CHAPTER 142: 142 - YOUR EYES

142

~Belinda’s POV

I leaned back on the soft couch in the lounge, the golden glow from the lamps warming my skin. Kael sat close on my right, his arm stretched along the backrest, his fingers brushing my shoulder every now and then. Rowan was across from me, one leg crossed over the other, holding a glass of wine like he owned the whole world.

I smiled, staring at them. I couldn’t be bothered with Damon’s presence. I knew she would come around once I became their Luna.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Rowan asked suddenly, tilting his head. His lips curved into a smirk. "Planning trouble already?"

I laughed softly. "Maybe I am. Or maybe I just enjoy watching you two act like you’re not secretly competing over who can make me laugh first."

Kael gave me a mock glare. "Competing? With him? Never." He leaned closer, his deep voice teasing. "I don’t need to compete. You already laugh at my jokes without me trying."

Rowan chuckled and shook his head. "Oh, please. She laughs because she pities you. Admit it, Belinda."

I covered my mouth, giggling harder. "I think both of you are ridiculous. Do you always talk like this when I’m not around?"

"No," Kael said immediately. "We only waste our breath when it’s for you."

That answer made me blush. I looked down at my lap, trying to hide it, but Rowan noticed. He leaned forward, his eyes sharp yet playful.

"She likes hearing that," he teased.

"Do not start," I warned, though my cheeks burned.

Rowan raised his hands like he was surrendering. "Fine, fine. But tell me, Belinda, do you really feel ready for the role? all eyes on you?"

I hesitated. "I don’t know. It feels overwhelming. I told Seraphine that I wanted a dress no one has ever worn, something perfect... and now I’m scared that maybe I asked for too much. I don’t even know if I can really do well as a Luna."

Kael touched my arm gently. "Belinda, you didn’t ask for too much. You asked for what you deserve. You are our Luna. You deserve the best. And you will do well. The position is yours, remember?"

Rowan nodded in agreement. "Exactly. And tomorrow, you’ll see them all line up, desperate to please you. You just need to pick the ones you like. Nothing more."

Their reassurance soothed me.

The night passed with us talking about everything and nothing, Rowan teasing Kael about his serious face, Kael pretending to scold Rowan for his laziness, and me laughing until my cheeks hurt.

When it grew late, Kael finally stood, stretching. "Enough. Our Luna needs her rest."

Rowan gave me a playful wink. "Sweet dreams, Belinda. Don’t dream of me too much."

"Don’t flatter yourself," I shot back, though I smiled as I left with Kael.

The Next Morning

The sunlight streamed into my room, waking me gently. My heart beat faster as I remembered what today was. The jewelers. The hairdressers. Everyone was coming just for me.

I sat up, brushing my hair back nervously.

Soon, there was a knock at the door, and Matilda entered gracefully. She was efficient as always.

"Good morning, Lady Belinda," she greeted, bowing slightly.

"Good morning, Matilda," I replied, trying to steady my voice.

"They are here," she said simply. "The jewelers, the hairdressers. I had them brought to the hall, but the Alphas instructed that they should meet you in your chambers so you can choose in comfort."

My stomach tightened. "All of them? At once?"

"Yes, my lady. But do not be afraid. They are eager to serve. They know what this means."

I swallowed and nodded. "Alright. Bring them in."

Matilda smiled warmly. "I will. The Alphas are on their way, too."

When she left, I stood quickly and looked around my room, suddenly conscious of every detail. The mirrors, the golden drapes, the wide carpeted floor.

The door opened again, and Matilda returned with several people behind her. I counted at least ten, five jewelers carrying elegant cases, and five hairdressers with their tools neatly packed.

"Luna Belinda," one of the jewelers said, bowing deeply. The others followed.

"Good morning, my lady," the hairdressers chorused, lowering their heads.

"Good morning," I said softly.

Kael and Rowan entered then. Kael moved to stand beside me, while Rowan leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, watching everyone with sharp eyes.

Matilda gestured. "They are here for you, Luna. Each of them will show you their craft. You may test their work, speak with them, and in the end, choose who you wish to keep."

I nodded slowly. "Alright."

One jeweler, a tall man with silver-streaked hair, stepped forward first. He opened his case, revealing dazzling necklaces and earrings that sparkled in the morning light.

"These are crafted from moonstone and pure silver," he explained. "Fit for a Luna. The design is unique; you will not find another like it."

I reached out and touched the necklace carefully. "It’s beautiful," I whispered.

Another jeweler came forward, a young woman with bright eyes. She opened her box to show delicate golden chains with small crystals that caught the light. "My pieces are lighter, my lady. They will not weigh you down when you walk. Comfort and beauty together."

I glanced at Kael, who nodded approvingly. Rowan raised an eyebrow, saying nothing yet.

The third jeweler presented ruby earrings, bold and fiery. "These speak of strength," he said. "They tell the world you are not only beautiful, but powerful."

Rowan smirked. "That one knows what he’s doing."

I smiled faintly, moving between them, listening to their words, touching the jewels carefully.

Then the hairdressers came forward. One woman bowed and said, "Allow me, Luna." She took out her pins and brushes, her hands quick and steady. She gathered my hair into an elegant braid within minutes, weaving it so smoothly I gasped when I saw the mirror.

"It’s lovely," I said honestly.

Another hairdresser stepped forward next. "My lady, if I may." She loosened my hair and then styled it into soft curls, letting them fall over my shoulders. She added a small silver pin. "This style will frame your face and bring out your eyes."

Kael smiled faintly. "That does look good on you."

Rowan tilted his head. "I prefer the braid."

I laughed softly. "Of course you disagree."

The room filled with voices as each jeweler and hairdresser tried to win me over. Some spoke of tradition, others of beauty, others of strength. I listened to them all, my mind swirling with choices.

Finally, I raised my hand, and the room went silent.

"Thank you," I said, my voice firmer than before. "You all have shown me your best work. I am grateful. But I will only choose those who make me feel... like myself. Not just a Luna, not just someone in jewels, but me."