v<\/p>\n
The memory snapped away, leaving me in the trial chamber with every eye on me.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, Luna?\u201d Elder Norman pressed, \u201cwhat do you have to say for yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n
My chest rose and fell, fury coiling in.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat I did nothing wrong,\u201c I replied, my voice sharp as a blade.<\/p>\n
Draven\u2019s face was stone-cold.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen, you have nothing to fear,\u201d He coldly said.\u201dIf the councils finds you guilty\u2014Your title will be stripped and so will your bond to me\u201d<\/p>\n
The words struck like a blow, but I didn\u2019t look away, I did nothing wrong. They betrayed me.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen, let the council judge,\u201d I replied through gritted teeth.\u201cI am ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pack members gasped while the council prepared to deliver the trial.<\/p>\n
I stood in the centre, silver shackles biting into my wrists, the entire council watching like wolves ready to pounce.<\/p>\n
\u201cLuna Kaia,\u201d Elder Norman\u2019s voice rang through the public chambers. \u201cYou are accused of treason and conspiracy to assassinate Liora\u2014The mother of the Alpha\u2019s heir. How do you plead?\u201d<\/p>\n
My heart thudded against my ribs, but I swallowed hard and chin up.<\/p>\n
\u201cI plead innocent\u201d<\/p>\n
Draven\u2019s eyes burned into me. \u201cThen explain two nights after humiliating her before the entire Pack, Liora was found half-dead on the North border \u2014ambushed by rogues who claimed they were hired\u201d<\/p>\n
My mind reeled. Hired? By who?<\/p>\n
\u201cYou think I sent the rogues?\u201d My eyes snapped to Draven, my mate, who I no longer recognise.\u201c That I would risk the entire Pack\u2019s safety just to hurt her?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYour hatred for her is no secret. You refused to step down, Kaia.You made your choice\u201d Draven\u2019s golden eyes blazed.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnough!\u201d Elder Norman\u2019s gavel struck the table.\u201cThe council will deliberate. If found guilty, Luna Kaia, you will be stripped of your title and exiled\u2014if not executed\u201d<\/p>\n
His words struck like a death sentence, sending shivers down my shivers.<\/p>\n
I lifted my chin, staring straight at Draven, letting my rage blaze for every wolf to see.<\/p>\n
For the first time, I felt fear creeping in.<\/p>\n
\u201cProceed,\u201d Draven grimly said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLuna Kaia,You may give your accounts of the event leading up to the alleged attack\u201d<\/p>\n
My shackled hands curled into fists by my sides. Forcing my voice to stay steady.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have nothing to hide. I did not send rogues after Liora.I would never endanger the pack for my personal gains\u201d<\/p>\n
A murmur of agreement rose from a few wolves at the back but Draven\u2019s glare silenced them.<\/p>\n
Draven stepped forward, his alpha aura pressing down like a weight.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou humiliated her before the entire pack at the Unity festival,\u201d He said, his voice sharp.\u201cYou walked away when she offered peace. You refused to relinquish your title as Luna despite knowing she carries my heir and the Pack\u2019s future Alpha\u201d<\/p>\n
My jaw clenched<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause I am your mate,\u201d I snapped. \u201cBecause you swore yourself to me before the moon goddess. And now you would strip me of that for her?\u201d<\/p>\n
Liora\u2019s soft sobs broke the tense silence.<\/p>\n
All eyes turned to her when she walked into the chambers with a few people aiding her.<\/p>\n
She looked pale and trembling, one hand resting protectively on her belly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never wanted this,\u201d Liora\u2019s perfectly pitched fragile voice rang out.\u201cI begged the Alpha not to summon the council. I told him you were angry that night,but you will never hurt me. But then, the rogues\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
She broke off with a shudder, tears sliding down her cheeks.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of them said my name,\u201d She whispered.\u201cSaid they were sent to make sure I didn\u2019t live to be crowned\u201d<\/p>\n
Gasps rippled through the room.<\/p>\n
Elder Norman turned a sharp gaze on me.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you deny this?\u201d<\/p>\n
My breath caught.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course I do! Anyone can claim a name\u2014rogues lie for coins! You think I would hire scum like that when the safety of the pack is my responsibility?<\/p>\n
Draven\u2019s eyes narrowed, annoyed.\u201c You had a motive.You had a reason to do this\u201d<\/p>\n
