Chapter 14

Riley's POV

I watched as Norman's expression changed from carefree to cold and calculating. One moment, he was teasing me about our blissful night, and the next, he was barking orders into the phone. I couldn't understand what was going on, but I knew it couldn't be good.

As Norman dismissed the call, I asked him what was wrong. But he just shook his head and told me not to worry about it. "I'll take care of it," he said, his voice firm but distant.

But I couldn't help but worry. The court summoning him couldn't be a good thing. "What's going on?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "Why does the court want to see you?"

Norman's expression softened slightly, and he took a step closer to me. "Don't worry about it, Riley. It's nothing you need to concern yourself with. I'll take care of it." 

I nodded, trying to hide my curiosity. But I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was wrong. Norman's tone was reassuring, but his eyes told a different story. They were narrowed, his jaw clenched tightly, and I could sense the tension radiating from his body.

As Norman turned to leave, I followed him. I didn't know what was going on, but I needed to know. I kept a safe distance, trying not to draw attention to myself. Norman met Chadwick in the hallway, and I watched as they spoke in hushed tones.

I strained my ears to listen, trying to pick up on any information. And then, I heard something that made my heart sink. "Breaking the Moonclak law," Norman said, his voice low and serious.

My mind reeled as I processed the information. What law had Norman broken? And why? I thought back to our marriage, wondering if that was the reason for the court's summons.

Before I could think further, Norman turned and caught me standing there. A small smile played on his lips, but his eyes were serious. "I knew you were following me," he said, his voice low.

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as Norman walked towards me. "I was just...," I started to explain, but Norman cut me off.

"You don't need to explain," he said, his voice softening. "I told you I will take care of this. I promise. You just have to trust me."

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. I trusted Norman, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that this was all my fault. If I hadn't married him, if I hadn't come to this pack...

Norman's eyes seemed to read my thoughts, and he took a step closer to me. "This is not your fault, Riley," he said, his voice firm. "I'll find a way to sort things out with the court. You don't need to worry."

I nodded, trying to believe him. But the seed of doubt had been planted, and I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us.

As Norman left with Chadwick, I stood there, feeling lost and alone. I thought back to our conversation, trying to make sense of it all. The court's summons, the broken law... it all seemed so overwhelming.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I would trust Norman, trust that he would take care of this. But I couldn't help but feel that our happiness was short-lived, that the storm clouds were gathering on the horizon.

I walked back to Norman's chamber, my mind racing with thoughts and emotions. I felt like I was walking on thin ice, unsure of what the future held. But one thing was certain - I would stand by Norman, no matter what.

As I entered the chamber, I looked around, feeling a sense of emptiness. Norman's words echoed in my mind, "I'll take care of this." I hoped he would, hoped that he could fix everything.

I walked to the window, looking out at the garden below. The sun was shining, but I couldn't feel its warmth. I felt cold, uncertain, and scared.

What if Norman couldn't fix this? What if the court took away our marriage? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. I couldn't lose Norman, a part of me had come to really like him.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I would trust Norman, trust that he would do everything to protect our marriage, our bond. But the fear lingered, a nagging voice in the back of my mind.

As I stood there, lost in thought, I heard the door open. I raised my head up to see Norman walk in, his expression serious. "Riley," he said, his voice soft. "I need to talk to you about something."

My heart skipped a beat as I turned to him. What now? What else could go wrong? I nodded, trying to prepare myself for the worst. "What is it?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Norman's eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the way his eyes flicker from left to right.

I took a deep breath, trying to prepare myself for what was coming. His expression was serious, and I could sense the weight of his words. "What is it?" I asked again, my voice a little stronger this time.

Norman walked towards me, his eyes never leaving mine. "I need to tell you about the Moonclak law," he said, his voice low and serious. "It's an ancient law that governs our pack, and it's very specific about the rules of marriage."

I nodded, my mind racing with questions. "What does it say?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Norman's expression turned grim. "It says that a pack leader cannot marry under the crescent moon," he explained. "It goes against the norms and the laws..." His voice trailed off.

I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized what he was saying. "Then what's this to mean?" I asked, my voice shaking. “Our marriage is not valid?”

Norman's eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the determination there. "Chadwick told me the court wants to have it annulled and send you back to Hornside," he said, clenching his fist. “But, I would never allow that.” He clenched his knuckles harder. “Not on my watch will they send you back to Hornside!”