\u201cKaia Nightshade of Silvermoon,\u201d the Elder called out, \u201cyou stand accused of treason against this pack.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Elder coldly said to me while I stood at the judgment stand bound in silver chains.<\/p>\n
Treason.<\/p>\n
I laughed; a sharp, broken sound that echoed through the hall. \u201cI bled for this pack. I fought for this pack. What exactly am I being accused of?\u201d<\/p>\n
The Elder didn\u2019t blink. \u201cOf conspiring with rogues to assassinate Liora, The Alpha\u2019s chosen consort. You led them to the northern patrol, where six of our warriors were slaughtered protecting the consort.\u201d<\/p>\n
I laughed, bitter and hollow. \u201cYou\u2019ve lost your minds! I would never betray the pack. I would never betray you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEnough,\u201d Draven\u2019s voice cut through me like steel. Cold and sharp. \u201cThe evidence is clear. You tried to assassinate Liora while she\u2019s carrying the Pack\u2019s heir. That\u2019s treason.\u201d<\/p>\n
My knees threatened to snap. A scream clawed its way up my throat, but I swallowed it.<\/p>\n
The bond that had tied us together; my mate, my husband, my love, shattered in a heartbeat.<\/p>\n
And then I remembered that night. Where my whole life went up in flames.<\/p>\n
I had fallen apart that night, crumpled wondering how the man I loved could betray me so completely.<\/p>\n
**Two Months Ago**<\/p>\n
\u201cHoney, you don\u2019t look good. Shall I get you warm lemon water?\u201d I asked, concerned.<\/p>\n
The firelight flickered in Draven\u2019s private chambers. He had summoned me there, his expression unreadable, but he remained calm.<\/p>\n
\u201cKaia,\u201d he said softly, almost grimly, \u201cLiora is pregnant.\u201d<\/p>\n
I froze. My stomach dropped.<\/p>\n
My claws itched against my palms, jiggling. \u201cPregnant?\u201d My voice cracked, trembling. \u201cYou\u2026Y-you told me she was just an Advisor. How can you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
My chest heaved, betrayal and disbelief twisting together like a blade in my gut.<\/p>\n
Draven\u2019s jaw tightened, but he didn\u2019t deny it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought you said she was just your advisor\u201d<\/p>\n
He stepped closer, his eyes cold fixed on me like a hawk.<\/p>\n
\u201cKaia,\u201d he called out to me, flatly,\u201cLiora is pregnant with my heir. It\u2019s time we make things official and crown her as Luna\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI want you to understand. She will bear my heir. I intend to make her my Luna. You\u2026 cannot give me that. I need her for the pack. Not you.\u201d<\/p>\n
My heart dropped, his words hitting me where it hurts.<\/p>\n
Without warning, my vision blurred and my knees gave way. I sank to the floor, tears burning my eyes.<\/p>\n
I couldn\u2019t breathe. My throat constricted. My heart felt hollow. I had trusted him every every step of the way, and he had discarded me like a broken tool.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou said, she was just your Advisor, how could you do this to me?\u201d I managed to say, sobbing. \u201cWhy, Draven?\u201d<\/p>\n
Driven didn\u2019t flinch, instead I saw something cross his face \u2014guilt, or maybe he\u2019s just annoyed that I remembered this.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said what I had to,\u201d he replied, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t change the fact that she\u2019s carrying the future Alpha. The Pack deserves a Luna, who can stand beside me and fulfil her duties\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA Luna, or a mistress you lied about until you got what you wanted?\u201d I snapped, spilling everything in my heart.<\/p>\n
Draven\u2019s face twisted. \u201cWatch your mouth, Kaia. This isn\u2019t about you anymore, it\u2019s about the pack\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAbout the pack?,\u201d I laughed pitifully.\u201c Or about you covering up the fact that you couldn\u2019t keep it in your pants?\u201d<\/p>\n
Driven clenched his fists, stepping in front of me and towering over me but I didn\u2019t look away, not even flinching.<\/p>\n
\u201cI stood by you,\u201dI spat.\u201cThrough every council meeting, fighting alongside you, every damn sleepless night you came home bleeding. And this is how you pay me? By parading her in front of me and calling it duty?\u201d<\/p>\n
