Declaring Her Luna

Ophelia's POV

The drive back to Ashbourne Estate passed in complete silence.

Snow drifted steadily beyond the tinted windows as the black SUV glided through the empty roads. The warmth inside the vehicle contrasted sharply with the storm raging inside my heart.

I kept my hands folded tightly in my lap, still wrapped in Alpha Nicolai's jacket, my thoughts refusing to settle.

Everything that had happened tonight felt impossible.

Only a few hours ago, I had watched my marriage fall apart in the eyes of pack members.

Now I was riding beside the most powerful Alpha in the territory after agreeing to become his wife.

Even saying it inside my head felt unreal.

Amare remained unusually quiet, yet I could still feel her emotions brushing against mine through our bond. Shock. Relief. Uncertainty. She was trying to make sense of everything just as I was. 

The towering iron gates slowly opened before us, revealing the Ashbourne Estate, as several pack warriors stationed around the estate lowered their heads as the car slowly rode into the estate.

My breath caught.

The mansion was even more magnificent than the stories I had heard growing up. Warm golden lights spilled from countless windows, illuminating elegant stone walls that stood proudly against the falling snow. The entire estate carried an air of quiet strength rather than unnecessary extravagance.

The SUV came to a smooth stop beneath the covered entrance.

Before I could reach for the door handle, it opened from the outside.

Several servants had already gathered.

"Welcome home, Alpha."

They bowed respectfully as Nicolai stepped out.

He turned toward me and extended his hand without saying a word.

For a brief moment, I simply stared at it.

No one had ever waited for me before. Not even Morris.

Slowly, I placed my hand in his. His grip was steady as he helped me out of the vehicle.

The servants lowered their heads once again.

"Welcome home, My Lady."

I blinked in surprise.

There wasn't a trace of judgment in their eyes. Only respect.

Nicolai looked toward an older woman standing near the entrance. She carried herself with quiet elegance, her white hair neatly pinned behind her head.

"Madam Elise."

She stepped forward immediately.

"Yes, Alpha."

"This is Ophelia."

Her kind eyes settled on me before she offered a respectful bow.

"It is an honor to meet you, Miss Ophelia."

Nicolai's expression remained calm.

"From this moment onward, she is to be treated with the same respect afforded to me."

Madam Elise bowed her head once more.

"Of course, Alpha."

He looked toward the rest of the household staff who had quietly gathered inside the entrance hall.

"Listen carefully." 

Every servant immediately straightened.

"Tomorrow she will become your Luna."

His oceanic blue eyes swept across every face.

"That means she is under my protection and deserves every courtesy this household can offer."

His voice remained composed, yet every word carried unquestionable authority.

"Her word carries the same authority as mine within these walls. Anyone who disrespects her will answer directly to me."

A chorus of voices echoed through the grand foyer.

"Yes, Alpha."

I found myself staring at him.

He had spoken those words so naturally as though protecting me had never been a question.

Madam Elise smiled gently.

"If you'll follow me, Miss Ophelia, I'll show you to your room."

I glanced toward Nicolai. He gave a small nod.

"You should rest."

"...Thank you."

I followed Madam Elise through several beautifully decorated corridors before stopping outside an elegant wooden door.

She pushed it open.

The room stole the breath from my lungs, as I took in the sight of the soft cream colored walls which reflected the warm glow of crystal lamps placed throughout the spacious room. Floor length curtains in a rich shade of deep sage green framed the tall windows overlooking the snow covered gardens.

Green is my favorite color. But I had never told Nicolai that. 

Was it merely a coincidence, or had someone remembered a tiny detail about me that no one else ever had?

A large king sized bed rested against the far wall, layered with plush blankets and embroidered pillows that looked impossibly soft. Fresh flowers stood inside delicate glass vases near the windows, filling the room with the faint scent of jasmine.

Everything felt peaceful, comforting and safe.

Madam Elise smiled as she watched me take everything in.

"I hope the room is to your liking, Miss Ophelia?"

I slowly nodded. "It's... beautiful."

After wishing me goodnight, Madam Elise quietly closed the door behind her as silence suddenly settled over the room.

I walked slowly toward the window and watched snow continue to fall over the estate. Everything had changed so quickly.

This morning, I had believed my shaky marriage between Morris and I was taking a better turn for good.

Now… 

Tomorrow I would become another man's wife.

I gently sat on the edge of the bed, meaning only to rest for a few minutes while I sorted through the whirlwind inside my mind.

The mattress sank softly beneath me. Its warmth wrapped around my exhausted body. But before I realized it, my eyes drifted closed as sleep claimed me almost instantly.

***

A gentle knock pulled me from my dreams. I blinked against the morning sunlight filtering through the green curtains before sitting upright.

"Come in."

The door opened, revealing a young man dressed in the Ashbourne household uniform.

He bowed respectfully.

"Good morning, Miss Ophelia."

"Good morning."

"Alpha Nicolai asked me to deliver this to you."

He stepped forward and offered me a neatly folded document. Curiosity replaced the last traces of sleep as I accepted it.

The moment I unfolded the papers, my eyes widened.

It was the Marriage Contract documents.

Every detail had already been prepared exactly as Nicolai had promised. The agreement would last for one year. Every clause had been written to protect both of us equally, and b oth parties retained equal rights to dissolve the marriage after that period if either wished.

My fingers lingered over the final page.

He really meant it and had not been making promises simply to comfort me.

Everything he had said last night...

He intended to honor.

Without allowing myself time to overthink, I picked up the pen resting beside the document. My signature flowed neatly across the final line.

Ophelia Starkingstein.

I stared at it for a brief moment before folding the contract once more.

The messenger accepted it with another respectful bow.

"I will deliver this to Alpha Nicolai immediately."

"Thank you."

After he left, I leaned back against the headboard, releasing a slow breath.

Everything was becoming real.

But before I could gather my thoughts, another knock sounded at the door. This time, when it opened, Madam Elise entered with several maids carrying neatly folded garments, trays of food, and steaming tea.

"Good morning, Miss Ophelia," she said warmly. "Today is your wedding day.”