LUNA: Alpha’s Soulmate from Another World

Luna stood in front of the mirror, her eyes staring uncertainly at her reflection. A few minutes ago, Judith left the dressing room with the other maids after being helped to prepare, giving her some time alone.

For a moment, Luna was silent, unaware, when her hand lifted to touch Alkrevas’s claim mark on the right side of her neck. She only realized what was happening when a strong jolt accompanied by heat spread through her body, causing her to lurch forward, weakened. Fortunately, Luna reflexively touched the mirror for support; otherwise, she might have fallen to the floor. Her breathing was labored, and her heart pounded rapidly.

Her eyes blinked in surprise at her body’s reaction to touching the claim mark. She couldn’t believe such a slight touch could provoke such a strong response. It was no wonder her body had overreacted when Alkrevas touched her-just like last night.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

Luna clearly remembered how all logic and sanity had vanished entirely when Norris licked the claimed mark on her right neck, leaving only an overwhelming desire. Alkrevas had transformed her body into one that craved his touch, and Luna didn’t know which was better: becoming a willing slave to Alkrevas’s desires or being his enemy.

Memories of last night flooded into Luna’s mind, sending a shiver down her spine. She instinctively touched the bite mark Norris had left on her shoulder, which had turned red. Luna shook her head quickly, trying to act normal, especially when she heard the door open and footsteps approaching, indicating Alkrevas’s arrival.

Luna slowly stood up and inspected the green dress she wore to leave the palace, looking for wrinkles or dirt. But then she realized why she was concerned about her appearance. Since when did she care about that? Nervously biting her lower lip, Luna looked at her reflection in the mirror and froze when Alkrevas appeared in the reflection, indicating he was close by. He watched her silently and said, “You look very fitting in that dress.”

Alkrevas walked closer and looked at Luna, who stood stiffly in place. “Why do you look so tense? Act as you did before.”

Alkrevas sighed loudly and placed his hands behind his back. “Aren’t you considering my offer? If you want to judge whether I deserve a chance, you must treat me casually.”

“Sorry, I’m still a bit uncomfortable,” Luna mumbled awkwardly. She cleared her throat to steady herself before shrugging nonchalantly. So where are you taking me?”

“It’s already past noon, and many merchants are packing up and preparing to go to the Selene temple. Do you want to go there? We can visit a few shops while walking to the temple.”

“Walking?”

Alkrevas shook his head slightly, “I can take you directly to the city center with teleportation magic, but if you prefer a carriage ride, that’s fine too.”

Luna looked at him hesitantly. “You don’t need to worry. I’ll keep my promise. I’ve locked Norris away and won’t let him out until you’re ready.” Luna nodded and began to consider Alkrevas’s options.

“Teleport to the city center? I want to walk around there.”

“Alright.” Alkrevas turned and walked toward the dressing room door. “Follow me.” However, he stopped and turned back. Suddenly, he knelt and looked up at Luna.

“Before that, there’s something I need to do.” Luna remained silent as light emerged from Alkrevas’s hands, and the bracelet he had placed on her ankle emitted the same light. It didn’t last long, and when Alkrevas stood up again, he said, “I’ve removed the restraining magic. Now, imagine a large, tall, and solid wall surrounding you, protecting you. Can you do that?”

Luna nodded, then began to concentrate, imagining what Alkrevas had described. He watched her intently while she was busy creating the barrier to keep Alkrevas from reading her. “I’ve been thinking about what Norris said last night.”

“About what?”

“He’s settled inside my mind.” Luna opened her eyes and stared directly into Alkrevas’s brown eyes with her own dark brown ones. “How is that possible?”

“It’s because of the mate bond that connects our souls. Essentially, we are one, so our minds are also one. That’s why I can read your thoughts and memories, feel your emotions, and even feel pain if you get hurt. That’s why Norris can settle in your mind and linger there, and he’s even more free to do so because you haven’t created a barrier.”

“What about the magic barrier?”

“It prevents me from reading your thoughts, but not my wolf soul. Magic only works on physical beings, not on intangible ones. Norris is merely a ‘soul’ I possess as a werewolf.”

-Are you mocking me? I’m not a mortal ghost!- Norris growled at Alkrevas’s explanation to Luna.

Alkrevas ignored his wolf soul’s outburst and smiled at Luna. “You might not fully understand the concept of a soulmate, as it takes a long time to grasp. That’s why werewolves are taught about soulmates from a young age.”

He paused for a moment and asked, “Are you able to do it?”

“It feels more like hypnosis but a bit difficult.” Luna paused and murmured, “Can I enter your mind?”

Alkrevas shook his head, “You’re a mortal, Luna. The only thing you can do is feel my emotions and connect with me through dreams. You can also feel pain when I’m hurt, but the pain you feel will be much less compared to what I feel if you get hurt. It would be like a small scratch for you but a sword wound for me.”

“Oh, I see.” Luna closed her eyes again and tried to build the wall around herself once more. It was pretty complicated, as something seemed to be blocking her, and Luna wondered if it was Norris’s soul. So, she imagined pushing that barrier away and continued to build the wall, making it strong and tall, unable to be broken.

She slowly opened her eyes and murmured, “I’m done. Did it work?”

