Larissa: My Unlucky Day

RUN!

The warning voice screamed in my mind, sharp and urgent, as danger surged toward me like a wave.

I didn't know what it was, but I trusted my instincts.

Without hesitation, I bolted from the forest's hypnotic beauty, the place that had moments ago lured me into its quiet spell.

My breath came in ragged gasps as I ran, every muscle burning.

But eventually, my pace slowed. My legs grew weak. I stumbled into the crowd gathered in the city park, blending in with the people watching a musical performance.

Heart pounding, I scanned my surroundings, trying to understand what had triggered such raw fear—what had sent my subconscious into survival mode.

'Was it just my imagination? Or… did someone really try to kill me?'

I inhaled deeply, forcing calm into my shaking body, but no matter how intently I looked, I saw no sign of danger. No shadow in the corner. No figure stalking me from the trees.

Then I noticed where I stood—surrounded by couples lost in each other's arms, their laughter soft and their smiles warm.

A nearby singer chanted a gentle love song, the lyrics threading through the night like a lover's whisper.

Affection lingered in the air—kisses stolen, hands intertwined, promises exchanged in silent glances.

And there I was. Alone!

A flush crept up my cheeks, not from fear this time, but from the bitter ache of envy.

This trip to the North District, Shadowhaven—the capital city of the Crescentia Kingdom—was supposed to be magical.

But today marked the third day, and I still hadn't managed to spend a single night with my husband, Alpha Mark.

At this point, it felt as if I had come alone.

The last time I saw him was when he dropped me off at the hotel.

Since then—nothing. No call. No message. No explanation.

It was strange.

Why invite me to the Moon Festival but never ask me to join the celebration?

I couldn't shake the thought that he was staying somewhere else—maybe even in another woman's bed.

Honestly, I wasn't heartbroken over Alpha Mark. But the weight of Liam's threat—and my father's disappointment—settled heavily on my shoulders.

Today, I had sworn not to waste a moment thinking about them.

I had wanted to enjoy the Moon Festival. To laugh. To live. To forget my cold husband and my suffocating family.

But somehow, when I tried to join the celebration in the city park, I made a foolish mistake.

And I ended up lost in that cursed forest.

Sigh!

"Hey, you with the red hair..."

A heavy male voice jolted me from my thoughts.

I stiffened.

Glancing around, it didn't take long to realize—I was the only one in the area with red hair.

Slowly, I turned toward the source of the voice.

My stomach twisted.

A middle-aged man with a bloated belly—round enough to rival someone in their final trimester—was staring straight at me.

His eyes roamed over my body with open hunger, unashamed and vile.

His lustful gaze left me frozen for a split second. Before I could react, he was already standing uncomfortably close.

The smell of wine hit me like a slap, sharp and sickening. My body instinctively pulled back, dread curling inside me. Nauseating.

"My lady, you're absolutely hot and gorgeous," he said, grinning eagerly while his hands were on his crotch and he pushed his hips back and forth, almost like he was dancing. "Do you want to spend the night in a hot romance, love?"

My fists clenched tightly. I felt disgust and anger.

I needed to get away—now—before things spiraled into something I couldn't control.

"You're talking to the wrong person. Go away! I'm waiting for my husband!" I said firmly and turned away, not giving him a chance to respond.

But I felt it—the weight of his presence—following me.

My steps quickened, trying to put distance between us.

Just as I started to feel a sliver of relief, his voice slithered into my ear like poison.

"I know you're alone, lady. I saw you running like someone was chasing you. Then, standing here, panicked, all by yourself…"

My heart seized in my chest.

'He'd been watching me...?'

He hadn't just approached me by chance—he'd been following me from the start?

'Oh my god... is this the danger my instincts were warning me about?'

My hands turned cold. Panic spread through my veins.

"Oh, lonely pretty lady," he continued, his tone low and suggestive, "I've been enchanted since the moment I saw you. Did you know I own a seaside bar—you're welcome to drink there for free. Anything you want."

His voice crept closer with every word.

I silently pray, 'Please, leave me alone...' but deep down, I knew he wouldn't. My hope shattered as his words grew bolder, darker.

'This was definitely my unlucky day.'

The path to the main street was nearly deserted. Everyone had gathered and crowded in the park for the performance, leaving me isolated.

Then, finally, I saw it.

The road.

If I could just flag down a taxi, I could escape, get back to the hotel, and away from this lunatic.

I took one step forward.

But just as I moved toward the curb, a large hot hand clamped around mine, freezing me in place.

I was yanked backward, forced to face him. An ominous smile curled on his lips, sending a cold shiver down my spine despite my effort to appear calm.

No one knew I didn't have a wolf—unless they possessed powerful magic capable of seeing the seal my father had placed on me.

"Release my hand, or I'll tear out your heart!"

I snapped, my eyes burning with fury. But deep inside, my heart thundered in terror, and I could barely keep hidden.

His eyes widened with an undeniably shocked expression for a moment before that disgusting, lustful gleam returned, making my stomach twist.

"Oh, my lady… why are you afraid of me?" he cooed mockingly. "I only wanted a friendly chat, after we had sex. Relax…”