THE CURSED LUNA

Amira pov

I quickly gathered the papers that held my essential documents, including my name and credentials. If they were to be discovered, all my efforts would be in vain; I would have no choice but to incinerate them, regardless of the time it might take.

I felt a sense of weakness as I reflected on my words with Alpha Christian. He remained the same man with whom I had spent years in the pack house as a servant. The feelings I harbored for him as his mate still lingered, an unchangeable reality.

Leaning against the bed frame and facing the open door, I found myself lost in thought. Although the door stood wide open, my mind resisted the notion of closing it until a woman in a black apron, her hair tied back in a ponytail, entered the room and greeted me with a bow.

I furrowed my brow, attempting to place her face, but she resembled no one I could recall.

"How may I assist you, young lady?" I inquired.

"Apologies, ma'am Emily. My name is Esther, and I am the new house worker here. Please feel free to request your favorite dish," she introduced herself.

My eyes widened in surprise, and my jaw dropped as if I were watching a scene from a movie I knew nothing about. Tris had not informed me of his intention to bring in help, which was quite unexpected. I nodded, not in true agreement but rather indicating that she should leave; I would contact Tris to clarify the situation. I did not require assistance.

I forced a weak smile, trying to compose myself. "Thank you, Esther. That's... very kind of you." My mind was racing with questions. Why did Tris hire someone without telling me? Did he think I couldn't manage on my own?

Esther's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I will begin immediately, ma'am. Would you prefer that I prepare lunch or dinner?"

I paused, uncertain of how to reply. "Actually, Esther, I believe there has been a misunderstanding. I was not informed... I mean, Tris did not mention anything about hiring a new assistant."

Esther's demeanor shifted, and she took a step back. "I apologize, ma'am. Mr. Tris communicated to the agency that you required assistance. I assure you, I am here to support you."

The agency? Which agency? A sense of unease began to wash over me. Tris was aware of my desire for independence, particularly after all we had experienced together.

"I appreciate your readiness to assist, Esther," I stated firmly, "but I must discuss this matter with Tris. Could you please give me a moment?"

Esther nodded, her expression remaining composed. "Certainly, ma'am. I will wait outside." She lowered her head and exited the room, closing the door gently behind her.

Once she was gone, I quickly took action, reaching for my phone to call Tris. My fingers shook with irritation as I dialed his number. What was he thinking, hiring someone without my knowledge? The phone rang several times before Tris picked up, his voice bright. "Hey, Em! What's going on?"

"Tris, what is happening?" I asked, striving to maintain a calm tone. "Who is Esther, and why is she here?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line. "Ah, Esther. Yes, I employed her to assist around the house. You've been feeling overwhelmed lately, and I thought-"

"I do not require assistance, Tris," I interjected, my voice escalating. "Especially not from a stranger."

Tris exhaled deeply. "Emily, please-"

"No, you need to hear me," I interrupted, my emotions boiling over. "We must discuss this face-to-face. Immediately."

"Alright, alright. I will come over right away," Tris replied, his tone more placating.

I terminated the call, my mind swirling with uncertainties and concerns. What other secrets had Tris been concealing from me?

The woman knocked on my door once more, and I recognized her as the one. Her persistent presence and knocking made me uneasy, prompting me to invite her in.

"Esther, could you prepare something for me to eat? I am quite hungry," I fabricated, attempting to ease her discomfort while finding a distraction from the turmoil in my corridor.

Esther's face brightened with a warm smile as she entered the room. "Certainly, ma'am! I will whip up something delightful for you right away. Would you prefer something light or a full meal?"

I gestured vaguely, striving to uphold the pretense. "Surprise me, Esther. Choose whatever you think I would enjoy."

Esther nodded and began to leave, but I noticed a flicker of curiosity in her eyes. She appeared to sense that something was amiss.

As she vanished into the hallway, I let out a sigh and leaned back against the bed frame, my gaze drifting toward the door. What was Tris thinking by hiring someone without consulting me? And what was Esther's background? She seemed kind and capable, yet there was an element of her story that felt incomplete.

The sound of Esther's footsteps gradually diminished, giving way to the rhythmic clinking of pots and pans emanating from the kitchen. My stomach rumbled, despite my earlier assertion that my hunger was merely a pretense. Perhaps the meal Esther was preparing would serve as a much-needed diversion from the inner turmoil I was experiencing.

After twenty minutes, Esther returned, carrying a steaming tray. The enticing aroma of roasted chicken and fragrant herbs filled the air, captivating my senses.

"Here we are, ma'am," Esther declared as she placed the tray on the bedside table. "Roasted chicken accompanied by quinoa and steamed vegetables. Would you prefer water or juice?"

I declined, feeling a twinge of guilt for using her presence as a means of distraction. "No, thank you, Esther. This looks delightful."

Esther beamed and stepped back, her gaze lingering on me for a brief moment before she turned to exit.

"Esther?" I called softly, my tone more gentle than I had intended.

"Yes, ma'am?" She turned back, her expression curious.

"Where do you come from?" I inquired, my genuine curiosity getting the better of me.

A brief moment of hesitation flickered across Esther's face before she replied, "I hail from a small town a few hours away, ma'am. I relocated here in search of new opportunities."

Her response seemed somewhat rehearsed, and I sensed there was more to her narrative. However, before I could delve deeper, the sound of the front door opening and closing announced Tris's arrival.

