Share

Chapter 22: Torn Pages

Author: Judith GW
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-14 10:50:01
(Layla’s POV)

I grabbed the book again, my fingers shaking so badly I could barely turn the pages. The illustration of my necklace stared back at me, identical in every detail. The same strange markings etched along the silver crescent, the same gemstones embedded in specific points.

Excitement pounded through me as I flipped to the section describing the pendant, eager to finally learn its origins. Was it from a royal bloodline? A sacred artifact? The missing piece to my mysterious past?

But where the explanation should have been, there was only a jagged edge—the page had been torn out.

“No,” I muttered, frantically turning to the next page, hoping for some continuation. Nothing. Just more artifacts with no connection to my necklace.

I leafed through the entire book again, checking for loose pages or notes that might have fallen out. Nothing. Just that clean tear where the information should have been.

Frustration bubbled up inside me. After years of wondering, the answers had been ri
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter

Related chapters

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 23: Buried Origins

    (Layla’s POV)Mom stared out the passenger window, her face reflecting in the glass as the street lamps lit our faces periodically.“I remember that day so clearly,” she finally said, her voice soft but steady. “Walking through the forest, gathering herbs for my remedies. Then hearing this tiny cry.”I gripped the steering wheel tighter, afraid to speak and break her flow of memories.“You were just…there. Wrapped in a blanket under an oak tree. So small, so helpless.” She turned to look at me, her eyes glistening. “The necklace was already around your neck. I had no idea where you came from or who left you there.”“And you never saw anyone? No clues at all?” I asked gently.“Nothing. Just you and that necklace.” She touched my arm lightly. “I brought you home, reported finding you to the pack Alpha, but nobody ever came forward. After a year, they let me formally adopt you.”“Did anyone ever ask about the necklace? Recognize it?”Mom hesitated, just long enough for me to notice. “No.

    Last Updated : 2025-03-14
  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 24: Mason’s Ultimatum

    (Layla’s POV)I exchanged a wary glance with Mom before approaching the door, my muscles tense and ready. Was it Frank, returning for something he’d missed? A neighbor hearing the commotion?When I peered through the peephole, my breath caught in my throat.Mason stood outside, with Abigail hovering behind him.I unlocked the door reluctantly, pulling it open just enough to see them clearly. “What are you doing here?”Mason’s eyebrows rose at my hostile tone. “Hello to you too, Layla.”“My mother just got out of the hospital. We’re busy right now.”“That’s precisely why we’re here,” Abigail chimed in, her voice sweet as honey. She stepped forward, revealing a large basket in her arms. “I wanted to welcome Mrs. Wilkes home personally.”I started to refuse them entry, but Mom appeared beside me. “Alpha Mason, Luna Abigail,” she greeted them warmly. “Please, come in. Excuse the mess—we’ve had a break-in.”I had no choice but to step aside as Mom welcomed them into our apartment. Mason’s

    Last Updated : 2025-03-14
  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 25: The Council Meeting

    (Layla’s POV)“We’re going to be late!” I shouted, slamming my palm against the dashboard of Cora’s rusty car.The car sputtered as she pressed the gas pedal harder, driving through the winding road toward Silver Moon Council Hall. Through the windshield, I could see purple streaks in the sky, telling me dusk was falling.I checked my watch again and groaned. “Raymond will skin us alive if we’re not there for the pre-count briefing.”“Relax,” Cora said, jerking the steering wheel to avoid a pothole. “We’ve got twenty minutes. Plenty of time to get there, especially since I’m breaking at least three traffic laws.”“Four,” I corrected, pointing at the speedometer. “Five if you count that turn signal you haven’t used once.”Cora grinned, flipping the turn signal on mockingly before immediately switching it off again. “Happy now? Besides, I know the real reason you’re so antsy to get there.”“I’m not antsy,” I huffed. “I’m professional. Ballot counters should arrive early.”“Uh-huh. And th

    Last Updated : 2025-03-14
  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 26: Late Arrival