Draven\u2019s jaw tightened, but he didn\u2019t answer. His silence was worse than anything he could have said.<\/p>\n
My hands trembled but I was determined to speak my mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know what\u2019s funny? I actually believed you. When you said she was just an Advisor. When you swore she meant nothing to you,\u201d<\/p>\n
I took a step back, shaking my head in self-pity.<\/p>\n
\u201cTurns out I wasn\u2019t losing my mate to war or rogue. I was losing him to someone he was too much of a coward to admit he was cheating with.\u201d<\/p>\n
Clenching his fists, Draven turned away, clearly enraged.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou think you can just strip me of my title? Throw me aside because she\u2019s carrying your child?\u201d I asked, my chest heaving.<\/p>\n
I laughed dryly. \u201cNo, Draven. I am your Luna. That bond wasn\u2019t given by you, and it won\u2019t be taken away by you. Never\u201d<\/p>\n
Draven\u2019s nose flared, his Alpha aura filling the room; a silent warning but I didn\u2019t care.<\/p>\n
\u201cCrown her if you want, Draven. Call her your Consort, your pretty little secret. But she will never be Luna while I breathe\u201d<\/p>\n
Draven\u2019s jaw clenched. \u201cKaia\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c No,\u201d I raised a hand, cutting him off.\u201cYou made your choice when you took her to your bed. Now live with it. But don\u2019t you dare think you can erase me just because she\u2019s giving you an heir\u201d<\/p>\n
With that I turned to leave, just as I was about to step out the door, I looked over my shoulder and added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Pack doesn\u2019t need another Luna, Draven. It already has one\u2014Me\u201d<\/p>\n
The pack had gathered in the courtyard of the Packhouse for the Unity Festival.<\/p>\n
The Unity Festival was meant to be a celebration; a night where every wolf in the pack gathered to honor the bond that kept them strong.<\/p>\n
The air was buzzing with low conversation.<\/p>\n
I stood at Draven\u2019s side, shoulders raised, chin high.<\/p>\n
Words spread like fire about The Alpha\u2019s chosen Consort and the child she carries through the pack.<\/p>\n
I refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.<\/p>\n
Then,as if on cue, I saw Liora approaching slowly, her hand on her rounded stomach as if trying to show everyone she was carrying the heir and I was a temporary Luna, standing in her place.<\/p>\n
The pack parted for her as though she were already Luna.<\/p>\n
Draven stood up when she approached. His expression softened, and my stomach tangled in disgust.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlpha,\u201d Liora said softly, bowing her head respectfully. Then, she turned her tear-bright eyes to me. \u201cLuna Kaia\u2026.May I?\u201d<\/p>\n
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Liora had never addressed me in public before<\/p>\n
Especially with the rumour of her pregnancy spreading like wildfire.<\/p>\n
My fingers curled into my \u00a0skirts, but I gave a stiff nod. \u201cSpeak.\u201d<\/p>\n
Liora stepped closer, voice trembling.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to honour the spirit of the festival\u2014to show the pack that there is no hatred between us. That we can stand together for the sake of our Pack. I know you love the Pack as much as I do. Please don\u2019t hate me and my child.<\/p>\n
Then she rested a hand protectively over her stomach, as though shielding the unborn heir from my evil eye.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead, we should unite to give the Pack an heir, Luna Kaia\u201d<\/p>\n
Whispers stirred through the crowd. I felt every eye on me, waiting for me to smile, to embrace Liora, to bless this \u201cpeace offering.\u201d<\/p>\n
Instead, I turned to Draven.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs this what tonight was about? Parading your mistress under the lanterns and calling it unity?\u201d<\/p>\n
The courtyard went dead silent almost immediately.<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t wait for an answer. I turned on my heel and strode from the table, head held high, before I could leave I felt a hand, restraining me.<\/p>\n
\u201cLuna Kaia, I\u2019m only here to pay my respects,\u201d Liora said, standing almost between me and Draven.<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t reply, clearly disgusted by her cheap tricks.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlpha,\u201d She said, softly, turning to Draven. Then, it settles on me again\u201c I only wish to pay my respects to Luna.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her voice raised just enough for the crowd to hear.<\/p>\n
