Chapter 36

LEAH

I laid in bed hating everything about being here, I need to somehow converse with the women to begin with,that was really tasking and only the goddess knew what other tragedy awaits me

I let out of a sigh, it was the middle of the night and I still not asleep eve if there was a lot of things for me to do the next day, a hand against my thigh made me jump and I look side ways to meet my husband's sleepy gaze

"Don't scare me like that" I snapped quietly and he chuckled before pulling me into a cuddle

"You are meant to be asleep why are you awake?"

"I can't seem to sleep, I'm thinking about tomorrow"

"Stop stressing, if you get tired of them you can come and interrupt me now close your eyes sleep" He cuddled tightly and I laughed before snuggling

"Good night" I whispered but I got a snore in response

*******

The sunlight crept through the curtains, casting a soft golden hue across the room. I slowly awoke, the silence of the morning wrapping around me like a familiar, comforting cloak. I stretched, my muscles aching from the events of the past few days.

The soreness in my back reminded me of everything I’d been through, but still, there was a strange calmness in my chest, like the quiet before a storm.

Today was important.

I had to address the Lunas from the different packs in the kingdom. The annual garden meeting was always more than just a social event. Over the years, I’d learned to navigate it,to pick up on the subtle whispers, the undercurrents of gossip and manipulation beneath the surface of polite conversation.

It was an opportunity to make connections, to gain favor, but most importantly, to maintain my status as queen. I’d worked too hard for this throne to let it slip from my grasp and I still hated it. A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I prepared myself for the day ahead.

The chirping of birds outside added to the peaceful mood that surrounded me, but it didn’t last long. My mind wandered back to Dante.

It had been weeks since the battle with the rogue pack, and since then, he had been distant, his mind consumed by the growing tensions between the packs. We barely spoke anymore. His silence pressed down on me, heavier than any battle ever could.

Why was he pulling away?

Was it because of the battle? Or something I had done? Or maybe it was something I didn’t even understand? I shook the thoughts away, unwilling to let them distract me. I had a responsibility. I couldn’t afford to let my focus waver.

I couldn’t show any weakness today. I couldn’t afford to be distracted. I had to be perfect, poised, graceful, calculated. The queen they all expected me to be.

The maids helped me into my gown, a soft lavender silk that flowed like water around my body. The fabric shimmered as I moved, catching the light with every step.

I adjusted the intricate golden crown resting on my head. It was a symbol of my power, my connection to Dante, and to this kingdom. The gown’s golden threads sparkled as I walked toward the vanity, brushing through my hair with delicate strokes.

When I looked into the mirror, something about my reflection seemed different today. There was a tension in my eyes, a weariness that clung to me. Was it visible to anyone else?

Could they see the cracks forming beneath my polished exterior? It wasn’t just Dante’s distance that bothered me; there was something else, something darker. An unease hanging in the air, a sense that something was changing. I could feel it. It was there, lurking just beneath the surface.

My thoughts were interrupted when one of the maids approached, holding out a silver tray with a cup of tea.

“Your Majesty, it’s time,” she said, her voice soft but respectful.

I nodded, taking the tea from her with a smile. “Thank you,” I said, keeping my voice steady. I needed to remain composed.

The garden meeting would be starting soon, an annual luncheon where the Lunas from the various packs gathered. A beautiful garden surrounded by blooming flowers and winding paths would serve as the perfect backdrop for their social games. I’d spent years learning how to listen, how to catch the little things they said, and more importantly, what they didn’t say. Today, I needed to hear it all.

I made my way through the corridors of the palace, the distant hum of chatter reaching my ears. The Lunas had already started gathering, and my presence would be expected soon. I adjusted the folds of my gown and walked with purpose, each step calculated. I wasn’t just the queen today; I was a woman in control. A force to be reckoned with.

When I stepped into the garden, the familiar faces of the Lunas greeted me. They all wore carefully constructed smiles, and I could sense the tension in the air, though they did their best to hide it. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth filled my lungs, and for a moment, it felt peaceful. But I knew better than to trust that calm.

I took my seat at the head of the table, straightening my back and holding my chin high.

The usual pleasantries filled the air, but my sharp ears caught the whispers beneath them. There were murmurs of dissatisfaction, talk of the rogue attack, shifting alliances, and the ever-growing unrest with Dante’s leadership.

I leaned in slightly, offering a smile to one of the Lunas as she spoke, but my mind was focused elsewhere, on the things I couldn’t hear but could feel.

Then, everything shifted.

A subtle change in the air, a crackling tension that I couldn’t ignore. My senses went on high alert. Something wasn’t right.

And then, it happened.

The peaceful hum of conversation was shattered by the sound of the gate to the garden being ripped open. My eyes widened in shock as a group of rogues, weapons drawn, stormed into the garden. Their snarls filled the air, wild and furious. They charged straight for us.

Instinct took over. My fingers gripped the dagger at my side, the cold steel a comfort as I stood, ready. My heart pounded in my chest, adrenaline flooding my veins.

The Lunas around me scattered, their faces filled with fear, their hands clutching at their gowns as they ran for cover. I ignored them, my eyes fixed on the rogues. I knew what I had to do.

But just as I prepared to act, something cold and sharp pressed against the back of my neck.

But I moved immediately