    (Layla’s POV)Inside the Silver Moon Council Hall, chaos reigned. Wolves from every territory jammed the massive space, and their shouting made a din that assaulted my ears. I could smell the aggressive display of authority—Alphas releasing pheromones, unconsciously asserting dominance in the crowded room.“There’s Raymond,” Cora shouted over the noise, pointing toward a table where the Elder stood surrounded by other ballot counters.We squeezed through the crowd, muttering apologies as we bumped into wolves deep in political discussions. The Alpha Chairman position represented the pinnacle of pack politics—whoever held it controlled inter-pack relations, resource distribution, and territory disputes for the entire region.“Ah, the stragglers arrive,” Raymond remarked dryly as we reached him. “Cutting it rather close, aren’t we?”“Sorry, Elder,” I apologized, straightening my blazer. “Traffic.”He glanced between us skeptically but nodded. “Very well. Take your positions at table thre

    Last Updated : 2025-03-14
  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 27: A Voice for Samuel

    (Layla’s POV)The female wolf limped forward, favoring her right leg. Despite her disheveled appearance—dirt smudging her face and blood staining her blue dress—she held herself with unmistakable dignity.“I am Meredith of the Oakwood Pack,” she announced clearly. “I’m the reason Alpha Samuel arrived late, and I believe this assembly deserves to know why before rushing to judgment.”Elder Raymond nodded cautiously. “Speak, Meredith.”She climbed onto the platform, turning to face the crowd. “While traveling to this meeting, my escort and I were ambushed by rogues at the northeastern territory border. They outnumbered us significantly—at least fifteen against our six.”Shocked whispers erupted throughout the hall. Rogue attacks had increased in recent months, but an organized assault on a pack member was unprecedented.“We fought hard but were losing ground rapidly,” Meredith continued. “Two of my guards lay seriously injured, and the rogues kept advancing. That’s when Alpha Samuel appe

    Last Updated : 2025-03-14
  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 28: War of the Wines

    (Layla’s POV)Red wine soaked through my blouse, the cold liquid sending a shock down my spine. Droplets splattered onto the marble floor, looking disturbingly like blood on the white stone. Conversation around us faltered as nearby wolves turned to watch the unfolding drama.Amanda’s lips curled into a triumphant smile that didn’t touch her eyes. This was no accident—her aim had been too perfect, her timing too calculated.I assessed my options within seconds. I could walk away gracefully, showing Amanda that her childish tactics were beneath me. I could report her to Raymond, letting official channels handle her misconduct.Or I could retaliate in kind.My decision was formed instantly.I looked down at my full plate, considering each item carefully. Then, slowly, I picked up a strip of crispy bacon and pressed it firmly against Amanda’s chest, dragging it downward to leave a greasy streak across her pristine white dress.Her mouth fell open in shock, eyes widening comically. Before

    Last Updated : 2025-03-14
  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 29: Unsaid

    (Layla’s POV)I scrubbed viciously at the red wine stains blooming across my white blouse, cursing under my breath as the cheap break room hand soap did absolutely nothing against the stubborn discoloration.The Council Hall break room smelled of burnt coffee and microwave popcorn, ugly ceiling bulbs rattling noisily from the ceiling. My blazer hung over a nearby chair, saved from Amanda’s petty attack.“Stupid wine. Stupid Amanda. Stupid formal event requiring white clothing,” I muttered, dabbing ineffectually at the largest stain with a wet paper towel.The door squeaked open behind me. In the mirror above the sink, I caught Samuel’s reflection as he entered. His formal robes remained immaculate despite the wound on his arm, which looked angrier under the harsh lighting.“Having any luck?” he asked, nodding toward my blouse.“About as much luck as trying to train a fish to climb trees,” I sighed, tossing another ruined paper towel into the overflowing trash can. “This is probably a l

    Last Updated : 2025-03-14
  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 30: Family History

    (Layla’s POV)I stared down the empty hallway, goosebumps rising on my arms despite the building’s warmth. Something about that shadow had seemed familiar, stirring an uneasy feeling in my gut.“Layla?” Samuel appeared on my shoulder. “What is it?”I stepped back into the break room, letting the door swing shut. “I thought I saw someone in the hallway. A shadow moving past the door.”“Probably just another Council member,” Samuel suggested, though his posture had become more alert, his senses clearly scanning for potential threats.“Maybe,” I agreed, not entirely convinced. The shadow had moved with a furtive quality that struck me as suspicious rather than casual.Samuel studied my face. “You seem disturbed by it.”“Just jumpy, I guess.” I returned to the sink, gathering my damp blazer and resuming my battle with the wine stains. “Between Amanda’s stunts and everything else that’s happened lately, I’m seeing threats in every shadow.”Samuel leaned against the counter, his bandaged arm

