The Luna's Harem

Chapter 26: Edelweiss

"...mate?"

Lynsandra’s brows twitched as the word that slipped past her lips reached her ears. She paused, then let out a quiet snort.

"A mate?" she asked herself. "No, that’s not it. I don’t have that."

She wasn’t like other wolves who found their destined one, guided by the Lunar Goddess. Her case was different—not just in this, but also because of her position as the daughter of the Alpha King.

It would have been easier if she had a destined mate. Then she wouldn’t have to think about the royal pack’s elders, the werewolf council, or her duties as Luna.

"Then what is it?" she murmured, her gaze inevitably drifting to her fingers. "It’s not a mate, so what was that feeling last night?"

She might not remember who it was or what exactly happened, but there was one distinct thing she remembered before losing consciousness.

A faint—but unmistakable—connection.

Fated mates often said that when they found their destined one, they felt an undeniable, overwhelming bond. Not just irresistible attraction, but something impossible to explain. Something they described as once you feel it, you know it’s your mate.

That logic, however, only applied to the scent of death for her, and death had never lied or confused her.

But that wasn’t what she felt.

It was only an odd connection—quiet, subtle—and she doubted that was what others described when they spoke of finding their mate. Even so, it was enough for her to think of a mate.

"Aside from that," she whispered, flexing her fingers once before elegantly closing her fist, "someone here knew about my curse."

A flicker of displeasure crossed her eyes as she headed toward the bathroom to prepare herself. In a few hours, Virgo would return. But as she passed the mirror, her steps skidded to a halt.

"Hmm?"

Stepping back, Lynsandra faced the mirror and tilted her head slightly.

Slowly, she touched her cheek. The usual exhaustion etched into her features was gone. Her complexion looked brighter, the familiar gloom noticeably absent. As she studied her reflection—almost as if seeing herself for the first time—something caught her attention in the corner of the glass.

"That..."

She turned toward the window and picked up a single stem of edelweiss resting on the sill. Her brows tightened, her eyes gleaming with confusion. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she inhaled its scent.

Then, her gaze lifted toward the gardens outside, where countless flowers bloomed in elegant abundance. Except edelweiss did not grow in this mansion.

It wouldn’t grow just anywhere.

"What an interesting choice," she whispered.

Once more, Lynsandra studied the flower between her fingers. The corners of her lips curved subtly, her lashes lowering in a way that was both dangerous and amused. freēwēbηovel.c૦m

"Whoever you are," she whispered, lifting the flower to her nose once more, "you truly have my attention."

And she would find him—although she had yet to decide what she would do with him once she did.

*****

Lynsandra couldn’t remember the last time she had truly enjoyed anything. She had been too busy keeping up appearances, hiding the crushing heaviness that accompanied every breath she took.

Silly as it might sound, but today, she was able to enjoy a warm bath.

"I even made breakfast all on my own," she murmured as she stood by the kitchen counter, staring down at the disaster on her plate. "I guess I still have it in me."

She nodded approvingly, savoring this brief, solitary peace in the mansion.

"I should send everyone away more often," she hummed as she carried her plate—her masterpiece of disaster—to the table.

With confidence, she took her first bite and nodded to herself.

Had I known this was possible, I would’ve looked forward to full moons.

She took another bite, unconcerned with when everyone might return. If anything, she preferred the absence of other breathing souls. But Lynsandra was not one to indulge for long, especially with a question clawing relentlessly at the back of her mind.

Minutes later, footsteps echoed through the quiet mansion, heading toward the dining area. She heard it long before it came close, but she didn’t bother to look up until the sound stopped right where she was.

Lynsandra paused mid-bite, her brow arching as her gaze slid toward the entrance.

There, Virgo stood, lowering his head politely.

"Luna," he greeted as he stepped inside. "You’re early today. I was surprised when you left me a message asking me to come."

Usually, Lynsandra reached out before or after lunch either because she overslept or needed rest after the full moon. But it was still early, and she seemed... fine.

"Should I assume your bond with your wolf is recovering faster?" he asked, relief threading his voice. "Our dear Luna also looks radiant too."

Lynsandra didn’t answer. Rather, she continued eating.

Curious, Virgo stepped closer and glanced at her plate. "It’s been a while since you cooked anything, Luna. I wonder—"

He stopped short, eyes widening at the charred remains.

"Luna... what are you eating?" was that charcoal?

"Hmm?" She glanced down. "Toasted eggs. Can’t you see?"

"That’s not toast, that’s burnt," he muttered instinctively.

"Do you want to try it, Virgo?" she asked mildly. "I am in the mood today."

He shook his head without hesitation. "No, Luna. I’m quite full."

She chuckled and took another bite. "That’s the first time you’ve refused something from me. Are you sure?"

He smiled tightly. "Yes."

Shrugging, she finished her breakfast while Virgo watched her, unable to stop himself from sighing quietly.

The Luna is perfect in every way, he thought. Brilliant, powerful, and beautiful. But her taste in food has only worsened since returning to the royal pack.

Even starving, he wouldn’t touch what she was eating so cheerfully. Whether that was impressive or alarming, he couldn’t decide.

Unaware of his thoughts, Lynsandra wiped her lips and took a long drink of water.

"Virgo," she said calmly, snapping him out of his thoughts. "I told you to send everyone away for the full moon."

He nodded. "I did—"

"Not everyone, apparently."

"Huh?"

Lynsandra leaned back, fixing him with a sharp gaze.

"Find out who came back here last night," she ordered. "And I want answers immediately."