Все главы The Promised Luna: Глава 31 - Глава 40

SLADE“Let her out within the next hour,” I said firmly to the guard standing by the heavy iron door. Behind it, Ayla was locked away like a criminal. Damon had put her there without asking me. He didn’t need my permission, he had the authority.But that didn’t mean I agreed with him.Damon wasn’t careless. He didn’t make decisions like this unless he felt there was no other choice. Especially not after what happened with my first Luna, the woman I once believed was my future. The one I trusted with my heart, my kingdom, my life.The one who betrayed me and left me to die on the battlefield.Now, when I look at Ayla, I feel something eerily familiar. A slow, dangerous pull. The same storm of emotions I felt back then. The same temptation to trust… to feel… to want.I can’t fall for someone again. Not now. Not ever. If I let my guard down, if I allow weakness to take root, my kingdom will crumble. Mercia will fall.That’s why she can’t know the truth about her powers. Not yet. Not unti

AYLAIt has been a few days since the palace came under a siege by Alpha Asher. Nothing had felt the same since. Security had doubled, especially around Mercia.And I hadn’t seen Slade once.He’s been busy questioning the prisoners Damon caught. The things those men said keep me up at night. I need to know what Slade plans to do about Asher’s message.This isn’t just about the prophecy anymore. Asher wants me. My life is in danger.“I can’t wait anymore,” I whispered. “Invisique.”With the invisibility spell around me, I quietly left my room and headed to the prison’s west wing.As I walked, I got chills remembering the time I was locked down there. At first, I thought Damon didn’t have Slade’s permission. But after seeing Slade before the attack, I’m not so sure.Telling them Maria is the one behind the potion swapping would have been a huge mistake. I’m willing to take her secret to the grave as long as she continues to give me access to the secret library. If Slade won’t tell me a

SLADEThe peace around the palace worsened with each passing day. The council refused to return to their homes, gripped by fear of another attack. I thought Lycans were supposed to be fierce. Instead, I had a group of old men yelling at me for answers to questions I didn’t know myself.I watched as each one yelled at the other at every turn. It was like they were making it their mission to see me pissed off. Damon, Riven, and some of the other officers kept trying to give them answers to their questions, but it only brought up more questions.I gripped the arm of my throne, the metal creaking under my fingers. My wolf growled deep inside me, but I kept him at bay. Losing control now would only make things worse.“They’re just scared,” Damon said quietly beside me. “They don’t know what’s coming, and fear makes people loud.”“They should be warriors,” I muttered. “Not scared children hiding behind words.”One of the councilmen slammed his fist on the table. “We need answers, Your Highn

AYLAThe war chamber was quiet after my words. Everyone just stared.“I’ll do it,” I said. And now I could feel all their eyes on me, some in shock, others in anger, and a few in doubt.Queen Lyra leaned back in her chair, her face calm but cold. “Well,” she said, “better you than one of our soldiers.”Her words hit harder than I thought they would. Like I wasn’t one of them. Like I never could be.Slade didn’t say anything. He just looked at me from across the table. His eyes were soft, but his jaw was tight. He looked like he wanted to speak, but couldn’t.Riven stepped forward, his voice sharp. “This is dangerous. She’s not ready for something like this.”“I can do it,” I said again, louder this time.The queen waved her hand. “Let her go. If she fails, at least we didn’t lose anyone important.”I flinched, but stayed still. I wouldn’t let her see how much it hurt.Slade finally spoke. “That’s enough, Mother.”She raised an eyebrow but said nothing more.He turned to me. “Ayla. Co

AYLAThe wind was cold as we rode in the street between the forest. Damon and Riven sat in front as Riven drove. Myself and Silvia stayed in the back.Despite the impending danger, I couldn't help but feel delighted. I'm finally going to get the truth about my powers, the prophecy. All of it. “Are we close?” Damon asked, I sighed and moved forward, looking at the road. “A few kilometers and we stop,” Riven nodded and increased his speed. I rested my body back and looked at Silvia, she looked uncomfortable. Just like she did before when Damon spoke earlier.“Do both need a moment alone because I can make myself and Riven give you guys some privacy,” I whispered to her.“That's not necessary,” She looked away quickly, pretending to check her weapon. But I saw the sadness in her eyes. And something else, regret.“Okay,” I said softly, not pushing further.The rest of the ride was quiet. Only the sound of the wind and the steady hum of the vehicle filled the air. My thoughts kept drift