    Last Updated : 2025-03-14

Latest chapter

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 59: Recovery and Revelations

    Layla’s POVI woke up slowly, my body feeling like it weighed a thousand pounds. Sunlight streamed through unfamiliar curtains, momentarily confusing me until I remembered—I was in Samuel’s house, in the guest room.Images from the previous night flooded back: Barbara’s betrayal, the wolfsbane poison, Samuel’s burned hands.Pushing myself to a sitting position took more effort than it should have. The lingering effects of the poison made every muscle ache.As my vision cleared fully, I noticed I wasn’t alone in the room.Annie sat quietly in her wheelchair beside my bed, her small hands folded in her lap. Her big, round eyes never left my face, watching with an intensity that surprised me.“Annie?” I croaked, my voice still rough.Her face lit up instantly. She wheeled closer, then practically launched herself from the chair onto the bed beside me. Her thin arms wrapped around my neck as she buried her face against my shoulder, her body shaking with sobs.“I thought you were gonna die!

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 58: Healing Touch

    Samuel’s POVI burst through the mansion doors, Moonvine clutched in my bloody hands. Dr. Mercer jumped up from beside Layla’s bed when I entered her room, his eyes widening at my appearance.“You actually got it,” he said disbelievingly, taking the plants from my grasp.I didn’t waste time responding, moving instead to Layla’s side. Her condition had deteriorated—her breathing now came in short, irregular gasps, and the black blood had spread to stain her pillow.Dr. Mercer worked quickly, crushing the Moonvine into a small mortar. The purple leaves released a thick, luminescent juice that he collected in a small glass vial. He added several drops from other bottles, swirling the mixture until it turned a bright silver color.“Hold her head up,” he instructed.I slid my arm beneath Layla’s neck, gently lifting her. Dr. Mercer carefully parted her lips and let the silver liquid drip into her mouth. For several seconds, nothing happened.Then her body stiffened violently. Her back arche

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 57: The Descent

    Samuel’s POVMy car skidded to a halt at the edge of the forest clearing. I jumped out, not bothering to close the door behind me. The Moonlight Well stood in the center of the clearing, moonlight reflecting off its ancient stone rim.No fence surrounded it—no wolf would willingly approach the silver-lined depths.The forest around me remained eerily silent, as if holding its breath. I approached the well, my footsteps crunching on fallen leaves. Looking down, I saw nothing but darkness. The depths seemed to go on endlessly, swallowing even my enhanced vision.A thick rope hung from a rusted metal hook—left by humans who occasionally came to make wishes or drop coins. I tested it, yanking hard. It held firm.Taking a deep breath, I removed my shirt and shoes, keeping only my pants. The fewer clothes to restrict movement, the better. I wrapped my hands in thin strips torn from my shirt—pathetic protection against silver, but better than nothing.I grabbed the rope and swung my legs over

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 56: Two Hours

    Samuel’s POVI ran toward Layla’s room, my lungs burning from exertion. The hallway seemed endless as my feet pounded against the marble floor. When I reached her door, I didn’t bother knocking—I pushed it open with enough force to make it crash against the wall.“Layla!” I called out, rushing to her bedside.The sight froze my blood. Layla lay motionless on the bed, her skin ghostly white against the dark sheets. Thin trails of blackened blood leaked from the corners of her mouth, unmistakable signs of wolfsbane poisoning. Her chest barely moved with shallow breaths.“Jack!” I roared, my voice shaking the walls. “Get in here now!”My Beta appeared at the doorway seconds later, his eyes widening at the scene before him.“Barbara poisoned her,” I snarled, checking Layla’s pulse. It fluttered weakly beneath my fingers. “She’s escaping as we speak. Find her. Bring her back.”Jack’s face hardened. “Yes, Alpha.”“And send for Dr. Mercer,” I ordered sharply. “Tell him it’s wolfsbane poisonin

