Chapter 7: Freedom Comes At A Price

Kyra's POV 

“You’ll stay here from now on.”

Roderick's declaration still echoed in my mind. I was stunned by the way he blurted it out. I never imagined Roderick and I would be staying in the same room.

He came back to the room like nothing had happened. I wanted to ask who that man was and what had happened, but I reminded myself that I didn't have that right. I was just the powerless Luna he bought.

He sat down beside me comfortably like a king. 

“About earlier… it was a matter I needed to attend to,” he said softly.

“And you don't think I need to know about it?” I asked, unable to hide my curiosity.

“It's nothing you should be worried about,” he replied casually, making me even more curious.

Who was that man? I've never seen him before.  

What did they discuss? 

Roderick stood up and moved towards the adjoining door in his bedroom, which I suspected led to his bathroom.

I wondered what he was trying to do. 

“Maybe he still wants to test if I'll give in to his demands. He probably thinks this little care he has shown me will make me melt.” I thought.

But I knew I wouldn't give in no matter what.

He suddenly stopped in his tracks like he'd heard my thoughts, turned back and looked at me.

“Stay here,” he ordered, his voice was back to its usual cold tone, but it was tinged with something I could almost swear was concern. 

I nodded, unable to find my voice. 

When he disappeared into the other room, I let out the breath I had been holding. His presence was so overwhelming. Thank the goddess he couldn't hear my thoughts. 

Mates, especially those with stronger bonds, could hear each other's thoughts and even communicate telepathically. 

The sound of running water told me he was bathing. He needed it too. The smell of blood on his body from the wolves he'd killed earlier in the battle was nauseating.

The room's atmosphere was thick with his scent. It surrounded me like a comfortable blanket as the weight of his words settled in my mind. 

“My Luna.”

The title was foreign to me. Some of the maids had been calling me Luna since my arrival here, but it felt strange hearing it from Roderick.

A few minutes later, the bathroom door opened, and Roderick stepped out.

My breath hitched. 

I fought the urge to let my gaze wander—I didn't want him to catch me staring—but I couldn't help but steal glances at him.

He was bare-chested with only a towel around his waist. His body glistened with droplets of water that slid down his skin like tiny rivers. 

His muscles were very defined. A tattoo sprawled across the left side of his chest. 

Roderick seemed unaware of my inner battle, or maybe he just chose to ignore it. 

He moved around with grace like the Alpha he was. Each step he took was controlled and deliberate. At this rate, I wouldn't refuse if he asked me to sleep with him.

At the thought, heat crept up my cheeks, spreading through my body to places I couldn't mention. I caught his eyes and quickly averted my gaze, embarrassed by my sudden reaction. 

“You're blushing,” he said, looking smug. “It's okay, don't feel embarrassed.”

“I’m not blushing,” I shot back.

“Really?” he asked with a faint smirk.

“I don't need to blush. You're nothing to me, just a wicked man who doesn't care about anyone but himself,” I said, more to myself as a reminder. 

I know I needed to say it for my insanity.

“Okay,” he said with his usual unreadable expression, “If you say so.” 

He walked to the other side of the room, where his wardrobe was, and took off his towel to dry himself. 

The sight of him stirred something deep within me—a longing I couldn't quite place, but also wouldn't acknowledge.

“Kyra,” he said, breaking the long silence between us.

I looked at him, his eyes were now softer, the fury of earlier was gone.

“You need to understand the reality of my world. The dangers that lurk around me, and the responsibility you now carry as my Luna.”

I swallowed hard.

“I don't understand,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “Why me? Why now?”

He sighed, running his hand through his dark, wet hair. 

It was just so overwhelming, so confusing. This was the same man who had tormented me since I arrived.

“You've treated me like trash ever since,” my voice trembled. “Why should I believe anything you say?”

Roderick's expression hardened a flicker of anger flashed in his eyes. 

“Because I care for you, Kyra,” he growled.

“I have to be harsh to protect you. To make you strong. But you refused to complete the mating process, so I had to teach you some lessons and manners that way, so that you'll know what it means to be an Alpha here.”

“This world is not kind, Kyra. It will tear you apart if you're weak.”

A tear slipped down my cheek, the frustration and the fear, all bubbling to the surface.

“I don't want to be strong!” I yelled. “I just want to be free.” 

I didn't care if I was shouting the Devil Alpha. 

I was still confused about everything happening around me and didn't know what to say or how to say it.

Roderick moved closer to me. I could feel the coldness radiating out of him.

He knelt in front of me and rested his hands on my knees. 

"Kyra," he continued, his voice almost a whisper. "You need to understand that every choice has consequences.”

"Freedom comes at a price," he said softly.

I opened my mouth to reply, but before I could reply to him, Roderick leaned in closer, and I felt his breath warm against my face. 

"There's something you don't know," he murmured, his eyes staring into mine. "Something that will change everything."

My heart thudded painfully in my chest.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

He hesitated for a moment, then looked into my eyes with a resolve that sent shivers down my spine. 

"You're not just my Luna, Kyra. You're..."

A loud crash echoed throughout the room, causing the lights to flicker. 

Roderick's eyes widened in alarm. 

"No," he whispered, more to himself than to me. 

"It can't be happening now."