My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 45

**In Fragile Moments We Discover Strength Hidden In Stillness**
by Tao Cole Rynn
**Chapter 45**

Signals have been emanating from him, unmistakable in their clarity.

His gaze is unwavering, as if I am the sole girl in a world filled with shadows and noise.

In his presence, I feel truly seen, as though my very essence is acknowledged.

Thoughts swirl in my mind like autumn leaves caught in a brisk wind; I whimper softly, a shiver running down my spine. A sudden chill envelops me, and the urge to cry rises like a tide. What was I thinking? Did I honestly believe he would patiently wait for me to find my footing, to feel ‘normal’ again?

Just then, a warm hand envelops mine, pulling me back from the depths of my reverie.

“Are you alright, Apphia?” Lily’s voice cuts through the fog of my thoughts. I open my mouth to respond, but the fear of tears spilling over and causing a scene holds me back. Instead, I give a slight nod, hoping it conveys enough.

A tall man dressed in a sleek black suit approaches Lily, whispering something into her ear. She nods in acknowledgment before dismissing him with a casual wave.

“We should go greet my parents, Apphia,” she says, her tone shifting back to the lightness we shared. She turns to the circle of ladies, who are engaged in hushed discussions about the Alpha’s latest enigma—a mystery woman, no less.

“Ladies, I hope you have a delightful evening,” she smirks, her words laced with a playful challenge.

I can’t help but think that their evening may have taken a turn for the worse with that comment. We walk arm in arm toward the center of the room, my mind still tangled in thoughts of the god-like Alpha, Nicholas. Suddenly, Lily halts, her expression shifting to one of concern.

“Apphia, I need to confess something,” she begins, her voice low and serious.

I tilt my head, curiosity piqued.

“Confess?”

“Yes. About Nicholas. I may have embellished the truth a bit. Those ladies have been buzzing around him like bees to honey, so I told them he found someone to keep them at bay,” she explains, her eyes darting around to ensure no one is eavesdropping.

A wave of relief washes over me, nearly overwhelming in its intensity.

“Oh,” I manage to say, the weight of her words sinking in.

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