70. The Price Of Power.

Adrian – POV

The summons came when I least wanted it.

I was already tired.

Not the kind of tired sleep could fix. This was deeper. The kind that sat in my chest and refused to leave. The kind that made every breath feel heavy.

A council summons.

Again.

I stared at the messenger for a long moment before turning away. I already knew what this was about. I didn’t need their words to tell me.

Lucy.

The ritual.

The pressure.

I clenched my jaw.

“They never stop,” I muttered.

Caleb stood beside me, arms folded. He didn’t say anything at first. He didn’t need to. We both knew refusing a summons would only make things worse.

“Let’s get it over with,” I said.

Lucy – POV

I was already seated when Adrian arrived.

I chose the corner on purpose.

Not because I was afraid.

But because I wanted to watch.

The council hall felt colder than usual. The stone walls looked older. Heavier. Like they had seen too much blood and too many lies.

My hands rested calmly on my lap.

I had practiced this moment in my head again and again.

Adrian walked in with Caleb beside him.

He didn’t look at me at first.

That almost made me smile.

Adrian – POV

The moment I stepped into the hall, I felt it.

Her.

Lucy.

I didn’t turn my head, but I knew exactly where she was sitting. I could feel her presence like a thorn under my skin.

The elders were already seated.

I didn’t bow.

I didn’t greet them.

I didn’t care.

“Why was I summoned?” I asked coldly. “I have better things to do.”

A few of the elders shifted uncomfortably.

Good.

Let them feel it.

Lucy – POV

He had changed.

That much was clear.

The Adrian standing in front of them now had no respect left for anyone in that room. Not the elders. Not the council. Not even the traditions they worshipped so much.

One of the elders cleared his throat.

“It is about the ritual,” he said. “We need to move forward.”

I watched Adrian’s lips curl into a sarcastic smile.

Adrian – POV

“Oh, that?” I said with a sharp laugh.

I turned slightly, letting my gaze finally sweep the room.

“I’ve already accepted her for the ritual,” I said. “Happy now?”

Silence.

I took a step back, already preparing to leave.

“I’ve done what you wanted,” I added. “So unless there’s anything else—”

Lucy – POV

That was when it happened.

The bomb dropped.

One of the elders spoke again, his voice slower this time.

“There is… one more thing.”

Adrian paused.

“Lucy has made a request,” the elder continued. “She wants to be crowned officially as Luna before the ritual.”

My lips curved into a slow smile.

Adrian – POV

“What?”

The word came out sharp. Dangerous.

I turned around slowly.

My eyes locked on Lucy.

She was smiling.

Not nervous.

Not unsure.

Wicked.

My gaze shifted to Rowan.

That bastard was smirking.

Then Matthew.

He looked… surprised.

Good.

At least one of them wasn’t part of this madness.

Lucy – POV

Adrian’s stare burned.

But I didn’t look away.

I stood up calmly.

“Yes,” I said. “That is my condition.”

Matthew stepped forward immediately.

“That’s not possible,” he said firmly. “There are processes. Traditions. And we don’t have time. We’re preparing for war.”

I turned to face him.

“And I am preparing for my future,” I said coldly.

The hall went silent.

Adrian – POV

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“You don’t get to make demands,” I snapped. “This isn’t—”

Lucy raised her chin.

“I do,” she said.

I felt something snap inside me.

Lucy – POV

“I will not allow the ritual unless I am crowned first,” I said clearly. “You don’t get to walk away from this untouched, Adrian.”

His jaw clenched.

“I have a role in this too,” I continued. “You don’t dictate everything.”

The elders murmured among themselves.

I didn’t care.

I had already won.

Adrian – POV

This was a trap.

I could see it clearly now.

Rowan’s influence was all over this.

I took a step forward.

“You planned this,” I said, my voice low and dangerous.

Lucy didn’t deny it.

The elders exchanged looks.

Then one of them spoke.

“The request is… reasonable.”

My heart pounded.

“She will be crowned Luna,” the elder continued, “one week before the ritual.”

The room spun.

Lucy – POV

Relief washed over me.

It worked.

I didn’t smile this time.

I didn’t need to.

I simply sat back down.

Adrian – POV

I lost it.

I lunged forward, my body moving before my mind could catch up.

Rowan.

I would tear him apart.

But suddenly—

Caleb – POV

I saw it coming.

Adrian’s energy shifted in a split second.

I grabbed him from behind, using all my strength to hold him back.

“Adrian!” I shouted.

He struggled, furious.

“Let go of me!”

“You’ll destroy everything,” I said through gritted teeth.

The elders recoiled.

Lucy watched silently.

Adrian – POV

I shook Caleb off and stormed out of the hall.

The walls felt like they were closing in.

The rage burned too hot.

Too fast.

I stepped outside—

And vanished.

Caleb – POV

He disappeared before I could say another word.

I stood there, breathing hard.

The damage was done.

The war had just changed.

Lucy – POV

As Adrian left, I finally allowed myself to breathe.

This was only the beginning.

And I was no longer just a tool.