All Chapters of The Gifted Luna : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

A fierce and dangerous fight ensued between both parties, but it did not take long enough for Garrett's men to realize they were no match for Edwin's men. Rylen and the other men displayed a great show of power, reflex and skills. Rylen's blade moved with precise, trained strikes, his fellow guards flanking them with silent speed.One of Garrett's men was yelping in pain, "ahh, ahh!" He winced in pain, and stumbled back, watching blood gush out of his wound before falling helplessly to the ground. He had been deeply slashed on the shoulder.The other blocked Rylen's next swing, only to find himself disarmed by a quick turn of the wrist. They were not prepared for Edwin's men, they had not expected to be met by a very strong opponent who was determined to see to their ends.They were not ready for these soldiers, who had been trained to defend, protect, and strike only when necessary, soldiers that were only loyal to Edwin."Fall back!" one of them barked an order. "But..." The other

Over the next two days, Ralph watched Marah. He did not do it from the shadows or behind doors. Although, he appeared wherever she was, he still made sure to be careful, discreet, blending in as a loyal guard would. But his eyes were always on Marah.Whenever she left her guest room for the dining hall, or whenever she took walks or visited the gardens. Whenever she spoke to a maid, a servant, or simply sat in the reading room cmose to the guest's chambers, he was always there.To Ralph, she moved like someone who had nothing to hide. She talked smoothly, she was always too careful. She smiled when spoken to, and asked polite questions. But her eyes were always scanning the environment, almost like she was waiting for someone. Or watching for something.Ralph followed her from a distance, never too close enough to arouse suspicion. He noticed that she visited the garden twice a day. She never ate with the others. She always carried a thin silver ring on her finger, twisting it, absent

Marah's new act was enough to make anyone believe that she had nothing to hide. But on the inside, she was building walls. If Garrett wanted her quiet, she would be as silent and still as the water flowing from the mountains. She would not just survive, she would really show them that she could thrive in plain sight.And perhaps, in time, if she could remain invisible long enough. She would find a way to flip the rules in her favor, without anyone noticing. Behind every composed step, Marah whispered to herself:"Let them think that they have won. I am not afraid of them anymore. I am dangerous now."---------Two days after the dinner, Edwin stood in the private east wing balcony, overlooking the lower courtyard. He did not touch his tea. He also did not look up as Ralph approached him from behind."Did you see the way Vanessa cornered Marah that night?" Edwin plainly said."I did," Ralph replied. "And I have seen women twist daggers with fewer words."Edwin finally turned. "You and

"No," Ralph said, shaking his head. "I think that Marah is hiding something behind that new calm. Like she is scheming something, and whatever it is, I am convinced that the Luna has also sensed it too."Edwin frowned. "Keep watching, do not engage, or interfere in their conflicts yet. I just want to know who slips first. Let us see which of them is more vicious and intelligent," Ralph nodded once, quietly leaving the room. He did not know who was playing the game better, whether it was Marah or Vanessa. But the pawns were already moving. And someone was definitely bound to crack in the game of two.--------------The morning air was crisp, and the first rays of sunlight kissed the tops of the trees that lined the Scarlet Pack's inner courtyard.Tiara stood outside the old cabin that had accommodated her for so many years. She took a good look at the surroundings, the well-groomed flowers that she had planted to add more beauty to the failing beauty and shine of the cabin.Done looki

The forest thinned as Tiara's horse trotted to a slow halt right on top of a ridge that overlooked the border of the Dark Moon Pack. The familiar scent of pine and cold soil filled the air.From the top of the ridge, she was able to see the eastern gate just like Edwin had described in his letters. Tiara exhaled loudly, her chest and shoulders rising and falling in unison."This is it," she said to herself, allowing the cold breeze to blow her hair backwards.She strained her eyes, trying to see if there was anything out of the ordinary below. She knew that she had to be extremely careful now that she was back to the Dark Moon pack. She was home, where she was unwanted.She drew a linen scarf over her face before kicking her horse who galloped down the ridge, running as fast as it could.A few meters away from the gate, Tiara's heart began to beat very fast. She looked around, observing her environment. The closer she got to the gate, the more the anxiety and doubt that surged through