Chapter 74\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 74\u00a0<\/p>\n
Selene\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGood afternoon, Alpha. Good afternoon, Luna.\u201d I bowed my head to the Alpha.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alpha Rhydian\u2019s lips curved into a faint smile. \u201cRise, Selene.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I lifted my head, feeling the weight of countless eyes on me, all trying to intimidate me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the past. I would have trembled under their stares, shrinking into myself, apologizing for even existing. They always said I had no backbone, and they weren\u2019t wrong. Before I became a warrior, I lacked the courage to make a decision and see it through, but not this time.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This time, my back was straight. My chin was high. My eyes met the Alpha\u2019s directly, sparing no glance for anyone else in the room. This conversation would decide everything, my life, my freedom, and whether I would be forced back into the cycle with Adrian again.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And, that would not happen.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I would never be Adrian\u2019s mate, or the next Luna of Mooncrest, in this life, not even if fate forced it upon me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Behind me, someone muttered under their breath, \u201cLook at her, whenever I see that black and white hair, I get chills.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Another whispered, \u201cExactly. I still can\u2019t believe she\u2019s the Moonborn. It doesn\u2019t make sense.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it doesn\u2019t make sense,\u201d I said, my voice calm but cutting, \u201care you implying the Moon Goddess made a mistake?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The hall froze at my words, and the ministers stiffened, fear flickering across their faces. Alpha Rhydian and Luna Riley turned their gazes on me, sharper and more calculating than before.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If I showed even the slightest weakness now, speaking to the Alpha would become impossible. They would talk over me, dismiss me, and degrade me, worse than they ever had in past lives. So I met each minister\u2019s eyes one by one.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are questioning the Moon Goddess, then you must be punished. No matter who you are.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
One minister physically stepped back. Another swallowed hard. No one dared to look at me again.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Saying the Moon Goddess made a mistake was a sin, punishable by death. And besides, they feared my wolf. Even without seeing her, they felt her. She was the most powerful wolf in the world, second only to Dominic\u2019s.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alpha Rhydian chuckled suddenly, the sound echoing through the hall. \u201cInteresting, I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen my ministers this afraid of anyone except me and Adrian.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
A few of them flinched at the comparison.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou will make a good leader, Selene,\u201d the Alpha continued. \u201cYou know how to use your words accordingly. You are right. No one should dare question the Moon Goddess.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
His gaze swept the room. \u201cI trust that is clear to everyone?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The ministers coughed, stared at the floor, and bowed their heads. \u201cYes, Alpha.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alpha Rhydian turned his attention back to me, his voice steady but edged with weariness. \u201cI intended to invite you to the palace earlier, Selene, but these past days have been hectic for everyone. Even before your arrival, we were discussing the phoenix\u2019s release.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The moment he said phoenix, my body reacted before I could stop it. I glanced behind me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
12:58 Tue, Dec 23 ! M\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 74\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucas stood at the back with Evelyn and the eunuch, arms crossed, posture relaxed, and expression bored, he was clearly irritated by the entire display, yet he remained, because he promised to behave.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When his eyes met mine, his lips curled in that insufferably knowing smirk.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alpha Rhydian noticed my momentary distraction.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened, Selene? Are you alright?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I straightened. \u201cAh-yes. I apologise, Alpha.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He nodded slowly. \u201cYou must be concerned about the temple. Do not worry, I\u2019ve already sent troops to protect both you and the temple, in case the phoenix attempts an attack.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
If only he knew the phoenix was already standing right in front of him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I kept my expression calm and inclined my head in a slight bow. \u201cThank you for your generosity, Alpha Rhydian.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNow that the greetings are over,\u201d he continued, \u201clet us address the reason I summoned you. It concerns your mate bond with Adrian and the request you made the other day. Would you kindly repeat it? You may change your wish if you wish,\u00a0<\/p>\n
Selene.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t change it. I repeated it firmly. \u201cMy wish is to reject Prince Adrian as my mate.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
A collective gasp echoed through the hall.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShe actually said it again?!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cReject Prince Adrian? Is she insane?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy would she reject him? What is she thinking?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI see\u2026\u201d Alpha Rhydian exhaled, but before he could speak further, Luna Riley\u2019s voice cut in.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSelene, is there a reason you wish to reject Adrian?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I turned to face her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She continued, \u201cIs it because people around you disapprove of the union? You told the court just now that no one should question the Moon Goddess\u2019 decision, yet here you are, wanting to reject your given mate. Isn\u2019t that contradicting yourself?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
If I could describe the Luna of the Mooncrest pack in one word, it would be smart. She was not merely intelligent, but also strategic.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She was the kind of woman who could sew a broken situation back together with nothing but her voice. While Alpha Rhydian decided the laws, she was the one who used persuasion to steer outcomes her way.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The pack valued her for that. And just like the alpha, she wanted Sienna as the future Luna,\u00a0<\/p>\n
