Chapter 019\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Pack\u2019s Moonball\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2013\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Pack hall smells of roses and wine and of course, power.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They\u2019re all here tonight, the Elders, the warriors, the whisperers \u2013 every one of them smiling at me as if I already wear Luna\u2019s crown.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A mockery, I hate to deal with.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve done what no other person could,\u201d Elder Marius said admiringly. \u201cSilvermoon strives again,even the rogues avoid our borders\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I offer him a smile that could melt iron.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cPeace comes at a price, Elder. I merely paid for it. I did nothing extraordinary.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
They laugh. Of course they laugh. They see grace and beauty and a saviour draped in humility.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They don\u2019t see the bite marks I hide under the fake smiles \u2013 or the shadow of a girl I had to bury to become this.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout you, we wouldn\u2019t have seen Luna Kaia\u2019s true colors. We have you to thank, Alpha Consort, Liora\u201c. Another Elder said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Great. Alpha Consort.\u00a0<\/p>\n
His reminder irritated me\u2013reminding me of the truth I\u2019ve been running away from.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I tilted my head slightly, hiding the flicker of irritation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Not crowned yet, I was forcefully reminded of this. Not until Draven stops dragging his feet.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t come this far to fail. Never.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My nails pressed into my palm, but my voice stayed honey\u2013sweet.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My gaze drifts to Draven.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He stands apart, speaking to his generals instead of me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The light from the chandelier burns gold in his hair, and for a moment I almost hate him for how easily he wears authority.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Since the trial, he barely looks at me. Barely touches me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As if Kaia\u2019s ghost still lies between us.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I lift my scarf to hide the tightening of my jaw.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Smile, Liora. That\u2019s what a Luna does I smile until it hurts.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Laughter rippled.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I let it wash over me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Anger. Irritation. Disgust.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2013\u00a0<\/p>\n
My body is shivering with every emotion it could muster. Yet, many of these dimwits think I\u2019m here to have a good laugh with them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Idiots.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I turned to my side.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A guard walks forward, bows, and murmurs, \u201cA letter for you, my lady. Found at the post office earlier. The courier left before we could question him.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Letter? Who sent me a letter?\u00a0<\/p>\n
My smile faltered for the briefest second.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I took it, tucking it smoothly into my sleeve. \u201cThank you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
1\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
200\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 019\u00a0<\/p>\n
The guard left and I acted as if nothing had happened.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then I turn back to the crowd and laugh at some meaningless joke.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I\u2019m not cut out for this. But, forced to endure their humourless jokes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMy lady, you haven\u2019t had a thing to eat. Would you like something special,\u201d One of the Elders asked, smiling.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She\u2019s been pandering to me since the goddess knows when.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pathetic.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I replied. \u201cA glass of juice is more than enough\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGive me a minute. My lady\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I turned my face and sneered with disgust.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It took three more hours before the Moonball came to an end.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Later, when the elders left and the hall finally emptied, I retreated to my chambers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I retreated to my chambers, lit a single candle and broke the seal.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The parchment smelled faintly of ash.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My hand froze when I saw the stamp.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Without being told, I could guess who sent the letter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Luna is dragged out yet you\u2019re still not Luna. Are you trying to disappoint me?\u00a0<\/p>\n
My hands trembled upon reading the content of the letter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The candle beside me flickers, guttering low.\u00a0<\/p>\n
No.\u00a0<\/p>\n
No, this is not true.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t come this far to disappoint myself and the person relying on me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kaia is gone. I saw her dragged out, broken, disgraced. The pack spat on her face.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The only legacy she left behind is shame.\u00a0<\/p>\n
So, I shouldn\u2019t have a problem becoming Luna.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then, what\u2019s taking Draven so long to make his Luna?\u00a0<\/p>\n
