The soft rustle of leaves outside the grand estate provided a soothing backdrop to Ahicia Moonlight's restless thoughts. Seated on the edge of her ornate bed, she replayed Lysandra's teasing words in her mind: "Strength isn't just about power. It's about trust." As much as she disliked admitting it, Lysandra had a point. If Ahicia wanted to solidify her position and truly understand Damian, she needed to break the invisible wall between them. And what better way than starting with the simplest yet most symbolic act of unity: sharing a room?
Her decision made, Ahicia adjusted her crimson gown, its silky fabric catching the light as she rose. Determination glinted in her red eyes as she left her chambers, navigating the halls of Damian's expansive estate. The Alpha's golden gaze had been absent lately, and she'd convinced herself it was due to her avoidance. But no longer.
Ahicia found Damian in the study, a place filled with the scent of aged wood and leather. He was seated behind an expansive desk, reviewing documents, his sharp features illuminated by the flickering glow of a nearby lamp. His golden eyes lifted at her approach, curiosity flashing in them.
"Ahicia," he greeted, his deep voice as steady as ever. "To what do I owe this visit?"
She stepped closer, hands clasped behind her back to steady herself. "I have a proposal," she began, her tone measured but firm.
Damian leaned back in his chair, one brow arching. "A proposal? This should be interesting."
"We should share a room," she said bluntly, her crimson gaze locking onto his.
The silence that followed was deafening. Damian's expression remained unreadable, though his golden eyes sharpened. "And why," he asked slowly, "would you suggest that?"
Ahicia squared her shoulders, refusing to waver. "It's what's expected of us as Alpha and Queen. If we're to lead the pack together, we need to present a united front. Trust has to start somewhere."
Damian rose from his seat, towering over her yet maintaining an air of calm. "Trust is earned, not forced by proximity," he countered. "What's the real reason, Ahicia?"
Her breath hitched at the challenge in his tone. She hated how easily he saw through her. "I don't want to give anyone—the pack, your family, or anyone else—a reason to question my place here," she admitted, her voice softer now. "And I need to understand you if I'm to rule by your side."
Damian's gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable. The moments stretched, each second heavier than the last. Finally, he spoke. "Do you think sleeping in the same room will make us understand each other?"
Ahicia's jaw tightened. "It's a start."
He took a step closer, his presence overwhelming yet oddly grounding. "Sharing a room won't magically solve anything. You know that, don't you?"
"I'm aware," she replied, her defiance resurfacing. "But it's better than staying distant. Isn't that what leaders are supposed to do? Bridge gaps?"
A small, rare smile tugged at Damian's lips, though it didn't reach his eyes. "You surprise me, Ahicia. You're more determined than I gave you credit for."
Her cheeks flushed at the unexpected praise, though she quickly masked it with a scoff. "I'll take that as a yes, then?"
Damian regarded her for another long moment before nodding. "Fine. If this is what you want, we'll try it."
Relief washed over her, though she refused to let it show. "Good. It'll save me from having to drag my things in here without your permission."
His low chuckle filled the room. "I'd like to see you try."
With that, Ahicia turned on her heel, striding toward the door with her head held high. Damian's voice stopped her just as she reached it.
"Ahicia."
She paused, glancing over her shoulder. "What?"
"If you're serious about this, prepare yourself," he said, his tone laced with meaning. "Sharing a room means more than just proximity. It means honesty. Are you ready for that?"
Her crimson eyes glinted with resolve. "We'll see, won't we?"
She left the study, her heart pounding with a mixture of apprehension and anticipation. This was just the beginning, but for once, she felt like she was taking control of her destiny—one bold step at a time.