In all my past lives, she had always adored Sienna. Treated her like a daughter-in-law long before my mate bond with Adrian had ever been confirmed. She was the one who gave Sienna access to the palace, encouraged her closeness with Adrian, and openly praised her. Back then, I used to choke on jealousy every time I saw it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I had always felt like a shadow in the place where Sienna shined.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Even now, I could still see the disappointment in her eyes, that I was the Moonborn instead of the girl she preferred. She wanted Sienna, yet she had no choice but to oppose my rejection. After all, it would be a disgrace to the royal family if the\u00a0<\/p>\n
12:58 Tue, Dec 23 MG.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 74\u00a0<\/p>\n
prince were turned down.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I had already decided what to say.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat.\u201d I answered calmly, \u201cis precisely why I am doing this.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Luna\u2019s brows pulled together. \u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I met her eyes. \u201cOn the day I received my wolf, I had a revelation from the Moon Goddess.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Alpha straightened, fully alert. \u201cA revelation? You did?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I nodded slowly. \u201cYes, Alpha Rhydian.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what was revealed?\u201d he asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I let out a dejected sigh. \u201cShe told me a calamity will occur soon.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOh gods\u2026 is she talking about the phoenix?\u201d a minister murmured under his breath.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know what form the calamity will take. The Moon Goddess didn\u2019t tell me what it was. But considering everything happening these days, it must be connected.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alpha Rhydian\u2019s expression hardened with worry. \u201cAre you certain?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Alpha,\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Luna\u2019s eyes narrowed, sharp with suspicion. \u201cBut if such a revelation occurred, Selene, why didn\u2019t you speak up sooner?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I remained calm, meeting her gaze. \u201cAt first, I thought it was just a dream. It didn\u2019t make sense, but I still chose to reject Prince Adrian that day, just in case it wasn\u2019t an illusion. Later, I tried to tell my father, but he dismissed me before I could even finish a single sentence. No one believed me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Everyone in the hall slowly turned toward my father, and the color drained from his face.\u00a0<\/p>\n
His eyes widened, confused, stunned, and unsure if he should defend himself\/or stay silent. I almost wanted to laugh. Everything I said was fabricated, but he also couldn\u2019t protest, because there were countless times he had cut me off without hearing a single word. He didn\u2019t know whether one of those moments might\u2019ve actually been important.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alpha Rhydian slammed his palm against the throne\u2019s armrest.\u00a0<\/p>\n
CRACK!\u00a0<\/p>\n
The echo thundered through the hall, and everyone jumped.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the hell is wrong with you, Bloodrose!\u201d the alpha roared, his power blasting through the air. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you listen to your daughter?! She is the Moonborn, the Moon Goddess\u2019s chosen blessing! Anything she says should be your first priority!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My father trembled visibly, lowering his head even further.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou dare dismiss her words?\u201d the alpha continued, voice rising with fury. \u201cIf you had taken her seriously, we might have been prepared, before disaster struck! Do you understand the consequences of your negligence?!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My father bowed so low his forehead nearly touched the floor. \u201cForgive me, Alpha, it is my fault. I take full responsibility. From now on, I will pay more attention to my daughter.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s too late for that!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 74\u00a0<\/p>\n
Father flinched again.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I stared at him, cold and unmoved. To me, my family had already become little more than tools, pieces to be moved on a board until my revenge was complete. My sympathy for them had died long ago.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alpha Rhydian dragged his gaze away from my father and turned fully toward me. \u201cChild, did the Moon Goddess say anything else to you? Anything we must know? Tell me so we can stop the calamity\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I lowered my eyes, and nodded. \u201cYes, she did.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The hall leaned forward. I lifted my head and spoke in a mournful voice.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShe told me that in order to stop the calamity, I must devote myself fully to her with no distractions. And\u2026\u201d I paused, letting my voice tremble just a little, \u201cI must stay away from men until she is satisfied with my devotion. I must never be someone\u2019s mate. That is why I cannot be Prince Adrian\u2019s mate. Even though my feelings for him are still there, I cannot act based on my own desires when the world itself is at stake.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The ministers stared at me, no longer with contempt or doubt, but with awe, and admiration. It was the reaction I wanted.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI must reject Prince Adrian,\u201d I finished, \u201cbecause the Moon Goddess needs my devotion more than I need my own happiness.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The hall fell silent.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I stood there, the image of a girl sacrificing love for the sake of the world. But deep inside, I felt absolutely nothing but satisfaction.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Once, I never imagined myself manipulating a single soul. But now, no matter the cost, I will accomplish everything I set out to do.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Hope Is Not Optional \u2014 Manuel Flores 74 Chapter 74\u00a0 Chapter 74\u00a0 Selene\u00a0 \u201cGood afternoon, Alpha. Good afternoon, Luna.\u201d I […]<\/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":[82],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27868","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-ruthless-tycoons-obsession-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27868","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=27868"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27868\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27868"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27868"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27868"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}