“Let me see.” Alkrevas stepped closer and stared directly at Luna. Instantly, Luna felt a headache, as if something was hitting her head. Still, the feeling didn’t last long, as it quickly disappeared.

“You succeeded. I can’t get into your mind.” Luna smiled, feeling relieved. “Can I read your thoughts if I want to?”

“You’d have to learn mind-reading magic.” Alkrevas thought for a moment. “I can teach you, but it’s magic that uses pure mana like mine, and most mortals aren’t from this world, which means they don’t have mana.”

“Is Mana like chakra?”

“Chakra?” Alkrevas smirked slightly.

“Sort of yes and no. Both originate from the heart and pump throughout the body like blood. The difference is in their uses. Mana is used for magic and to enhance sword techniques, while chakra is usually used for elemental powers. While mana can stand alone, chakra cannot. Chakra still needs a small amount of mana in the body.” Alkrevas placed one hand on his hip and asked, “Where did you learn about chakra?”

“Err… I’ve seen it in anime…”

“Anime?”

Luna scratched her temple, feeling unsure how to respond. It was fortunate that Alkrevas knew she wasn’t from this world. Still, it wasn’t straightforward because of the many differences between the two worlds.

“Should we go?” Luna tried to divert Alkrevas’s attention, and she was thankful he didn’t ask further. He chose to comply and walked out of the room.

Luna followed him and was puzzled when Alkrevas led her to his private study. Unlike the official Emperor’s office, which displayed the luxury and elegance of the Vasilos Empire, Alkrevas’s private study was more modest, dominated by bookshelves filled with various thick books.

Luna walked to one of the shelves and ran her fingers over the books, reading each title. Most books were about politics, strategy, economics, and matters related to his role as Emperor. For some reason, Luna’s heart raced. She felt like she was starting to understand Alkrevas. “You seem to be trying hard to be a wise Emperor.”

“Of course,” Alkrevas replied. He leaned against the side of the desk, watching Luna as she examined his book collection. “Although my reputation is quite terrifying, and I’m considered a tyrant, all I want is the well-being of all the people of Vasilos.”

“And you do it very well.” Luna smiled slightly, surprised that she was genuinely complimenting him. “Unfortunately, you kill so easily.”

Alkrevas shrugged. “I’d rather be called ruthless than weak. At least no one dares to challenge me directly.” Alkrevas straightened up. “Let’s pause this conversation. Didn’t you want to take a walk in the city center?”

“This is one way for me to judge whether you deserve a chance.”

Alkrevas nodded in understanding, then knelt and pulled back the beautiful carpet covering the center of the room. Instantly, a turquoise-colored magic circle with a complex pattern appeared before their eyes. Luna gasped and walked closer. “This is…”

“My teleportation magic.”

“Can you create this?”

“I’m a Wizard, and sometimes certain matters require me to discreetly go to the magic tower. The elders of the magic tower occasionally need my opinion on their magic and research.”

“Wow.”

“This teleportation magic is different from the one that connects different regions. Normal teleportation has limited range, but mine does not. You can go anywhere, but it can’t be used carelessly. Since I’m the creator, only I can operate it.”

“What if I want to use it when you’re not around?” Alkrevas looked at Luna suspiciously. “I’m just asking. Besides, your teleportation magic can’t take me back to my world.”

“You would only need a drop of my blood or a strand of my hair. Or…” Alkrevas raised his hand, showing a ring with a black gemstone on his index finger.

“You can use this ring of mine. It’s the Imperial family ring passed down through generations to the heir to the throne. The ring contains a mana reserve that its owner stores. Now, it holds my mana.”

Luna didn’t know what to say. Despite her seemingly long time here, she still felt unfamiliar with many things. If she and Alkrevas had gotten along from the beginning, would she have learned more about this world? Suddenly, she felt a pang of regret. “Can Norris use magic?”

“No. He can only use brute force.” Alkrevas replied flatly and honestly, making Norris growl in his mind. Seeing this, Luna couldn’t help but chuckle softly, and Alkrevas raised one eyebrow in question.

“I thought you would try to make Norris look good before me.”

“Norris is indeed foolish. I wonder why the Moon Goddess paired me with Norris. I don’t need a stupid wolf soul.”

-You insolent mortal! I won’t speak to you until you apologize!-

–For what? I’m just saying what I feel. Besides, this isn’t your first time hearing that from me.-

-Damn mortal!- Norris cut off communication and turned his back on Alkrevas, angrily swishing his thick black furry tail.

“Are you ready? Shall we go now?” Luna neatly fastened her cloak and walked closer to Alkrevas. He extended his hand to her. “You need to touch me if you don’t want to be left behind.”

Luna took a deep breath and hesitantly took Alkrevas’s hand. Upon contact with Alkrevas, she felt like a million volts were electrocuting her entire body. Added to that were her racing heart, the feeling of butterflies in her stomach, sparks of desire, and memories of the previous night, making her entire body flush, especially her cheeks.

She felt like a live, boiled crab. Grr! Why can’t my body’s response ever return to normal? she protested inwardly. “To the square?”

Luna nodded.

Alkrevas snapped his fingers, and instantly, the magic circle emitted light that enveloped them. “Don’t worry. This won’t make you feel dizzy or nauseous.”

Then, they disappeared within the magic circle.

….