All Chapters of THE BLOOD MOON LUNA: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Sleep never came.Selene lay awake long after the Mansion had fallen silent, staring at the carved ceiling above her bed because every time she closed her eyes, Ryker's voice returned."I never believed the story they sold us.""I wasn't the only one."She turned onto her side.The moonlight spilling through the window painted pale lines across the room, but it did nothing to shut the storm inside her up It was not the first time she'd been called a murderer or the first time she'd questioned her own memories.But it was the first time... Someone had suggested the truth hadn't died five years ago.Her fingers curled around the edge of the blanket as she whispered into the darkness, "If you're lying... I'll never forgive you."The following afternoon, the Mansion came alive with preparations for another round of alliance discussions.Servants moved faster than their legs could carry them through the halls, carrying ledgers and sealed correspondence. Council elders disappeared into mee

The estate felt like she was in a tight hole, one where she couldn't breathe or think or do anything.Every corridor reminded Selene of Victor's spine-chilling whisper, as every passing servant made her wonder who was loyal to him and who was simply pretending not to notice the cracks in the walls.She needed distance, and she was going to get it She slipped through the main gates and followed the narrow path leading toward the edge of the estate grounds. The late afternoon breeze carried the scent of pine and damp earth, cooling the heat that had settled beneath her skin since leaving Victor's study.She hadn't realized how tightly she had been holding herself together until she stopped beside an old stone fence and drew a slow breath."You shouldn't be alone." A voice and she didn't jump. She simply closed her eyes for a brief moment before turning around."Kieran."He stood several feet away with his hands in his pockets and a hairy chest that felt unreal behind an unbuttoned shir

"I won't let anyone hurt you again, whether you want it or not," Damien nodded as he walked away from the tent.The promise should have comforted her. Instead, it made her heart race.She had once believed promises, trust, and forever meant something, until the people who swore they would never leave abandoned her when she needed them most.She lowered her sleeve, hiding the scars once more as the space in her heart where her wolf should have been echoed in silence.The old physician reached for another handful of herbs and continued grinding them, keeping whatever comfort his words would have given to himself."You should rest," he said gently, not looking away from his busy hands."I've rested enough.""You fainted.""And now I'm awake."He sighed. "You're as stubborn as every Alpha who walks through that door."A faint breath escaped her nose. "That's hardly a compliment.""No." The old man smiled. "It isn't."She stepped out of the tent before he could insist she stay longer.The

The silence stretched so long that Selene could hear the crackle of the fire at the far end of the chamber.Every face had turned toward her."A complaint?" Victor asked at last, his voice calm enough to make the words sound harmless. "Against my Luna?"Elder Rowan remained standing, both hands resting on the council table."It was submitted anonymously this morning."Victor's expression didn't change."Read it."The elder hesitated."It concerns the integrity of Ashfang's position within this alliance."Victor's eyes narrowed slightly."I said... read it."Rowan unfolded the parchment."'The alliance demands mutual trust among its leaders. Yet the Luna of Ashfang has been seen in repeated private meetings with Alpha Kieran Blackwood. Such conduct raises questions about divided loyalties and whether Ashfang's interests remain adequately represented.'"Not one person spoke as Selene felt dozens of eyes settle on her.She didn't lower her head. She had spent five years doing that and ha

"Bring her, alive."Selene's heartbeat raced nonstop, increasing with every second."So kidnapping has become fashionable," her voice rang through the trees."It pays well.""Fuck!" A whisper escaped her lips. "Bloody mercenaries."Her gaze swept over the four men with broad shoulders and balanced stances. They stood with the effortless coordination of wolves who had trained side by side for years.Now she had more reasons to suspect Victor. Except he, the maids, and the guards who saw her leave the estate tonight, no one else did.The realization settled coldly in her stomach as her eyes moved briskly in the darkness that blended with her vision."You won't leave this forest," the leader said.Selene slowly drew her dagger. "You don't know me.""Oh, I do," a curved smile crossed his face and he lifted one hand.At once the wolf to her left leaped first, expecting her to run or scream. Instead, Selene stepped toward him.Her blade glanced off his wrist, forcing his weapon wide, and s