The Luna Queen's Blood Oath

CHAPTER 1: Aniversary

Layla's POV

“Where do you want the extra flowers, Mrs Kruger!” A servant called in urgency.

“Mrs Kruger, this part of the wall is all set!” Another called, loudly.

The house was buzzing with energy as servants and maids scurried from corner to corner hanging up designs and decorations and I was caught in the middle of it all, overseeing the decorations and giving pieces of advice where necessary.

Mrs Kruger… The name had a certain ring to it, I must admit I wasn't used to being called Mrs Kruger, at least not yet.

“Mrs Kruger!” Someone interrupted my thought thoughts, rousing a little irritation from within me.

I turned sharply only to find my best friend, Sabrina by the door.

I forced a small smile as I walked towards the door to welcome her.

“Sabrina.” We embraced. “You're really early, you know that? Really punctual.” I said, sarcastically.

“Oh please… Gimme a break.” She rolled her eyes. “Traffic was something else. And heyy you've got everything set already without my help.”

“Yeah but the plan was to have everything set WITH your help, remember?”

“Makes no difference.” Sabrina moved around, eyeing the decorations with that judgy look on her face. Even though she said nothing, I knew that given the chance, she'd probably tear down everything and start from scratch.

“Does he know?” Sabrina asked abruptly.

Even though it sounded like a simple question, to me it wasn't.

I unconsciously let out a sigh and sat in the nearest chair. Sabrina took a seat beside me and at the corners of my eyes, I could make out the look of pity on her face.

“It's been years, Sabrina.” I said quietly. “It's been years already and he still acts as if we are strangers who had just met. I've done all in my power to please him. I've gone out of my way to make him see me for who I am, but each time, it's always that cold behavior, that nonchalant attitude he reserves just for me.”

“Well, I'm sure someday, he's going to finally acknowledge you.” Sabrina assured.

I only laughed painfully. “How long is that going to take? A lifetime? It's been five years already, Sabrina. Five years since my sister, Daisy died. Ooh bless her sweet soul. Five years since I was given to Alpha Daven as a wife in place of my sister! I know this is the final weapon in my arsenal this…” I waved at the decorated room. “…this is as far as I can go, Sabrina.”

“Yeah, well, he did make it clear on the first night that he doesn't love you.” Sabrina blurted out.

“Real smooth, Sabrina.” I rolled my eyes, getting up to my feet once more.

“What? I'm only stating a fact.” She shrugged.

Sabrina was my closest friend, perhaps my only friend too and I had no problem sharing even secrets with her but what I really loved and enjoyed about her was her humor and bluntness, her ability to turn any situation into a joke.

“Well come on, wise girl. Help me set up the last decorations before he gets home.” I urged her.

She got up too and I could see the sudden look of seriousness in her eyes. I had seen that before and that look always came when she was ready to spew some serious life advice or something.

“Uh here we go again.” I muttered, loud enough for her to hear.

“Listen up, Layla.” She started. “Even though you don't say it out loud, I can read you like a book already and I know somehow you blame yourself for what happened to Daisy…”

That sentence struck a nerve within me. I suddenly felt my heartbeat increase and I could almost hear the blood rushing through my veins.

“I'm sorry to bring that up but you gotta listen to this.” Sabrina apologized quickly, sensing my distress. “You see, the thing is, what happened to Daisy wasn't your fault and you really gotta stop beating yourself about it. Daisy wouldn't want you to remain on that guilt trip.! Because it's complicated between you and Alpha Daven now doesn't mean it'll forever remain this way, the moon goddess has her plans and they always work out for our good.”

Do they always work out for our good? How about Daisy? Did she deserve the end she got? I asked sarcastically within me.

“I'm sorry. Didn't mean to open up old wounds.” Sabrina touched my shoulder gently as if she was hoping to find a button she could turn off the sadness in me.

“That was some real piece of advice there.” I smiled forcefully. “You should really consider being a therapist.” I joked.

“I know, right.” She laughed. “Now come on, we gotta finish this so I can leave before Mr grumpy gets home.”

I laughed again.

***

The clock struck 6 pm and I waited patiently knowing that any moment from then, Daven would be back home.

The servants and maids had all dispersed out of sight and Sabrina was long gone, leaving the room empty except for me.

I kept pacing up and down the living room with occasional glances at the wall clock and even as I did, I found myself unconsciously muttering a silent prayer to the moon goddess. All I wanted, all I ever wanted was for Daven to finally see me, to finally bridge the distance between us.

After a few minutes past 6 pm, the door opened as I expected and Daven walked in.

“Surprise!!” I shouted with a wide smile on my face spreading ear to ear.

Daven stopped in his tracks and stared blankly at the decorations.

“Today marks our 5th anniversary so I took the liberty to set up some designs. I really hope….” I stopped mid-sentence. What was that? Was that a smile I just saw?! Daven was smiling!!

My heart jumped to my throat at the sight. The goddess has answered my silent prayers! Daven was pleased! He was smiling….!

“Oh, excuse me.” He said and reached behind the door.

What was it? Perhaps he remembered about the anniversary and also brought some kind of gift for me??! I was hyper already with my emotions ready to burst out like a volcano eruption.

As I watched in excitement, Daven pulled a lady into the room and closer to his body. That was when I noticed his smile was actually a smirk.

My heart sank to the deepest part of my stomach as I saw the woman enter, dressed in a fitting red dress that exposed her sexy curves. The lady slowly turned towards me and my knees buckled.

“Daisy!!” I screamed. “What? You are alive?!”