Semua Bab A Packless Luna: Bab 11 - Bab 20

I woke up with my own scream still trapped in my throat. For several seconds, I didn't know where I was. I sat upright, breathing hard. Moonfall. My room. Not the burning village. Not the screams. Not the fire. I pressed a hand against my chest. My heart was beating too fast. I looked toward the window. Morning light was beginning to enter the room. It had been a dream. At least, that was what I wanted to believe. But the memory of the fire was still there. The symbol. The woman. The voice. They felt too real. I climbed out of bed and walked to the washroom. Cold water touched my face. I looked at myself in the mirror. “You're fine,” I whispered. My reflection didn't look convinced. A knock sounded on the door. I quickly straightened. “Who is it?” “Luna, breakfast is ready.” “I'll be there.” The servant walked away. I looked at myself again. No one needed to know. Not yet. I didn't even know what had happened to me. How could I explain it to anyone els

“ The moment I entered the main hall, I knew they were waiting for me to fail. Every conversation stopped. Dozens of nobles turned toward me. Some stared openly. Others whispered behind their hands. I kept my head high and continued walking. Kael was already standing near the head of the hall. His eyes met mine. “Come here.” I walked toward him. A noblewoman looked me over. “So this is the Luna.” Another woman laughed softly. “She doesn't look like one.” I heard her. I pretended I didn't. Kael offered me his hand. I took it. The hall became even quieter. “Today,” Kael announced, “we will discuss the upcoming border agreements.” I took my place beside him. A man seated near the center immediately raised his hand. “Alpha.” Kael looked at him. “Lord Harlen.” “Does the Luna understand the terms of the agreement?” I looked at him. “Why don't you ask me?” A few nobles laughed. Harlen smiled. “I was simply wondering whether someone raised outside a pack would un

The moment I saw the black wolf insignia again, my blood ran cold. I had seen it before. Not in Moonfall. Not in the Barrens. Somewhere else. Somewhere burning. I closed my fingers around it and quickly slipped it into my pocket. I wasn't going to tell anyone. Not yet. Especially not Kael. The servant who had brought me to the room was still standing nearby. “You recognize it,” I said. He shook his head too quickly. “No, Luna.” “You're lying.” “I swear I don't know anything.” “Then why did you look afraid?” He lowered his eyes. “I have served this fortress for many years.” “And?” “There are things old servants learn not to ask about.” I pulled the insignia from my pocket. His face went pale. “Where have you seen this?” He looked toward the door. “Please put that away.” “Why?” “Because someone might see it.” “Who?” He shook his head. “I cannot say.” “You can.” “I cannot.” I stepped closer. “Someone tried to poison me tonight.” His eyes widened. “You k

By the next morning, everyone in Ironfang seemed to have an opinion about me. I heard whispers the moment I stepped into the hallway. “That is her.” “She defeated four warriors.” “I heard she almost broke the last one's arm.” “She is still a rogue.” I kept walking. Then someone called my name. “Luna?” I turned. A young warrior stood several feet away. He looked nervous. “Yes?” “Can I ask you something?” I nodded. He came closer. “I heard you know how to handle border patrols.” I frowned. “Who told you that?” “No one.” He scratched the back of his neck. “I just thought…” “You thought what?” “That you might know how to deal with something.” I smiled slightly. “Then ask.” He explained that two patrol groups kept arguing over which route was safer. I listened. Then I asked a few questions. “Who has been taking the northern route?” “Group Two.” “And who is losing wolves?” “Group One.” “Then why are they arguing?” He stared at me. “I don't know.” “Because

By breakfast, the entire pack seemed to know my darkest secret. The problem was, I didn't know it myself. I had barely entered the dining hall when the whispers started. “She is working with the rogues.” “I heard she knows their leader.” “She probably planned the border attack.” I stopped walking. My hands tightened at my sides. Then someone said the name. “Riven.” I turned. The room went silent. A young warrior looked away. I walked toward him. “What did you just say?” He swallowed. “Nothing, Luna.” “No. Say it again.” “I only heard a rumor.” “From whom?” He shook his head. I looked around the room. Nobody met my eyes. I laughed bitterly. “So everyone is brave enough to whisper, but nobody is brave enough to speak.” A noblewoman stood. “People are frightened.” “Of me?” “Of what you might be hiding.” I stared at her. “I am hiding nothing.” “Then why does the rogue leader keep attacking us?” “I don't know.” “And why does he leave messages for you?” I fr