Chapter 69
Chapter 69
Astrid’s POV
I woke up with a groan, my body feeling heavy, my mind feeling heavier. For a blissful, fleeting second, I didn’t remember. And then it all came crashing back in a humiliating wave: the kiss. My panic. The wounded look in Kaeleen’s eyes. His apology.
My cheeks burned with a fresh wave of shame. I had spent half the night tossing and turning, replaying the moment over and over again, each time feeling a fresh stab of regret. I had ruined it. I had taken a moment of genuine connection and shattered it with my own brokenness.
A deep sense of dread settled in my stomach at the thought of facing him. What would I say? What could I possibly say? I buried my face in my pillow, wishing I could just disappear for a day. Or a week.
When I finally forced myself out of bed, the silence of the massive house was a relief. I padded out of my room and listened. There were no sounds from downstairs, no sign of Kaeleen. A part of me, the cowardly part, was grateful. I didn’t think I could handle the awkward tension that would surely hang between us.
Deciding to make the most of his absence, I resolved to throw myself into something productive. I couldn’t hide in my room forever. I was supposed to be the Luna of this pack, and it was time I started acting like it, even if I felt like a fraud.
After a quick shower and dressing in a simple pair of jeans and a soft sweater, clothes from my shopping spree that now felt like they belonged to a different, more confident person, I made my way to the office that had been designated for me.
It was a beautiful room, nothing like the cold, sterile office Leon had occasionally let me use. This one was warm and inviting, with large windows that overlooked the vibrant garden, a comfortable-looking armchair in the corner, and a sturdy oak desk that was surprisingly clear of clutter.
A young woman was already there, organizing a small stack of files. She looked up as I entered, her face breaking into a wide, sunny smile. She was young, maybe twenty at most, with bright, curious eyes and a cascade of cheerful red curls.
"Good morning, Luna Astrid!" she chirped, her energy infectious. "I’m Lila. Alpha Kaeleen assigned me to be your assistant. It’s such an honor to meet you!"