All Chapters of Rejected Plus-Size is now a Second Chance Luna: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

JadeThe summons arrived just as the morning light began to trickle through the high arched windows of my guest room. Two royal guards escorted me down the grand marble hall toward the council chamber, their heavy boots echoing in a steady, ominous rhythm. My stomach churned with a familiar dread. Every time I was called before powerful men, it ended in humiliation or exile.When the heavy iron-reinforced doors opened, I stepped into a sweeping room dominated by a massive obsidian table.Asher stood at the head of the table, his arms crossed over his chest, looking like a statue sculpted from dark marble and cold stone. Sitting nearby was Aster, looking remarkably better, though the faint shadow of exhaustion still lingered beneath his eyes. Healer Myron stood beside him, clutching a leather leather-bound medical journal, while three silver-haired royal advisers sat along the side, whispering urgently among themselves.Aster’s face softened the moment his amber eyes found mine. He mad

JadeThe morning sunlight streamed into the private study, warming the dark polished wood of the desk where Asher stood."Carter tried to cross our border at noon yesterday," Asher said, his deep voice breaking the quiet room. "He brought a war party and demanded your immediate surrender."My chest instantly seized, a sudden cold sweat pricking my skin. "What... what happened?"Asher slowly folded his arms across his chest, his sharp golden eyes remaining fixed on me. "My border captain turned him away. When his future Luna attempted to insult you, my guards threatened them with high treason. They left empty-handed."I blinked, taking a small step back. A breath I didn't realize I was holding escaped my lips in a long, shuddering exhale. I stared at Asher, completely stunned. They had faced down an Alpha and his warriors, risking political turmoil, without demanding a single thing from me in return. Nobody had ever protected me like that before."Does this mean..." I swallowed hard, m

AsherI slammed my study door shut and marched toward the window, gripping the marble sill until my knuckles turned white.I was furious with myself. Absolutely, utterly furious. Why had I turned around and walked away like a coward just because I saw Jade laughing with my brother?It is none of my business, I told myself, staring out into the dark courtyard below. None of it.Aster had survived a deadly silver attack. He had spent years bearing the heavy weight of our family’s cursed legacy alongside me. He deserved happiness. He deserved peace. If Jade truly was his fated mate, if she was the one woman who could break through his cold pain and make him smile like that, I should be welcoming her into our pack with open arms. I should be relieved.Instead, seeing her sit across from him—seeing her dark eyes shine with that soft, radiant warmth—made an intolerable, restless fire burn through my veins.Even worse, my wolf had been acting completely unhinged ever since she arrived. The b

JadeI stared at my reflection in the gilded mirror, taking a long, steadying breath. I couldn't spend my days hiding in my guest suite, jumping at every shadow and brooding over cruel remarks. If I was going to stay in the Royal Pack while Aster recovered, I had to build a life for myself here—even if it was only temporary."Ready, my lady?" Lena asked brightly, standing by the open doorway with a basket slung over her arm."Ready," I said, forcing a small smile.We left the quiet, imposing halls of the palace behind and walked down into the bustling main pack settlement. Morning light washed over stone-paved streets filled with energy and life. Storefronts burst with vibrant banners, the scent of roasting meats and sweet spices hung thick in the air, and laughter rang out from open shop doors.As we strolled down the central thoroughfare, I met shopkeepers setting out their morning goods, elderly wolves resting on carved wooden benches, and young warriors in polished leather armor c

JadeFour days passed in a haze of golden sunlight, heavy velvet gowns, and idle pacing.I couldn't take it anymore. Sitting in my luxurious guest suite, eating decadent meals, and taking leisurely strolls through the palace gardens felt less like living and more like waiting to be forgotten. Back in Skyton, my days were packed from dawn until dusk with ledgers, supply tallies, and administrative duties. Here, I felt entirely useless.Determined to change that, I marched straight to the private library where Aster was reviewing troop movements with two garrison captains.When the captains bowed and departed, Aster looked up from his parchment-covered desk, a soft, welcoming smile spreading across his handsome face. "Jade. Come in. Did you need something?"I stopped near the edge of his massive desk, crossing my arms over my chest. "I need something to do, Aster. I am growing restless."Aster tilted his head, leaning back in his carved leather chair. "If there is anything you desire—bo