My body is my own, and I will make my own choices." Sheelah's laughter echoed coldly, devoid of warmth. "You are indeed quite naive, aren't you? You believe you can dictate your own fate? I will demonstrate to you the true essence of power." She stood tall, her eyes sparkling with malice. "Erase the video, Luna Viviana."

Luna Viviana's smile unfolded slowly, a calculated expression. "You may find that I am not easily intimidated, Sheelah." She paused, her thumb poised over the phone's screen. "However, I will delete the video... for the moment. Let us say I am prepared to... collaborate, at least for now."

Sheelah's gaze sharpened, her eyes piercing. "I am keeping a close watch on you, Luna Viviana. Do not entertain the thought that you can outsmart me."

At that moment, a knock on the door echoed, interrupting the heated exchange between the two bewildered individuals. A voice then called out. "Mom, are you in there?"

"Mom?"

Luna Viviana and Sheelah exchanged glances, their expressions filled with concern.

"Did he overhear any part of our conversation?"