\u201cplease,\u201d she whispered, loud enough. \u201cI just wanted to show her that I mean no harm.That we could\u2026Co-exist\u201d<\/p>\n
My jaw tightened, but I nodded stiffly. \u201cRespect paid. Now step aside.\u201d<\/p>\n
Liora\u2019s lower lip trembled, and she reached out\u2014not to me, but to Draven\u2019s arm, her fingers lingering far too long.<\/p>\n
Disgusted. I didn\u2019t want to stay here any longer as I was afraid I would pull that whore away from my mate.<\/p>\n
With my expressions turned to stone, I refused to speak nor lash out. I just turned on my heels and walked away.<\/p>\n
The moment my back was turned, Liora let out a soft cry, cradling her belly.<\/p>\n
Gasps rose from the onlookers behind me.The crowd parting in stunned shock.<\/p>\n
I froze, spinning back just in time to see Liora was on her knees , clutching her stomach, tears streaking her face.<\/p>\n
\u201dShe\u2026.she pushed me,\u201d Liora stuttered, pointing towards me.<\/p>\n
Several pack members rushed forward, murmuring in alarm.<\/p>\n
From a distance, it looked as though I had stormed off after hurting the fragile pregnant consort.<\/p>\n
Draven was at her side in an instant, helping her up, his hands on her shoulder.<\/p>\n
His face darkened as he glared in my direction.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake it easy, Liora,\u201d Draven said, warmly, breaking my heart into pieces.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just wanted peace,\u201c Liora whimpered, tears streaming down her face.\u201cBut, she\u2026She hates me so much\u201d<\/p>\n
All around, I saw the Pack members murmuring, their eyes suspicious and some openly judgmental.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat will happen to me and my baby, Alpha?\u201d Liora refused to stop crying.<\/p>\n
\u201cGamma Sage!\u201d Draven growled.\u201cEscort Liora to the Pack infirmary. The Luna has some questions to answer for later.\u201d<\/p>\n
Draven\u2019s eyes flashed to me, my heart rippling in my chest.<\/p>\n
My throat tightened with a lump but I refused to let them watch me break down. So, I walked away in a hurry.<\/p>\n
The Pack members\u2019 judgmental eyes followed me as I walked away.<\/p>\n
Before I could take five steps, someone clasped my arms, stopping me mid-step.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you doing? Let me go,Draven\u201d I wrestle to free myself but he won\u2019t let go.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m making you answer for your actions ,\u201d Draven\u2019s eyes burned.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnswer for what?,\u201d I asked, my voice steady.<\/p>\n
Although my heart thudded painfully in my chest, I didn\u2019t look away.<\/p>\n
\u201dFor attempting to harm the mother of my child\u201d<\/p>\n
I shook my head, looking at him with disbelief.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re joking, Draven. You can\u2019t really be serious about this. I did nothing to your mistress and you want to punish me? What a joke!\u201d<\/p>\n
Draven\u2019s golden eyes burned. \u201cI wish I were joking, Kaia.\u201d<\/p>\n
Turning to the crowd, Draven\u2019s words rolled off his tongue like a whip. \u201cBeta Rylan, summon the councils, Luna Kaia has questions to answer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Turning to me, he coldly said.\u201cThree days, Luna Kaia. You have three days\u201d<\/p>\n
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella\u2019s storytelling style is immersive and addictive\u2014perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shadows Follow Lonely Minds \u2014 Christopher Harris 1 Chapter 001 \u201cKaia Nightshade of Silvermoon,\u201d the Elder called out, \u201cyou stand […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27246","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-nightshade-heir-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27246","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27246"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27246\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27246"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27246"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27246"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}