My anger flared up.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen perhaps you should ask yourself who truly benefits from this attack,\u201d I pointed out coldly.\u201cBecause it certainly isn\u2019t me\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you implying?\u201d Draven asked, his eyes darkened.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat I had no reason to hire rogues,\u201d I replied sharply.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have a reason to\u2026To get rid of Liora because she can bear a child for me but you cannot\u201d<\/p>\n
Draven hit me where it hurts the most.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not true,\u201d I shook my head.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou wanted Liora and our heir gone so that you get to keep your title as Luna\u201d Draven said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said it\u2019s not true, I will never do that!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou pushed her down,trying to make her miscarry my heir she carries,\u201d Draven accused.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t touch her. She fell on her own. Anyone who was there saw that\u201d I retorted.<\/p>\n
\u201cYet,we all saw her stumble and clutch her stomach. Are you saying the entire pack imagined it?\u201d Elder Rowan asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not what happened. I never touched her\u201c I protested.<\/p>\n
A few wolves in the crowd muttered agreement, but Draven didn\u2019t flinch.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd yet you left her on her knees,\u201d he coldly said.\u201cYou refused to reconcile, refused to put the pack first because you love your title as Luna more than anything!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause it\u2019s the right thing to do!\u201d I snapped back.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026I don\u2019t want to cause trouble. I\u2019m sure Luna Kaia didn\u2019t mean to frighten me. She just\u2026looked so angry\u201d Liora\u2019s voice trembled as she spoke.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are twisting this,\u201d my hands curled into fists.\u201cI walked away because I refused to play her games\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all saw Luna Kaia\u2019s hostility towards Liora. Now,she claims innocence when Liora was nearly killed by rogues? The truth is plain \u2014Luna Kaia had a motive, and she\u2019s already shown the lengths she\u2019ll go to keep her crown, \u201canother elder stated.<\/p>\n
I wanted to argue but he wouldn\u2019t let me.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what happened on the days following the festival,\u201d Elder Norman returned his gaze to me.<\/p>\n
My throat tightened as the memories rippled through.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou all avoided me,\u201d I replied bitterly,\u201cThe pack whispered behind my back. And Liora? She walked the halls as though she had already been crowned. And the Alpha,\u201d I looked at Draven, my voice breaking.\u201c..Wouldn\u2019t even look at me\u201d<\/p>\n
With tears threatening to fall from my eyes, I continued.\u201cThen, last night, I was dragged from my chambers without warning. Shackled like a criminal in front of my pack\u201d<\/p>\n
My nail dug into my palms.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was told Liora had been found on the northern border \u2014Half dead after a rogue attack and that those rogues confessed that I sent them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The chambers gasped as Liora stepped forward again, her hands clasping her pregnant belly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI begged the alpha not to summon you, that you are still his Luna and I didn\u2019t want to come between you two.\u201d Her voice cracked with emotion.<\/p>\n
She shuddered, turning her face to Draven, who readily wrapped his arms around her protectively.<\/p>\n
My stomach twisted as if a blade had been driven through it.<\/p>\n
I looked at them, disgusted.<\/p>\n
I wish I could disappear but I was bound in silver chains.<\/p>\n
Liora raised her head from Draven\u2019s chest and looked at me.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut the rogues\u2026Said they were ordered to kill me before I could be crowned Luna, before this child could be born\u201d She said softly, tears in her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI swear I didn\u2019t want your throne, Kaia,\u201d She cried, lifting her tears-stained face just enough for the council to see.\u201cI only wanted peace and protection for my child\u201d<\/p>\n
Saying this, Liora subtly lifted Draven\u2019s hand and pressed it against her belly, forcing the entire chamber\u2019s attention on them.<\/p>\n
Then, a sob left her lips, and she fell against Draven\u2019s chest, weeping.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never wanted any of this, Luna Kaia,\u201d she clutched Draven\u2019s hand.\u201cI want the best for Draven, this Pack and its future\u201d<\/p>\n
