The Moon Marked Him As Mine

[Astoria’s POV]I had always imagined that when my heart breaks, it would be loud, with me being hysterical. I hadn’t imagined it to be draining and some what relieving.That evening, I was exhausted. Work had taken out every ounce of energy from me, and all I wanted was to return home, change into pajamas, and maybe watch something fluffy with Shawn.But as I reached our apartment door, a strange heaviness settled in my chest. It wasn’t the fact that I saw a pair of very familiar pumps on the foyer, or that the lights were on which was unusal because Shawn never kept the lights on.Gloria was sitting on the love seat. She was crying into her hands, her shoulders shaking, while Shawn sat beside her, holding her close.The closeness wasn’t that of a friend supporting another friend, no…it was a familiar gesture, one that shouldn’t be between these two.For a moment, I couldn’t move. The sound of the door clicking shut behind me made both their heads turn. It wasn’t my presence, but tha

[Astoria’s POV]I found myself in a sleek black car, the model was high-end, which spoke enough about The Romeros’ status.The car had been discreetly parked so as not to draw attention to strangers.The warmth of the car was almost overwhelming after the cold night air. A chauffeur had put in my suitcase as if I wasn’t used to lugging my things around.The leather smelled expensive, and the soft hum of the engine felt oddly comforting. I sat there, staring out the window as the city lights blurred past.A few hours ago, I was robbed of my happiness and the only person in my life whom I called mine, but now, I was simply going away with a strange man, a CEO nonetheless, to attend my mother’s shotgun wedding.I would have laughed, but the morbidity of the situation only wanted to make me cry.I wondered if my mother would simply ask me to leave after her wedding was over.“You’re thinking too loudly, Ms. Winters,” Vladimir’s voice cut through my thoughts.I glanced at him to see if he

[Astoria’s POV]Unable to endure the weight of his gaze, I excused myself and made my way upstairs, maintaining composure until I reached my room. Only after closing the door did I allow myself to exhale a shaky breath.What the F was that all about? Why was he looking at me like…like I was some kind of prey.It had been an accidental touch. Skin brushing skin. That was it.Yet the sensation felt electric, and even now the mere thought of the touch made me shiver.I let out another shuddering breath and moved toward the window instead, pushing the curtains aside. The chilly morning air caressed my flushed face.A soft knock came at my door.I stiffened instinctively before forcing myself to relax. “Who is it?”There was no answer. Not wanting to be rude, I opened the door.Viktor stepped inside before I could block his way.My heart skipped a beat before I could remind myself that this man was my step-brother.He closed the door behind him, not slamming it, but firmly.“We have to tal

Astoria’s POV]The morning of my mother’s wedding arrived with bright sun rays and a gentle breeze.After waking up, I simply lay there listening to the distant hum of preparation, guests talking and laughing, their voices muted and distant, and the muted footsteps in hallways.I rolled onto my side and stared at the flimsy white curtains.It felt peaceful for once. But I couldn’t linger like would have liked to. Last night, Vladimir’s strange way to deflect the conversation had me thinking about what they were hiding.I sat up slowly. Despite the cold relationship, I was happy for her. She had suffered enough and deserved someone like Matthew. I had seen him watch my mother, his gaze always fond and his attention solely fixed on her.However, I couldn’t feel truly happy for some reason.A tiring sadness crept up inside me, not because she was marrying Matthew, but because once again, everything was changing.My gaze drifted toward the corner of the room where my gown hung. A beautifu

[Astoria’s Pov]When I opened my eyes, the ceiling above didn’t look like the one I was used to seeing every morning. This one had dark wood beams and…then the lighting seemed too…dull.Why was I—The question triggered the memories.The wedding. Lena running. The forest.And then—The wolf.The mere memory of that massive creature made me gasp. I pushed myself upright too quickly.Immediately, I regretted it as pain lanced through my head.“Easy.”Vladimir’s voice came from the chair beside the bed.Relief flooded me before I could stop it.He sat leaning forward, elbows on his knees, his usually composed expression slightly drawn with concern. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, and there was a faint smear of dirt along one cuff.Before I could question anything, he said calmly, “You fainted.”“Well, duh,” I couldn’t help but reply drily. That wasn’t what I wanted to ask.Vladimir gave me a pointed, albeit amused look.But I couldn’t smile as another memory surged back with bru