LUNA AQUAMARINE’S POV
“No,” both Alexander and I said at the same time.
His answer came out sharp and harsh. Like an order that brooked no argument.
“Come on, it’s just a walk around the pack.” Gaia rolled her eyes, her tone suggesting she thought we were being
unreasonable, like it was as simple as it is- a walk.
But Alexander’s voice remained the same–cold, final. “Aquamarine is busy with her Luna duties.”
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I kept my eyes down, relieved that Alexander was backing me up. There is no way I’d be left alone with her, at least, maybe he’s remembering what she did to me. The thought of being trapped alone with Gaia again made my stomach churn.
“Nonsense,” she spat with the wave of her hand, dismissing our concerns as if they were nothing. “We’ll go in 2 days.
Depends on when Aaron and Juliet are back from their… punishments.”
The way she said ‘punishments‘ made me wonder what exactly had happened to them.
Especially Juliet.
I pushed the thought aside. I had bigger problems to worry about. Later I’ll talk to Alexander about it.
The rest of breakfast was awkward. Gaia tried to get Alexander engaged in whatever she was saying to the Elders. But Alexander responded to her questions with grunts or single word answers. His attention was clearly elsewhere. My focus kept drifting to Esmeralda and the scroll tucked somewhere in her robes. Every time she moved, my heart rate spiked.
A maid approached quietly, setting down a small cup beside my plate. I suspected it to be the potion Juliet had given me days ago, as suggested by Esmeralda for my fertility.
Immediately I swallowed the potion, I turned into a coughing fit. Tears pricked at the corner of my eyes as I struggled to
breathe.
I couldn’t believe I was choking on a herbal drink, for some reason it tasted twice as bitter and twice as spicy.
All of a sudden, I felt Alexander’s hand on my back. His large hand rubbed gentle circles as he pulled my chair closer to his.
“Relax woman,” he murmured, his voice softer than it had been all morning. “Take your time.”
He fed me a cup of water which I hungrily drank. I can never get used to the taste of this potion.
The coughing reduced but it just made the feel embarrassed and hyperaware of his hand still resting on my back. His touch was warm, almost protective. For a moment I forgot about everything else.
Gaia gasped, “such a drama queen.” I could hear the anger in her voice and I could picture her face twisting in anger.
“Primus Alexander, have you gotten any information from her yet?” Esmeralda asked, breaking the moment.
Alexander’s hand was still on my back as he turned his attention to her. “Not yet. But soon,” he grunted.
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12:11 Sat, 30 Aug
Chapter 30
Esmeralda nodded. “Yes, Primus. I’d like to speak with you after breakfast. I have something important to-”
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“Esmeralda, I’d like to speak with you for a moment, if you don’t mind,” I cut her off, my voice perhaps too sharp. My life would be over if she told Alexander about the scroll.
“Of course, Luna. What is it?” Esmeralda replied, her tone pleasant but her eyes calculating.
“Let’s step out for-“I was saying but Alexander cut me off.
“No. Say whatever you need to say here,” he said, his voice returning to that commanding tone as his hand on my back. went to my side.
Please let me do what I need to do!
I wanted to scream out but I bit my tongue and released a low breath.
“Alexander, I actually need to speak with her alone,” I whispered, looking up at him. “Please,” I hoped he’d understand without me having to explain.
But he just stared at me.
Before he could look at Esmeralda, I rubbed his arm with a shaky smile, hoping the tiny touch would perhaps do
something.
“It won’t be long,” I promised and he didn’t say anything after that.
After a nod from him, I sighed in relief.
I stood up and Esmeralda followed me. But I saw how she quickly tucked the scroll deep into her robe. As we walked away,
I could feel Alexander’s eyes drilling holes into the back of my head.
Like he was watching our every step.
When we were finally away from the dining hall, Esmeralda’s pleasant mask slipped away completely.
“What do you want, Luna? Or should I say, Puppet?” she asked.
“I’m not a puppet,” I muttered, wondering where she got that idea from. Alexander might have put his claim on me but that doesn’t mean I’m completely powerless.
“Oh, yes you are. Or are you the one pulling the strings?” She looked at me as if she knew something I didn’t.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Esmeralda,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “The night I saw you and Alexander together, I dropped something that you took. My scroll.”
“You mean this?” She patted her cloak where the scroll rested. “Why did you need it so badly?”
“I just need it. The answer sounded weak, but I couldn’t tell her the truth.
“Is this what you used to charm the Primus to do what you want?”
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12:11 Sat, 30 Aug
Chapter 30
“Excuse me?” I said, my voice steady despite my racing heart. “He doesn’t listen to me.”
I stared at her in confusion as she started laughing.
“Yeah right, after what you did in the dining hall, you think I’d believe that he’d just let someone leave a room before
him?”
Wasn’t she listening when I begged him? And I know when we’re alone, he would punish me for it.
“I’m not a fool, Aquamarine. I know you’re trying to take over this pack.”
Taking over? What is she even talking about?
“With all due respect, Esmeralda, you’re making a big mistake.”
“So you don’t need the scroll then. Maybe I should just set it on fire or hand it back to the Primus.” she grinned, but somehow I felt she would actually do it.
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“No!” yelled then stopped myself. I glanced around to make sure no one had heard, “It’s really important to me. And I
need it.”
Esmeralda raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying my pleas. “You need it? Or you want it?”
“Both. Please, Esmeralda, I’m begging you.” The words tasted bitter in my mouth, but I had no choice.
“What are you willing to do for it?” she asked.
“Anything,” I whispered, and I meant it. “I’ll do anything.”
“I’m not sure I’m willing to give it to you… yet. But I have two conditions.”
A shiver ran down my spine. Whatever she was about to ask, I knew it wouldn’t be simple.
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AD
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