The council shifted uncomfortably.their expressions tight with pity as they nodded to what Liora said.<\/p>\n
Then, Liora\u2019s gaze shifted to me. For the quickest second, I saw her mask flipped off. Her eyes glittered, her lips curving into the faintest smile.<\/p>\n
And in the most vulnerable voice, she whispered, loud enough for the chamber to hear.<\/p>\n
\u201cI suppose not everyone can love this pack enough to let go of their crown\u201d<\/p>\n
I knew this whore wasn\u2019t innocent as she pretended to be but she\u2019s getting bolder each second.<\/p>\n
I turned to look at the council, sympathy was etched on their faces. Even the pack members watching from the side looked at her with pity and me with judgment.<\/p>\n
I want to pull her hair and call her a liar but if I did anything, her accusations would be proven true.<\/p>\n
I\u2019d look jealous. Bitter. Guilty.<\/p>\n
And Liora knew this.<\/p>\n
I was forced to watch as she turned everyone against me.<\/p>\n
As if on cue, Liora lifted her head.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never wanted to replace her,\u201d Liora said, clutching her stomach.\u201cI only wanted to serve the Alpha, to protect this heir. But, I was so afraid. Afraid because Luna Kaia told me herself that I will never belong here\u201d<\/p>\n
The chamber gasped. Hundreds of heads sharply turned to me.<\/p>\n
My eyes widened in shock, I didn\u2019t realise when the words left my throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cLies. That\u2019s a lie!\u201d<\/p>\n
Liora\u2019s lip quivered as she buried her face against Draven\u2019s chest, letting her sobs spill into his shirt.<\/p>\n
\u201cLuna Kaia said the moon goddess made a mistake,\u201d Liora\u2019s voice cracked, as if she had practiced it many times.\u201cThat my baby would be a curse on the pack\u2026She threatened she\u2019d make sure I was gone before my baby was born if I didn\u2019t leave this pack\u201d<\/p>\n
The chambers burst into a horrified murmur.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s a monster!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJealous witch. She threatened an innocent child when she failed to give birth to an heir\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA woman like her is not fit to be our Luna\u201d<\/p>\n
I watched my pack members turn against me in real time.<\/p>\n
I used to think my pack\u2019s loyalty was unshakable, that my mate\u2019s love was stronger than any storm.<\/p>\n
Tonight, I learned how quickly both can be ripped away.<\/p>\n
Wolves I had led, protected, bled for\u2026 now glaring at me with disgust.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnough!\u201d Amidst the uproar, Elder Norman struck the gavel once more.<\/p>\n
\u201c The council will hear the rogue witnesses, who survived the attack at moonrise. If their testimonies hold, Luna Kaia your title will be stripped and your bond to the Alpha will be severed\u201d<\/p>\n
My heart pounded as the guards stepped forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake her back to her cell until moonrise,\u201d Elder Normal ordered.<\/p>\n
As they seized my arms, I lifted my chin and locked eyes with Draven.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t justice,\u201d I spat.\u201cThis is all part of her game plan\u201d<\/p>\n
Draven\u2019s jaws tightened but he didn\u2019t say anything as the guards dragged me out of the chambers.<\/p>\n
Instead,he held Liora close to his chest like she\u2019s his fragile Luna, and I\u2019m the evil monster, trying to kill her.<\/p>\n
I kept my head down while the guards dragged me away in my silver chains, burning hot like a furnace.<\/p>\n
The whispers of the guards did not escape my ears. It was targeted at me. For me to hear how much they hate me now.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat a heartless Luna. She doesn\u2019t deserve to be called one. Shameless\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTrying to kill an innocent child to keep her title. She\u2019s worse than rogues\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ropes are not enough. Her head should be placed beneath Liora\u2019s feet\u201d<\/p>\n
My breath hitched but I swallowed my rage.<\/p>\n
If I lash out now, they win.<\/p>\n
As the cell door slammed shut, I knew the next time I saw the light of moonrise, it might be my last.<\/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 2 v Chapter 002 The memory snapped away, leaving me in the trial […]<\/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-27247","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\/27247","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=27247"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27247\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27247"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27247"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27247"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}