LUNA: Alpha’s Soulmate from Another World

Markus Adolf de Veniam, also known as Duke Veniam, is one of the bachelors in the Vasilos Empire. He is so well-known that no one in the empire recognizes him. Besides his reputation and name, Markus Veniam’s handsomeness has made women fall in love with him, making the young Duke the center of attention wherever he goes.

He is a direct descendant of the Veniam family, blood-related to the imperial family. Markus Veniam’s father, Magnus Rohelio de Veniam, was the brother of the former emperor, making Markus a cousin to Alkrevas and the only person with a blood relation to the heir to the throne.

Markus Veniam is also renowned as a sword expert like his cousin. He picked up a sword as soon as he could walk. As he grew older, his swordsmanship skills improved so much that the former emperor personally awarded him a sword as a sign of affection and gave him the title of swordmaster at sixteen.

Markus Veniam began assisting his father-the previous duke-in his duties as Duke and managing the duchy at seventeen. The staff of Veniam Duchy regarded Markus as the perfect heir, known for his sharp thinking, ability to make the best decisions, and ability to find solutions to various problems. His strategies were flawless.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

When a large-scale rogue group attacked the northern region, they won the battle due to Markus’s excellent strategy. Markus would think ahead if there were two options, choosing the one with lesser risk. This made the northern region led by Veniam Duchy one of the best areas with the second-highest economic level after Mylonas Capital.

At the age of twenty-three, Markus Veniam chose to contribute to the security of the Vasilos Empire as a knight by leading the war against goblin forces and monsters threatening the empire’s peace. While other nobles chose to remain inactive, Markus stood on the front lines, eliminating enemies and beheading any who dared disturb the security of Vasilos. Upon returning to the capital with victory, the Vasilos Empire awarded Markus the honorary knight.

After receiving this title, Markus dedicated his life to becoming part of the imperial military, making Veniam Duchy one of the empire’s strongest forces while simultaneously prospering the population in the Veniam region. At the age of twenty-six, after becoming the general of the imperial security forces and with Alkrevas inaugurated as emperor, his cousin entrusted him with the position of Imperial Chancellor and Prime Minister of Vasilos. Alkrevas chose him not merely because of their blood relation but due to his achievements as a knight and his success in leading the Veniam region.

The nobles agreed with the Duke’s appointment. Shortly after Markus was inaugurated, he began his duties, dedicating his life to Vasilos and faithfully accompanying Alkrevas. For a considerable time, he performed his duties and accompanied the emperor. He always stayed on the emperor’s side, which required him to appoint a representative to manage the northern region.

This proved effective, especially since he appointed his best aide. However, when he received a report about Veniam demanding his return to the area, Markus had to leave his position temporarily and entrust the prime minister’s duties to the deputy prime minister.

Five years later, after choosing to return to the Veniam region to resolve critical issues, he returned to the capital to fulfill his duties as chancellor and prime minister and respond to the emperor’s summons.

Of course, Markus’s achievements were not merely by luck. He faced many challenges. The wars were filled with bloodshed, the deaths of his brothers on the battlefield, trauma, and even a near-death experience. Markus might have just been remembered in history if he were not a werewolf. Furthermore, the position he held required Markus to be extra vigilant, as not everyone liked him.

Some envied and hated his achievements, position, and power. He often came close to drinking wolfsbane mixed into his food or drink, faced assassination attempts, and more. Additionally, the death of the former duke due to depression from being separated from his soulmate for so long once brought Markus to the lowest point in his life.

Reflecting on it, Markus became who he is today because of his life journey. The process he went through was long and arduous. His never-give-up attitude was largely inherited from the late duke, and he also had a promise to keep-a promise to the late duke. Markus blinked and snapped out of his thoughts when he heard a knock on the door of his chamber in Duke Veniam’s mansion, a luxurious mansion located in the main district of Mylonas Capital.

He had just returned from the forest after a full moon night. He intended to rest before going to the imperial palace. Still, it seemed he had to cancel that plan when he opened the door and saw his aide-Jaxon Raylon, who had knocked.

“Why are you here at this hour, Jax?” Markus asked as he opened the door wider, inviting his aide inside. Markus casually poured an alcoholic drink into a tall glass prepared by the servant for him. He didn’t care about his appearance, dressed only in silk pajama pants and an untied robe, revealing his broad chest and perfectly toned abs.

Jaxon looked around. “You didn’t bring a female to your room, Markus?” the man asked, confused.

“I already did that in the forest. You don’t need to worry. Alcander has calmed down in my mind if you’re concerned.”

“I’m not scared, and it’s just that your wolf spirit is unpredictable. You and the emperor are the same. Besides, I’m worried about you,” Jaxon said worriedly. When they were alone, he dared to speak informally to Markus because they were friends. Still, it was a different story if they were not alone and in public, where all eyes watched sharply.

“You don’t need to worry. I won’t become Feral if that’s what you’re concerned about,” Markus said calmly. “So, what is it?”

“The emperor sent a message asking you to see him immediately.” Markus frowned at Jaxon’s words. Alkrevas hadn’t contacted him through the mind link, and his cousin chose to summon him formally to the palace. Markus wondered what his cousin was thinking, especially since finding the woman who turned out to be his soulmate.

Soulmate…, Luna… Markus started to think and then nodded in understanding. He’d better see Alkrevas to find out why his cousin was summoning him and discuss Luna.

“Alright. I’ll go right away. Prepare my horse.” Jaxon nodded after hearing Markus’s command, bowing and turning to leave the room. After Jaxon left, Markus sighed heavily and drank his drink until it was empty. He wondered about Loena and needed answers to all the questions in his head. The only one who could provide those answers was Alkrevas.

His green eyes slowly turned red, indicating that Alcander was not yet fully calm but better than before. He watched the dark sky gradually lighten, signaling that dawn was approaching.

Reluctantly, Markus called a servant and began preparing to go to the imperial palace.

…