LUCIUS.
That morning when I woke up, I was a bit shocked to find myself next to Dusk, and I sat up immediately, but I remembered in time the events of the previous night.
I seemed to have startled her because she woke up and also sat up.
I couldn't understand myself anymore. It felt like something had been controlling me, as though I was drunk and was doing things. I couldn't understand how things were going on with me.
I stood up, still trying to gather my thoughts.
I went into my room and locked the door.
There had been a day when Dusk smiled at me, and that was the day I realised my feelings for her. But the feelings weren't as explicit as this. I was doing things I wouldn't normally do, and it felt like I was being controlled to do so. Worse, it seemed like a blur.
"Why did I do all those things?" I asked myself, but I couldn't find an answer to the question.
There was a knock on my door.
"Come in." I said, and one of my Father's men came in.
"The Alpha calls for you." He said, and I nodded and dismissed him before standing from my desk.
I really didn't feel like seeing anyone because of how I felt. I felt so confused and lost.
When I got to my father's throne room, he watched me for a long while before speaking.
"Reject her. Don't question me. Do as I say." He said, and I gave a sigh.
"Who should I reject, father?" I asked, and he looked at me.
"The Lady you've been going around misbehaving with. Reject the Omega who dared to say she wants to reject you. She's nothing but a weakling, and this pack's future Luna cannot be a weakling." He said, and I clenched my fists.
All my father seemed to care about was the pack and power. He wasn't ready to hear my opinion.
"She's not a weakling. You've seen her transformation. I've felt her energy. She's not the same person anymore, so there is no reason to reject her." I said, and he stood up.
"Even if there is no reason to reject her, you must reject her."
"I'm afraid I cannot do that, Father. My Luna is mine to pick, not yours to pick." I said and walked out. I knew that was something that could have consequences, but I had had enough of his selfishness and power-driven desire.
~
DUSK.
I left Lucius' quarters the moment he left. The potion had stopped working.
Why was that? I paced around in my room for a while before dressing up and leaving the castle.
I went to visit the woman from whom I had purchased the potion.
She smiled upon seeing me.
"Are you here for something else? Perhaps a beautifying potion?" She asked as she sat in front of a table and pointed to the chair opposite it, meaning I should sit.
I took it.
"No thanks. I came to ask about the potion I purchased the other day." I said, and she raised her eyebrows.
"Ah. The potion. So how was it?" She asked with a smile.
"It was quite effective, but it lasted for just a day. Why? Didn't I apply it right?" I asked, and she chuckled.
“Ah, young lady, it has to be applied every night. It's just like a little game. You lose, you're back to the bottom; you win, you increase; the love grows with your consistency." She said, and I looked at the ground unbelievably.
"Still, every night is too... I might get caught." I said, and she laughed once more.
"Lovers will do anything for love, even if it involves taking risks." She said, and I thought about it. It had been so nice to have him love me; even though I didn't have feelings for Lucius, I still enjoyed being his main focus. I enjoyed the jealous looks on Ariadne's faces.
"Thank you so much." I said, and she smiled.
"Anything for a lover, dear." She said.
…
I avoided Lucius that day, and In the night, when I was sure he was asleep, I went to him and listened to his breathing sounds to be sure he was asleep, then I applied the potion.
The next day, Lucius woke me from my sleep and took me to the very top of the castle, where it was windy.
"I think we've attracted a lot of eyes lately; here is where we can be free." He said, and we sat down, and I looked at him. The circle of red was in his eyes, and it was brimming with love.
Love for me.
On the rooftop, he sang for me, and we danced and had fun.
Over the next few days, I used the potion consistently, and I saw the love grow. He seemed to be madly in love with me. We raced each other in the forest and went everywhere together; every single person in the castle recognised us as love birds, and it was the constant topic. How we had dramatically changed from enemies to lovers.
I and Lucius continued our romance, blooming like a flower. Every night, we had sex and went to bed giggling. He'd tell me things I knew he'd never say if he was his normal self. Things like....
"I'm madly in love with you."
"You and I are forever."
"Since I met you, my life has changed."
"You're the only pretty flower in my garden."
Everyone in the castle saw me in a new light, as no one wanted the wrath of Lucius, which would be upon them if they mistreated me.
Everyone except Ariadne, of course.
~
I pushed and opened the door and walked gently and soundlessly, so I would wake him up, and I was halfway to the bed when the door opened and Lucius walked in. I was so stunned that I dropped the potion. I looked at the bed and noticed the pillows I had mistaken for Lucius.
I looked at Lucius, only for my heart to drop once more.
The little bottle had rolled over to him, and he picked it up.