Marked By The Alpha's Cursed Blue Moon-Chapter 120. Dress Code

Maria woke up suddenly to the shrill ring of her alarm clock. It was exactly 6 a.m., and for a moment, she nearly jumped out of bed, thinking she was running late for college.

Her heart pounded in her chest, but as she sat up and rubbed her eyes, the memories of the previous day returned.

She wasn’t going to college today.

Beta Gilbert had strictly advised her not to leave the house for security reasons. Everything now revolved around the mission they were to carry out later that day at the Park House.

She had to remain calm, focused, and careful. The plan had to go exactly as Mr. Frederick had laid it out. Any deviation could cost them all.

Maria let out a quiet sigh and leaned back against her pillow, her thoughts racing. Amidst the flood of anxiety and uncertainty, one thought warmed her—James.

The memory of him crossed her mind like a soft breeze, easing the weight in her chest.

I want to be with him, she thought silently, her eyes fixed on the ceiling. But for that to happen, I must get through all of this first. I can’t let any step go wrong.

She couldn’t afford to act emotionally. Everything had to be done with precision. Mr. Frederick’s motives weren’t entirely clear, and she still had doubts about him.

But one thing was undeniable, he had power and influence. And that was exactly what she needed to seek justice for her parents.

I have to trust him. This is my chance. If I miss it, I might never get another. A worried look settled on her face as she buried herself deeper into thought.

As her body relaxed again, she drifted back into a short but deep sleep.

In her dream, Maria found herself among a large gathering of people she didn’t recognize. They were all smiling and cheering, celebrating something important.

She looked down and saw herself dressed in a white wedding gown, pregnant. But there was no joy on her face. She looked pale, tired, and deeply unhappy.

Everyone around her laughed and clapped, but her heart remained heavy. She was outside, waiting, and then she felt a soft, familiar touch on her shoulder. She turned around and saw her mother standing there, smiling warmly.

Her mother embraced her tightly, and for a moment, Maria felt at peace. Just as she was about to speak, a loud voice rang from behind.

"And here comes the groom!" someone announced cheerfully.

Before she could turn around to see the groom’s face, a loud knock jolted her from the dream.

Maria stirred slowly. Her eyes fluttered open, and the sound came again—a firm knock on her door.

"Who’s there?" she asked in a tired voice as she dragged herself out of bed.

"It’s me, Helen," came the calm voice of the maid. "I was sent to inform you that breakfast is ready. The family is waiting for you at the dining table."

Maria nodded slowly and muttered a quiet thanks, though Helen was already gone.

She walked groggily to the bathroom, picked up her toothbrush, and quickly brushed her teeth. Her mind still lingered on the strange dream, trying to make sense of it.

The wedding dress, her mother’s appearance, her sadness, it all felt symbolic.

Once she was done, she headed downstairs to the dining room. As she reached the bottom of the staircase, she caught sight of Bernard, Beta Gilbert, and Luna Victoria already seated.

She approached the table, offered greetings, and apologized for the delay. "I had to quickly freshen up," she explained politely.

"No problem, Maria," Beta Gilbert said with a gentle smile. "Hope you slept well?"

"Yes sir, I had a wonderful rest," she replied with a soft smile of her own.

"Are you ready for today?" he asked, this time with a firmer tone, his eyes fixed on hers.

Maria hesitated for a split second, then nodded. "Yes sir, I’m prepared."

Victoria turned her attention to Maria with a cool expression. "Do you know anything about the staff of office and the responsibilities that come with being a young Luna?"

The question took Maria off guard. She didn’t expect to be questioned like this, especially not in front of everyone. Her gaze dropped slightly.

"No ma’am. I don’t know much about the staff or what exactly we’re doing today," she answered honestly.

Luna Victoria gave a small nod and smiled. "You’ll be taught what you need to know when we arrive at the Park House. But what I will tell you now is that you’ll be wearing a plain white garment today. It’s required when going to the sacred place where the staff of office is kept."

Maria’s brows lifted slightly. "Why is the white garment necessary?" she asked curiously.

"Because the Luna of an Alpha is meant to reflect purity—in her appearance, her character, and her intentions," Luna Victoria replied in a calm, instructive tone. "The garment is symbolic. It prepares your spirit and shows respect to the ancient ways."

"Do you have something suitable to wear?" she asked gently.

"Yes ma’am, I have one I can wear," Maria replied.

As soon as she finished speaking, she noticed Bernard staring at her. His gaze was intense and unreadable, and it made her shift uncomfortably in her seat. She lowered her eyes and focused on her plate, rushing through her meal.

Once she was done, she stood up and asked for permission to return to her room and rest.

"Take a short rest," Beta Gilbert said. "We’ll be leaving by 5 p.m., so be ready."

Maria nodded and left the table, heading back to her room. Her mind was restless. She kept thinking about her dream and couldn’t shake the uneasiness it left behind.

She also wondered why Bernard had looked at her with such intensity. It wasn’t the first time, but today, it felt different.

As she reached her door and stepped inside, something unexpected caught her attention.

There was a wrapped parcel sitting neatly on her bed. She stopped in her tracks, staring at it as her heart skipped a beat.

Slowly, she stepped back and observed the package from a distance, trying to make sense of who could have left it there... and why...

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