My pulse beats like a trapped bird.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Anger surging through my veins with the thoughts of Kaia casting her evil eyes on my chances of becoming Luna.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She couldn\u2019t even save herself from getting cast out and losing her title as Luna.\u00a0<\/p>\n
How could she fight against me now?\u00a0<\/p>\n
I am the rightful Luna. Kaia is nothing to Silvermoon Pack now.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I slam the parchment into the fire. The flames swallow it, hissing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The letter turns to ash, but I keep watching until every ember dies.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When I finally look up, the mirror across the room catches my reflection.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The perfect Luna stares back \u2013 hair flawless, smile serene, something Kaia can\u2019t measure up to.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I am perfect. In every way, even Draven thinks so.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I tried to mask my feelings but behind that mask, I see the truth:\u00a0<\/p>\n
I\u2019m terrified she\u2019s still out there.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And I will never be safe until I become the Luna of Silvermoon Pack.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And Kaia Nightshade is nothing more than dust.\u00a0<\/p>\n
2\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 019\u00a0<\/p>\n
The morning I decided to fall ill, the sun was too bright.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I draw the curtains and lie perfectly still, one arm draped dramatically over my belly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When the servants rush in, whispering my name, I let my lips tremble just enough to make it believable.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease get the healer,\u201d I whispered, voice hoarse with false pain.\u201c\u2026Something\u2019s wrong\u2026 With the baby\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2013\u00a0<\/p>\n
The panic spreads like wildfire exactly as planned.\u00a0<\/p>\n
By the time Draven storms into the room, my skin is slick with sweat from the fire I ordered kept burning.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2013\u00a0<\/p>\n
His eyes darted over me the concern there almost made me smile. Almost.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLiora,\u201d he says, dropping to his knees beside the bed. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I shake my head weakly. \u201cThe same pain\u2026 like before. The healers say my body is too frail to endure the strain. They said\u2026\u201d I let my voice break. \u201c\u2026they said if the stress continues, I might lose our baby.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
His jaw clenches. Guilt flashes in his eyes \u2013 the same guilt that\u2019s kept him cold and silent since Kaia\u2019s exile.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cRest,\u201d he murmurs. \u201cDon\u2019t think of anything else.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I press my hand over his. \u201cThere\u2019s one thing that would ease my heart,\u201d I whisper, voice trembling just enough. \u201c Let them crown me before the child comes. Let the pack see peace before.I won\u2019t forgive myself if my baby is born out of wedlock. That\u2019s a bad omen\u2026\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
A soft sob cuts me off.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Draven stiffens. I can feel him battling his thoughts, his doubts. But guilt wins\u00a0<\/p>\n
He kisses my hand. \u201cI\u2019ll speak to the Council.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
When he leaves, I open my eyes fully and smile.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Seraphine steps out from behind the curtain, arms folded.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cConvincing,\u201d she says with a smirk. \u201cYou almost had me worried.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2013 as I knew it would.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I swing my legs off the bed, ignoring the ache in my ribs. \u201cYou always did underestimate me, Seraphine.\u201d She laughs softly. \u201cAnd yet, you keep me close. Because no one else can brew a fever that leaves no trace like I do.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I filled up two goblets and handed her one.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTo partnership,\u201d I say. \u201cTo ambition.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She lifts hers, eyes gleaming. \u201cAnd to the truth that without my testimony, your precious Luna seat would still belong to the outcast.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I sip my wine slowly, savoring the venom beneath her words. \u201cAnd now, you\u2019ll have your reward. Wealth, rank\u2026 perhaps even a clinic of your own.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Seraphine smiles, all teeth. \u201cAs long as you remember who your friends are, Luna.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, I know who my friends are. That\u2019s why I keep them close and my enemies even closer. Haha\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
We both burst into laughter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finally, Kaia will be nothing but a ghost in Silvermoon Pack.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And me? The new Luna.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The true Luna, bearing the Alpha\u2019s heir.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Something Kaia couldn\u2019t do in three years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Perfect.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My plans are falling into place.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It\u2019s only a matter of time before everything she has becomes mine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Totally mine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
3\/1\u00a0<\/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 19 Chapter 019\u00a0 The Pack\u2019s Moonball\u00a0 \u2013\u00a0 The Pack hall smells of roses […]<\/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-27264","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\/27264","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=27264"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27264\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27264"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27264"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27264"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}