Semua Bab STAINED BY THE MOON : Bab 41 - Bab 50

Lucas's POVDr. Brennan Ashford arrived at midday, his carriage clattering into the courtyard just as the sun reached its peak.He was older, perhaps fifty, with steel-gray hair swept back from a high forehead and the kind of steady hands that came from decades of practice. His eyes were sharp, intelligent, missing nothing as he surveyed the estate while a servant helped him down from the carriage.I met him in the entrance hall personally, rather than sending a subordinate. This matter was too important for intermediaries."My lord." He bowed with practiced grace, his medical bag clutched in one weathered hand. "You summoned me with some urgency. I came as quickly as I could manage.""I appreciate your prompt response, Doctor." I gestured for him to follow me. "It's a delicate matter. My wife. She believes she may be pregnant, and I need certainty.""I see." His expression remained professionally neutral, though I caught the slight flicker of understanding in his eyes. "How far along

Lily's POV"I'm here."The great hall went silent.Hundreds of eyes turned. Fixed on me standing in the entrance, bloodied and bruised, yet standing.My clothes were torn and mud-caked. Blood splattered my shirt, some mine, some not. A cut above my eyebrow had bled down my face. My knuckles were split. Breathing hurt with cracked ribs, probably two.But I was here.Behind me, Echo limped in, leaning on Elta. His face was swollen, one eye blackened. Marrok's scouts followed, all bearing signs of a fight. Then Veyla and Marathiel, equally battered.And behind them, four women. Shaking. Terrified. Alive.Ida. Margaret. Sarah. Anna.Four victims willing to testify. Four voices that couldn't be silenced."Apologies for the delay, Alpha Gavin." I walked forward, ignoring the pain shooting through my ribs. "We encountered obstacles."The crowd parted. People stared at our battered group.Lady Cressida had gone still. Dr. Thorne's confidence drained from his face."What happened?" Gavin aske

Lily's POVThe great hall was packed. Every noble, every pack member, every servant who could squeeze in had come to witness the conclusion.I stood at the front with the four witnesses. Ida's hands shook. Margaret kept her eyes down. Sarah touched her damaged throat. Anna stood rigid, jaw clenched.Across from us, Dr. Thorne sat with Lady Cressida. Both looked calm. Too calm.Gavin called the court to order. "We will hear testimony. Lady Lily, proceed."Ida stepped forward. Voice trembling but clear. "Three years ago, I worked in Dr. Thorne's household. One night, he offered me wine. I remember drinking it. Then nothing until I woke up in his chambers. My clothes were torn. My body hurts. He gave me gold and said if I spoke, he'd ruin me."Murmurs rippled through the crowd.Margaret testified next. Same pattern. Drugged wine. Waking up violated. Threats. Payment.Sarah couldn't speak well, her voice damaged from poison. She wrote her testimony. Marathiel read it aloud. The attempt on

Lucas's POV Gerard stood before me, shoulders straight, jaw set. Empty-handed. "Where is she?" "I couldn't find her, Your Majesty." Liar. I could smell it on him. Lavender and something wild, her scent, clinging to his clothes like an accusation. "You couldn't find her." I stood slowly, circling my desk. "The singing girl who turned my wife into a screaming madwoman in the public square. The one who has half the city humming sedition. You couldn't locate her." "She'd already fled, Your Majesty. By the time I reached her dwelling…" "I can smell her on you, Gerard." I stopped directly in front of him. "You found her." His jaw tightened, but he said nothing. "How long have you served me?" I asked softly. "Ten years, Your Majesty." "Ten years of loyalty. Of following orders without question." I walked to the window, hands clasped behind my back. "And now, when I need you most, when that singing bitch is poisoning my city with her songs..." I turned back. "You failed me." "Yo

Lucas's POV"To Emberfang's starvation!" I raised my cup, wine sloshing over the rim.The council chamber erupted in laughter and cheers. My advisors, my captains, my loyal court, all celebrating the brilliance of my strategy."Lord Lucas has them by the throat," Lord Ashwyn said, grinning."When the grain runs out, when their children start crying from hunger, Gavin's righteous crusade will collapse." I laughed, taking a long drink. "Let's see him protect fugitives when his own people are rioting in the streets."More laughter. More toasts.I stood, moved to the window overlooking the courtyard. Torches blazed along the walls, casting dancing shadows."Marcus!" I called. "Bring more wine. The expensive reserve. Tonight we celebrate properly."Marcus appeared with a new bottle. The good stuff, aged twenty years, worth more than most men earned in a lifetime.I poured generously, the deep red catching the torchlight."You know what the best part is?" I turned back to face my council. "