All Chapters of THE REJECTED WHITE LUNA: Chapter 91 - Chapter 100

The healer's wing smelled of dried lavender and woodsmoke. Aria eased herself onto the bed, one hand bracing the small of her back as the familiar ache settled deep in her spine. The baby had dropped lower in the past week, and every movement felt heavy. Elara pressed her weathered palms against the taut curve of Aria's belly, her silver braids swinging as she bent to listen. "The pup is in position, strong heartbeat." She straightened. "Could be due anytime soon.” "I've noticed." Aria shifted, trying to find a comfortable angle on the thin mattress. The baby kicked hard against her ribs in protest. "She's been restless all morning." Elara wiped her hands on her apron. "You're healthy. The baby's healthy. Whatever happens, you're in good shape for the birth." She paused at her herb shelf. "How are you feeling otherwise? Any dizziness? Pain beyond the usual?" "No. Just tired. And heavy." "That's normal. Rest when you can, eat regularly but not too much. Let that mate of y

The storm had passed. Moonlight spilled through the windows of the healer's wing, pale and clean, washing the room in silver. The candles had burned low. Elara had retreated to her quarters an hour ago, leaving strict instructions for rest and a pot of herbal tea on the bedside table. Aria lay propped against a mountain of pillows, Audra cradled in a cot beside her. The baby had finally stopped crying. Her tiny face was peaceful now, her silver lashes resting against round cheeks, her rosebud mouth pursed in sleep. One small fist had escaped the blanket and rested against Aria's chest, as if she’s trying to hold her on one place.. "She's beautiful," Rowan said. He was sitting on the edge of the cot, his shoulder pressed against Aria's, his golden eyes fixed on their daughter with an expression of naked wonder. "I didn't know anything could be this small." "She wasn't small when she was coming out." Rowan's mouth curved. "No. She announced herself." Aria pressed a kiss to Audra'

The days after Audra's birth passed in a blink of of the nights and quiet vigilance. Aria rarely left their chambers. The fortress was on high alert, patrols doubled, guards at every entrance, Bael's quiet presence a constant at the end of the corridor. Rowan spent hours in his study with Lois, reviewing reports, questioning gate guards, searching for any trace of the man who had opened the healer's window. Every lead came up empty. But Aria was not alone. Nyssa arrived every morning like clockwork, usually with some excuse that didn't hold up to scrutiny. "I was in the passing by." "I thought you might want company." "Gretta told me to check on you." This morning, she sprawled in the chair by the window, her boots propped on the footstool. "She's so small," Nyssa said for the fourth time. "I still can't believe you made that." "I had help." "Rowan's contribution was minimal." Nyssa leaned forward. "Can I hold her again?" Aria passed Audra over carefully. Nyssa cradled the bab

The morning light in Mooncrest was soft and golden, spilling through the tall windows of the great hall and pooling on the worn stone floor. A fire crackled in the hearth, chasing away the last of the night's chill. The hall was quiet except for the rustle of parchment and the occasional coo of an infant. Bryn sat cross legged on the thick wool rug near the hearth, a wooden rattle in her hand. Audra was on her stomach on a blanket before her, her tiny brow furrowed in fierce concentration. She had been reaching for the rattle for several minutes, her chubby arms trembling with effort, her small mouth set in a determined line. "Come on, little one. You can get it. Just a little further." Audra made a sound, like a squeak, and pushed herself forward. Her fingers closed around the rattle, and she shook it with triumphant vigor, her silver eyes bright with victory. "There you go!" Bryn laughed and scooped her up, settling her on her hip with the ease of long practice. "You're getti

It’s being a week and the morning of the new moon. Aria woke to an unusual quiet, no birdsong, no wind through the pines, no distant clang of Gretta's pots from the kitchen. The world outside the window was hushed, as if holding its breath. Audra was already stirring in her cradle, her tiny fists waving, her silver eyes blinking up at the rafters. "Good morning, little one." Aria lifted her daughter and pressed a kiss to the soft hair. "You're up early." Rowan had already gone, an early patrol along the southern ridge, some report of rogue activity that was likely nothing but required his attention. He had kissed her forehead before leaving, his golden eyes soft with love and the lingering remnants of sleep. "I'll be back by midday. Stay inside today. Something feels off." "What kind of off?" "I don't know. Just... off. Varkos has been restless." Aria had nodded, but she hadn't felt the same unease. The fortress was quiet. The borders were secure. Whatever restlessness R