Semua Bab The Betrayed Luna: Rise Of The Phoenix : Bab 81 - Bab 88

Aurora’s POVThose words struck my ears and I flinched as though he had slapped me.“H-How could you say that?” I didn’t mean to raise my voice but somehow my control slipped. “Do you think I would use Asher in such a way? Do you really think that of me?”I saw the way Alaric looked at me, and the way the nurse froze, seeming a little awkward.I couldn’t let things happen like this.Just then a small voice murmured, “Dad?”Asher was awake. I rushed to the other side of his bed, my eyes clouded with concern. I hoped he had not heard the argument just a few seconds before. I placed my hand atop Asher’s forehead, feeling his warmth seep into my palm.But Asher turned his head away, focusing on his father to his other side.“Asher, how are you feeling?” Alaric’s dark expression had faded instantly. He reached his hand to grasp our son’s smaller one, squeezing it gently.“Mm,” Asher nodded. “I’m okay dad.”Alaric’s eyes flickered to me and then back to him, before he said, “It will be time

Aurora’s POVFor a second, I was reminded of the way the Elders and the pack had treated me in the final days of my last life. They had, in many ways, disrespected me, disrespected my station, accused me of doing things I didn't do. And they also supported Seraphina.The same thing was happening again.This wasn't a meeting, it was a tribunal. And the target was me.The meeting hall was quiet, no one dared to speak after the Elder had stated his accusations. Several elders stared at me with deep, dark looks, and others lowered their gazes, not looking in any direction, avoiding the eyes of others.Control, I thought, taking a deeper breath and slowly exhaling.I found the voice to respond seconds later.“I have never fallen short in my duties as a Luna and as a doctor of this pack, Elder. If there is anything you or everyone else wishes to accuse me of,” I raised my voice and turned to Alaric who was seated at the head of the table. My chair beside him was empty and I had no desire to

Alaric’s POVMy jaw clenched as the weight of Elder Miriam’s words fell upon me.This wasn't right, I thought with a grim countenance that darkened even more with each passing second.This wasn't how things were supposed to go.Beside me, Aurora’s silence was telling. She didn't speak up for me, didn't even try to defend me. She didn't look at me, not like I expected her to anyway.But she also didn't disparage me, or try to use this as a trump card.She simply ignored it all, as though none of it had anything to do with her.Her calm demeanor left more of a void in my chest than I anticipated.Upon Elder Miriam’s questions thrown at me, various Elders in their seats had already begun to turn and look at me with weird, unfathomable looks that continued to drive some part of me insane.A growl tore through my throat as I stood, trying to prove myself. Elder Miriam was a respected, most venerable Elder. But in this, she was wrong.“I have no affair with Seraphina in any way, shape or f

SeraphinaBeing the formidable rogue leader he was, he didn't show any surprise, only raised a brow.I spread my energy about the tent, watching for any signs of an infiltration.I closed my eyes, breathing in deeply once.Here, was a veritable well of energy for me. Not as good as the Shadowpine Pack was, if not for the fact that my efforts to harvest were being destroyed.“I suppose you have a reason?” Zephyr’s voice made me open my eyes again.I scowled at the red-eyed man.Ever since I knew I was going to embark on this journey I had decided that allying myself to this powerful man was the best way to ensure my success.But this wasn't the first time he had questioned me. I had used many people to get to where I wanted but he was one of the most unwilling pawns.“Of course there is,” I crossed my arms, scoffing.“Remember that I suggested attacking quickly, Priestess. And you bluntly rejected that idea. He leaned back on his fur-covered seat, staring at me with the ease of a man w