Chapter 89
LUNA AQUAMARINE’S POV
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The gown clung wrong against my skin. Every brush of the fabric over the healing burn made me want to tear it off, but I gritted my teeth and pulled the ties tighter.
I caught my reflection in the mirror–pale, tired, eyes ringed with shadows. The one whom the Primus had abandoned for her stepsister.
But right now, I’m supposed to be the Luna. I forced my shoulders back and lifted my chin.
The door opened, and Alexander’s shadow fell over me. I could feel his glare and anger brushing over
the top of my head.
Why?
Because I bit him after he pulled me out of the bathtub while I was trying to tug off the bandage. But I ignored his presence. Not wanting to even be close to him or even hear his voice.
So I walked past him, out of the room and down the corridor, till I could hear the chatters coming from,
the hall below.
The noise dulled as soon as we entered. Heads turned. The weight of their stares pressed down on
- me.
Some had their eyes narrowed as they saw me. Members of our pack, that is. I could read their
thoughts in their eyes.
But I knew why.
They might have seen how I pushed their Primus out the window a few hours back. Honestly, I didn’t know where I got the strength to, especially with my injured arm. But he went flying back and I didn’t really care.
The strangers from other kingdoms dipped their heads politely.
I just walked, keeping my chin up even though my stomach tightened.
Alexander’s hand rested lightly on my lower back, guiding me forward. I stiffened at his touch and
refused to lean into it. He didn’t deserve that. Not after yesterday.
Alexander leaned down, low enough for only me.
“Relax. They’re here for you.”
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Chapter 89
I didn’t say anything.
His jaw tightened, but I still didn’t answer. We stopped at the raised platform. Alexander’s eyes scanned the crowd, his presence commanding silence before he even spoke.
“My people. And our honoured guests from beyond these walls. Many of you have heard stories. You have seen it play out. Stories about the woman with soulless eyes, lifeless skin and white hair.”
I shifted on my seat, uncomfortable at his description of me. Words he has never used before. But maybe he had started believing it.
What is he playing at? Has Fiona gotten too deep into him?
“The one who was abused by every member of her old pack. Called cursed, abomination, wolfless and even forsaken by the Moon Goddess,” he continued. “You’ve heard that, haven’t you? You all called her these names even within these walls.” His glare swept the crowd and I could feel a shift in his aura.
“But here is the truth,” his tone sharpened. Alexander turned, finally meeting my eyes, “She is the bravest, most beautiful and strongest soul I’ve ever laid my eyes on.”
I kissed my teeth and eyed him.
Honestly, if it were up to me, I would have left this place minutes ago. Heck, I wouldn’t even mind jumping out of the window. This felt soo uncomfortable and I had a feeling that it would only get
worse.
“When I found her, she was broken, battered and almost at death’s door. But I bless that day because the Moon granted me something no treasure, no power could equal. Her. My mate. My Luna. The mother of my unborn children.”
My throat burned. I wanted to look away, but his words pinned me there.
“Tonight, you came to stand in gratitude, to give thanks for the land that now feeds you. But let me be clear,” his tone shifted to a warning. “It wasn’t me who made it possible. It wasn’t The Order or Keeper that made it possible. It wasn’t those slaves whom you all thought their presence hastened some petty jobs in the Kingdom.”
Murmurs began and something shifted in my chest. His words slowly filled holes in my mind. Was he-
“It was her.” He stared at me again, “Luna Aquamarine.”
My fingers curled under the table, nails digging into my palm. Shit.
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“She did the impossible,” Alexander said, voice dropping lower. “While we all hid behind excuses and framed alliances, while we all feared the consequences of going against the Naturellians, she stood in front of them with nothing but strength that doesn’t need fangs or fur.”
I swallowed hard, my voice barely above a whisper. “Stop making me sound like something I’m not.”
The last thing I needed now was attention. I didn’t need it. Especially for what I have planned.
But he continued like he didn’t hear me, which I know he did. “Tell me–who has ever stood against
Naturellia with no army at her back? Who else walked in mere human form where kings at their strongest failed for years, and came home alive with peace?”
From the corner of my eyes, I could see Fiona smiling at me but I didn’t miss the tiny twitch in her lips.
She didn’t like the praises I was receiving. But it was good. I promised her I’d prove my strength and
worth. And thank the Goddess, she’s here to hear it from the man she wants.
“She ended the famine. She faced their ruler and didn’t break. You call that weak?” His tone cut
sharply. “I call it power. Power in its pure form. Power you’ll never understand.”
I looked down at my plate, refusing to let them see my eyes burn. Not.with tears. But with the anger
that still boiled inside me for him.
I didn’t send him to do this. Put an end to the rumours. Does he think I’d be grateful?
He could defend me all he wanted in front of them–but it changes nothing.
“In just two months of coming into these walls, she has proven her title as Luna Aquamarine of the Theriakon Pack.” Alexander raised a hand, quieting the room again. “So let there be no more questions. No more lies spread even by her own kind. No more gratitude given to another. She is mine, and I am more than proud of her.”
His words still echoed in my head. She is mine. And I am proud of her.
I hated how steady his hand felt wrapped around mine, how he placed a silent kiss on my forehead and whispered something I couldn’t quite catch.
I watched how the pack lowered their eyes and the hall went quiet as if his voice had sealed every
mouth shut.
A figure walked inside, steady, unhurried. The crowd shifted, parting as if they recognised the authority in his steps.
Because that face–I knew that face too well. The sharp jaw. The dark eyes. The walk that once
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Chapter 89
haunted my nightmares.
My stomach dropped. The ground felt unsteady beneath me, and all I could think was:
How on earth is he still alive?
My lips moved before I even realised the word had slipped free. “…You?”