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 55: Green Truth

    Samuel’s POV“Dad?” Annie asked after a moment of silence. “I’m thirsty.”I nodded, grateful for the simple request after our heavy conversation. “I’ll get you some water.”“Thanks,” she mumbled, already looking sleepy again.I stood up from beside her bed and walked toward the kitchen, my mind still processing Annie’s surprising maturity about her mother’s absence. The hallway stretched dark and silent before me, the mansion quiet at this late hour.The kitchen was empty when I entered it. I flipped on a small light over the sink, keeping it dim to avoid disturbing anyone nearby. As I reached for a glass from the cabinet, something unusual in the trash can beside the counter caught my eye.Dark, strange-looking food remains drew my attention immediately.I filled Annie’s water glass first, placing it on a small tray, then looked closer at the trash. What appeared to be leftover soup—Annie’s dinner from earlier—had oddly blackened edges around the bowl that didn’t look like normal food

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 54: Midnight Confidences

    Samuel’s POVI carefully pushed open Layla’s door with my foot, entering the darkened room. I gently laid Layla down on the bed, taking care not to wake her as I removed her shoes and pulled a light blanket over her sleeping form.She stirred slightly, murmuring something unintelligible before settling deeper into the pillows. I stood watching her for a moment longer than necessary, struck by a strange reluctance to leave.With effort, I turned away, closing her door silently behind me. Annie waited in the hallway, making no attempt to hide her presence now.“You carried her,” she stated simply.“She fell asleep watching over you,” I explained, keeping my voice neutral. “She needed proper rest.”Annie’s expression remained skeptical. “You could have woken her up.”“She was exhausted.”“Mmhmm,” Annie hummed, clearly unconvinced by my practical explanation.I crouched down, bringing myself to her eye level.“You’re supposed to be sleeping,” I whispered.Annie shrugged. “Couldn’t sleep. M

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 53: Night Vigil

    Samuel’s POVI watched Layla refuse to leave Annie’s side despite Barbara’s vicious accusations. The determined set of her jaw told me everything about her character. Even with Barbara claiming her therapy had caused this mysterious pain, Layla insisted on staying to help.“I’ll monitor her through the night,” Layla told me quietly. “If anything changes, I’ll wake you immediately.”Barbara scoffed loudly. “Haven’t you done enough damage? The girl needs family, not more amateur meddling.”“Barbara,” I said sharply, “enough.”She opened her mouth to argue, but something in my expression made her reconsider. With a final dirty look at Layla, she stormed out of the room, her angry footsteps echoing down the hallway.Annie’s pain seemed to subside gradually after Barbara’s “remedy,” though I remained skeptical of its actual effectiveness. More likely the pain was simply running its natural course.“You should get some rest,” Layla urged me around midnight. “I’ll stay with her.”I hesitated,

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 52: Betrayal

    Barbara’s POVI slipped through the shadows of the hallway, the small glass vial cold against my palm. My heart raced as I paused outside the kitchen, listening for any movement inside. Silence.Perfect.The kitchen lay dark and empty when I entered, moonlight spilling through the windows to illuminate the neat counters. Chef Marco had prepared Annie’s dinner earlier—a special vegetable soup she loved. I located the covered pot easily, still warm on the stove for her evening meal.I uncorked the vial, the bitter smell of Witherbone Powder making my nose wrinkle. Ancient werewolf poison—not enough to kill, just enough to cause temporary pain and muscle spasms. Untraceable in food unless specifically tested for.The powder dissolved instantly in the hot soup, leaving no visible trace. I stirred it thoroughly, making sure no telltale residue remained along the edges of the pot.“What are you doing?”I nearly dropped the empty vial as I whirled around. Mrs. Hayes stood in the doorway, her

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 51: A Victory Embrace

    Layla’s POVI couldn’t believe my eyes. Annie stood there, wobbling but definitely upright, her small hands gripping the edge of her bed frame. Her legs trembled with effort, but they held her weight. My heart soared at this miraculous sight—all our hard work was finally paying off.Before I could speak, strong arms suddenly wrapped around me, yanking me backward. Samuel pulled me against his chest so forcefully that air rushed from my lungs. His arms crushed me tight, my back pressed firmly against his front. The cologne he wore filled my senses—cedar and something spicy I couldn’t name. His heart pounded against my shoulder blade, rapid and powerful.For a moment, I forgot to breathe. Not because he squeezed me too tight—though he definitely did—but because the physical contact shocked me. Samuel never touched anyone casually. This sudden embrace felt like being caught in a storm—unexpected, powerful, overwhelming.Just as abruptly, Samuel released me and stepped back. I gasped, f

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status