Ariel POV

I stared intently at Lucien. "You can see for yourself what my condition is like. At least I'm still alive."

I don't know why I had to answer so sarcastically. I was pretty surprised that he would come here and learn about my situation.

"How could you just stand by and let your body fall into the water!" Lucian is angry at me.

My chest rumbles. Lucian's words were irresponsible. Why is he blaming me instead?

"This is what you've done to me. Don't forget it. It was because of you that I fell into the swimming pool! You almost killed me because of your stupidity. There were so many guests, and you were fighting with your cousin! Did I purposely want to show off your anger at me?

"He is not my family. I'm warning you not to meet or talk to Martin. He is a traitor."

"Traitor? What do you mean?"

Lucien snorted. "None of your business. You just need to listen to me and obey me, as I told you when you first arrived here. I forbid you from seeing Martin."

I was so annoyed with his arrogant attitude. At least he had some guilt for me, but that wasn't the case at all. He didn't care that I could have died in that swimming pool.

"Why? Why are you forbidding me? I have the right..."

"These are my orders. You can't refuse, or we'll just cancel the wedding! Your dad needs me. If you want the agreement between the Pack to be canceled, then you can leave here."

I looked sharply at Lucian. I was so stupid for believing that he was worried about me. He was the most annoying creature I had ever met. His words are really annoying.

The mate bond in my chest reappeared, and it hurt. Lucien looked at me in a way I didn't understand.

"I lost control a bit. I am sorry." Lucian suddenly lowered his voice. "I didn't mean to push you."

What is this? Why did the irritation in my heart suddenly subside just because of Lucian's apology? My chest no longer hurts, but my feelings have turned to confusion. What's wrong with Lucian?

"But can't you swim?" Lucian said something that made my heart seem to stop beating. "Your dad says you're very good at swimming."

I got goosebumps. Is Lucian being suspicious of me?

"Oh, yeah, but last night, I was too shocked and unprepared. I panicked, and everything went blank."

I know it's not the right reason, but Lucian can't know that I'm not Nadine.

Lucian was silent while observing me. A few moments passed. He then said something.

"When you get better, come to the pavilion. Since you're Luna, it's your duty to join them."

"Them?" I looked up. "Who?"

“Moon Girls. The women in this pack."

"What? Moon Girls?"

I didn't understand what it was. Moon Girls? Is it an organization? Why would there be such a thing here?

"I created a community specifically for the women in this pack. Crystal has been helping me manage it, but since you're Luna, you should have a hand in it, too. That will be your first job here. You'll also learn a lot about the pack through the Moon Girls. So, once you're feeling better, hurry to the pavilion."

I was still confused. I had never heard anything like this before. This pack has a unique system. Lucian apparently cares about the women but with Crystal? The woman who openly made out with Lucian in front of me? Lucian did this on purpose to test me!

"Lucian, but I don't know anything about this community."

"You are Luna. This is your duty. You're not here to just lie down and eat. You have to work or at least do something. Don't think you can get anything without effort. That doesn't apply in this pack."

After saying that, Lucian turned around and walked towards the door. Before going out, he turned his head; his gaze was very intimidating to me.

"Don't make any more trouble."

After Lucian left, I sighed. My eyes were fixed on Odeth, who had not moved at all. She was indeed afraid of Lucian.

I didn't expect it. Playing this role was really hard. I had refused Nadine at that time, but she threatened me. I had no choice. And now I'm stuck with this situation. If I fail to play Nadine here, I don't know what my life will be like, but I really hope Nadine will change her mind and take over everything. I'm afraid of lying. I don't want Lucian to know that the woman he's been sleeping with isn't the woman he should be married to.

"How will you deal with this, Miss?" Odeth spoke in a low voice. I looked at her trembling hands.

I touched Odeth's hand, then smiled.

"Don't worry, Odeth. We'll get through it.”

"Alpha Lucian is so scary. Ever since we arrived here, he has never shown you any kindness."

I sighed. Of course. He didn't want this marriage. He had to do it out of political expediency.

"Don't say anything to my dad. Tell him that Lucian is kind to me. I don't want him to worry, Odeth."

Odeth nodded slowly, and then he went out with the empty cup.

I thought about what Lucian had said about the Moon Girls.

"I don't think that's okay," I muttered. “I am sure it will be problematic.

***

The room used for the Moon Girls' meeting was a large room with a high ceiling. This pavilion was located in a separate building from the main packhouse building. This place is much livelier compared to the main packhouse, which has a cold and arid impression. In front of the pavilion is a garden with beautiful flower beds. It was very fitting for the name of this community.

When I entered, dozens of pairs of eyes glared at me. It was as if I were being interrogated for doing something wrong. It made me nervous, but I had no choice but to turn around and leave. I had to stay here as Luna.

Evelyn, the packhouse caretaker, approached me. She welcomed me, smiling despite her sharp gaze. Somehow, I always felt that Evelyn didn't like my presence in this pack.

"Welcome, Luna. Welcome to the Moon Girls community. Alpha Lucien has informed me that you will be coming today."

I smiled stiffly. "Thank you, Evelyn. Sorry that I'm late."

At the same time, Crystal, who was indeed in this pavilion, also approached me with her elegant but haughty gait. I didn't like the way she looked at me.

"Welcome, Nadine. I know you're Luna, but in this place, you must abide by the rules of the community. I'm the caretaker of this community. Therefore, you must abide by my rules. Don't use your title as Luna because it doesn't apply here."

Crystal said that with a sardonic smile.