I observed them intently as Tris hesitated upon seeing her. Their eyes met with an urgency that prompted me to pick up my phone, staring at him with confidence. He showed no signs of remorse as he gazed at the woman with an alluring intensity.

"Tris?" I called out calmly, attempting to bring him back to reality.

Tris's head snapped in my direction, his eyes meeting mine with a blend of guilt and surprise. "Hey, Em," he replied, his tone slightly too casual.

I raised an eyebrow, my voice laced with a hint of accusation. "Tris, could you clarify what is happening here?"

Tris cleared his throat and redirected his attention to Esther. "Esther, why don't you take a moment to step away? I will manage things from this point."

Esther's face showed a brief moment of comprehension, and she nodded quickly. "Certainly, sir. Ma'am." She performed a swift curtsy before making a hurried exit, leaving Tris and me in solitude.

Tris entered the room with a fluid yet tense demeanor. "What is happening, Emily?" he inquired, attempting to appear innocent.

I raised my phone, its screen still dark. "Do not feign ignorance, Tris. I noticed the way you looked at her, and how she looked at you." Tris's eyes narrowed, and his jaw tightened. "You are overanalyzing this, Emily."

"Am I?" I retorted, maintaining an even tone. "Because from my perspective, it appears there is something between you and Esther." Tris sighed, running a hand through his hair. "There is nothing happening, Emily. Esther is simply... efficient. That is all."

"Efficient?" I repeated, skepticism evident on my face. "Is that the reason you hired her without informing me?"

Tris's expression shifted to one of embarrassment. "I did not want to add to your worries. You have been under a lot of stress lately." "Stressed?" My laughter was sharp. "You have no idea what true stress is, Tris."

The atmosphere grew heavy with unspoken tension as Tris moved closer to me. "Emily, please-"

"No, Tris," I interjected, my voice resolute. "You need to listen. I demand the truth about Esther and the real reason you hired her." Tris's gaze bore into mine, filled with intensity. For a fleeting moment, I thought I detected a hint of something-perhaps guilt or regret. However, his demeanor quickly shifted, and he stated, "Very well. I will share everything with you. But you must promise to listen." I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation.

She is a friend who has recently lost her job, and I offered her assistance by providing her with an opportunity to work as a helper. Is that acceptable? No, it is not. Dismiss her; she is looking at you with those pleading eyes.

Are you feeling jealous? he inquired suddenly, leaving me momentarily speechless as I grappled with his assertion.

No, I cannot be jealous, I replied, turning my face away from him.

Tris let out a low, husky chuckle that sent a shiver down my spine. "Do not deny it, Emily. I can see it reflected in your eyes."

I quickly turned my head back, my cheeks flushed. "I am not jealous," I asserted, striving to sound convincing.

Tris raised an eyebrow, his gaze unwavering. "Really? Then why are you reacting this way?"

I inhaled deeply, trying to steady my racing thoughts. "I simply do not want unfamiliar faces in my home, that is all."

Tris's expression softened. "Esther is not a stranger. She is a friend in need, and I made a promise to assist her."

His words resonated with me. I recalled the numerous occasions when Tris had stood by my side, offering support through difficult times.

"Very well," I conceded, my voice barely audible. "Esther may stay. But I need you to promise me one thing."

Tris's eyes locked onto mine with unwavering intensity. "Anything."

"Promise me there is nothing between you and Esther."

Tris's face was mere inches from mine, his breath brushing against my skin. "I promise, Emily. There is nothing between us. You are the only one who matters to me."

My heart raced as his words enveloped me like a comforting embrace.

At that moment, Esther reemerged at the entrance, her gaze shifting between Tris and myself. "I apologize for the interruption, but dinner is ready."

Tris offered a smile and took a step back from me. "Thank you, Esther. We will join you shortly."

As Esther left, I was unable to shake the sensation that something was amiss.

We should go to dinner; it's getting late.

I'm not hungry, Tris. I simply need some time alone.

Tris's expression shifted to one of concern. "Emily, please. You need to eat. You've been cooped up in this room all day."

I shook my head, a wave of fatigue washing over me. "I'm not hungry, Tris. Just let me be."

Tris sighed, his eyes searching mine for understanding. "Alright. But Esther put a lot of effort into dinner. Can't you at least try?"

I shot him a glare, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "You're really pushing this, aren't you? Can't you tell I'm not in the mood?"

Tris's demeanor softened as he moved closer. "I'm genuinely worried about you, Emily. You've been so distant lately. What's troubling you?"

I turned away, unable to hold his gaze. "Nothing. Just leave me be."

The silence that enveloped us became increasingly oppressive until Tris finally acquiesced with a nod. "Very well. I will leave you be. However, understand this: Esther will remain. She requires our assistance." With that, he turned and exited, shutting the door behind him.

I sank onto the bed, feeling utterly exhausted. What was driving Tris's obstinacy regarding Esther? And why was I so invested in the matter?

As I lay there, my mind wandered back to the documents I had hastily stowed away earlier. My qualifications, my identity-everything was intertwined with this location. With Tris.

A chill coursed through me. Was I on the verge of losing my grip?

Abruptly, a soft knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," I called out, anticipating Tris's return.

Instead, it was Esther who stepped inside, bearing a tray with a steaming bowl of soup.

"I brought you dinner, ma'am," she said gently. "You must take care of yourself."

I regarded her with a frown, uncertain of her motives.