Claiming His Luna

Cercei’s POV

With an icy demeanour, he did not spare even a fleeting glance in my direction, not lingering longer than I did.

“No, put back her cuffs,” he commanded, his voice sending shivers down my spine.

As I gazed down at my restrained hands, a wave of sorrow flooded me, realising that the man I had once loved was no more. The person I knew as Lucian, with whom I had shared enchanting moments in Dinan and the strongest Alpha I encountered in the mansion, had transformed into a wholly different being.

My attention shifted to Frank, standing beside him, a sly greeting concealed in his eyes. Lucian paid me no attention as he engaged in conversation with his men, issuing authoritative orders.

“Good to see you again, Miss Cercei,” Frank addressed me while the firm grip of one of the men held my left arm.

“I can’t say the same,” I retorted, unwilling to feign any semblance of pleasure at encountering the man responsible for my mother’s abduction.

Ignoring my response, Frank pressed on with a sickeningly polite tone, “I hope you enjoy your stay.”

Suppressing the fury bubbling inside my heart, I gritted my teeth, yearning to free my hands from the shackles and deliver a punch right at him. Surely, one punch couldn’t threaten the larger plan in motion.

“Where is my mother?” I demanded, remembering the purpose that brought me here. I couldn’t afford to be consumed by heartbreak for the person Lucian once was or be swallowed whole by anger directed at Frank.

The air was fraught with tension, my emotions coiling like a tightly wound spring, poised to unravel in this dangerous dance of intentions.

Bound by a plan, I could not afford to act on my impulses. The consequences were far-reaching, endangering my life and Vincent’s and the lives of thousands of men who might be drawn into a conflict if I succumbed to the whims of my inner voice.

“Take her to her cage,” Lucian commanded Frank, leaving both of us stunned. A cage? What on earth did he mean?

“Do we have a cage here?” Frank furrowed his brows, striving for clarification from Lucian, who responded with a knowing look. Frank nodded and proceeded to lead me away.

A rush of bewilderment and resentment surged into my heart. A cage? Surely, I hadn’t expected a luxurious suite, but this was beyond anything I could have imagined. What had I become in Lucian’s eyes? A mere animal? Perhaps his resentment towards me was deeper than I could understand!

“Is he joking about the cage?” I inquired anxiously, but Frank merely glanced at me, withholding an answer.

We arrived at a small cellar wrapped in glass. It was scarcely larger than a closet, barely accommodating a bed or possibly a chair. I couldn’t be certain. Panic and disgust flooded me as I was trapped in this confined space.

“I have claustrophobia,” I admitted, my fear and discomfort were apparent. With its unforgiving square walls, the claustrophobic cell felt like a prison worse than hell.

“I’ll request a bedroom prepared for you,” Frank stated, his tone lacking any genuine concern.

“Thank you,” I replied out of habit, although I couldn’t shake the feeling that gratitude was unnecessary in this situation.

“As you should,” Frank retorted with a faint smile before locking the cellar and departing.

With a sigh, I acknowledged the completion of the initial stage of our plan. I found myself in a tightly cornered space, watched over by guards stationed just metres away. The glass walls seemed to mute all sound, leaving me alone with the sound of my own breathing.

Utilising a concealed earpiece, I secretly communicated with Vincent. The advantage of this soundproof chamber allowed me to speak to him without raising suspicions or being labelled as a crazy woman talking to myself.

“Hey,” I whispered, even though no one was around to hear us. One of the guards glanced in my direction, prompting me to hide my mouth behind my hair to suppress the movement of my lips.

“Cercei, you’re alive!” Vincent’s relieved laughter came through the earpiece.

“You doubted it?” I teased, trying to lighten the mood despite my dire circumstances.

“No,” Vincent’s voice sounded hesitant, and I could only shake my head in a discreet response.

“The first part of the plan is complete,” I reported, trying to maintain a pretence of composure.

“Then proceed to the second part,” he urged.

“I don’t think it’s going to work,” I admitted, biting my lip nervously.

The success of our entire plan hinged on Lucian’s alleged ‘feelings’ for me, words that I struggled to believe.

“What do you mean?” Vincent asked, his confusion evident.

“He’s… changed,” I faltered, my voice breaking slightly. A heavy silence hung on the other end of the line, and tears threatened to escape my eyes. I disliked the unfolding truth, but I had to face it.

“He’s cold and ruthless, indifferent. He’s not the same person anymore, Vince, and I don’t think our plan stands a chance,” I confessed, my hope fading away. It pained me to admit this reality, especially because I deeply loved him. Seeing him again, after leaving him behind in Dinan, stirred emotions that felt like ages ago, though it had been merely a short span of time.

“Then remind him,” Vincent suggested, offering a glimmer of hope.

“Remind him of what it used to feel like. Make him remember who he used to be,” he encouraged.

“All I want is my Mamà back,” I tried to steady my voice, but my tears betrayed my efforts.

“You know it’s more than that,” Vincent responded meaningfully.

More than that, he said. I wiped the tears from my eyes, scolding myself silently for breaking down when I knew crying wouldn’t fit into this dangerous plan.

“You’re right. I will remind him. I will get my mother back sooner than you think,” I said, attempting to regain my strength.

“Good, ’cause I’m too busy for our wedding,” Vincent tried to lighten the mood.

“Aww, I was already getting excited about my wedding gown,” I quipped, eliciting a chuckle from him.NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

“You can do this, Cercei. I know you can,” he encouraged, his voice sincere.

“Thank you, Vince. I’ll be in touch,” I expressed my gratitude before switching off the earpiece.

Lucian Red, you may act cold and indifferent all you want, but I’ll make sure to remind you of everything we had-the way you looked at me, the way you spoke, and the way we kissed. I’ll reboot your heart, and this time, I’ll ensure my influence on you is unforgettable.

When you finally remember, I’ll take back my mother right under your nose. I’ll make you give up everything for me, just as you used to. I long to see that lost puppy look on your face once more.

And rest assured, I’ll exact my revenge for putting me in this wretched cage. This suffocating space is tormenting me. I despise small places, and I swear to make you regret ever locking me up here.