All Chapters of THE LUNA HE FORGOT TO LOVE : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

MELVIN'S POVThe door to my study opened before I had finished pouring the whiskey.Elder Vayric stepped inside without knocking, followed by Elder Corvin and three other council members. They moved through the room like they owned it, taking their seats at the table before I had even turned around."Alpha," Elder Vayric said. "We need to finalize the ceremony details."I set the whiskey down untouched."You couldn't have sent a messenger?""The ceremony is in two days." He folded his hands on the table. "There are decisions that cannot wait."I walked to my chair and sat, my body felt heavy, a sharp ache shot through my head. I hadn't slept since I found the locket in the forest. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her face and heard her scream."I thought we already agreed on the arrangements," I said."We agreed on the date." Elder Vayric's voice was calm, patient, like he was explaining something to a child. "Now we need to discuss the scope of the celebration."I looked at him. "C

AUREN'S POV"You've been staring at that window for an hour."I turned from the glass. The elderly healer stood in the doorway, a tray in her hands, her expression soft but watchful. She had introduced herself yesterday as Maelis Thorn, Emberfall's senior healer and pack seer.She set the tray on the table beside me, steam rose from a cup of tea."You should eat," she said gently. "Your body needs strength."I looked at the tea. Then back at her. "You knew what my mark was the moment you saw it. You've been avoiding me ever since."Maelis didn't flinch. She pulled a chair close to the bed and sat down slowly, her old joints creaking."I wasn't avoiding you, I was searching for answers." She folded her hands in her lap. "And now that I have them, I need to decide how much to tell you."I stared at her. "Decide?""You've been through enough, child. I won't add to your pain by giving you half-truths." Her eyes met mine. "But I also won't keep you in the dark. That's not how healing works

AUREN'S POV "How is your health now?, hope you aren't thinking so much about the mark on your shoulders?” I pulled the blanket up to my chin. The healer's eyes lingered on the spot where the birthmark had been visible. "I am doing fine—" I forced a smile. “I can hear whispers about my mark being mysterious, could you explain properly what this means for me?” "The healer set down the bowl of hot soup. Her hands were steady, but something flickered behind her eyes. "You need to rest." "I've been resting for days." I pushed myself upright. "I'm tired of people telling me what I need without answering my questions." The healer opened her mouth. The door swung open. Ronan stood in the doorway, his gaze moving between us. He didn't step inside immediately. He just watched. The healer retreated. "I'll check on her later, Alpha." She moved fast, like staying another minute would cause more harm. Ronan walked in and closed the door. He leaned against the wall near the wind

MELVIN'S POVThe sharp clash of wooden practice swords echoed across the training grounds before the sun had fully risen.I stood on the stone platform overlooking the arena, my hands resting behind my back.Nearly a hundred warriors filled the yard, some sparred in pairs.Others practiced formation drills with shields and spears.Young trainees, barely old enough to shift, struggled to keep up as older warriors barked corrections.Usually, mornings like this filled Thornridge with energy.Today...The silence between the commands felt heavier than the sounds of training."Again!" Cassien's voice cut across the field.A young warrior charged too quickly.Cassien sidestepped him with effortless calm.The wooden sword tapped the boy's shoulder before he even realized he'd been exposed."You're fighting with anger," Cassien said, handing the practice weapon back. "Anger blinds you. Think first."The young warrior lowered his head."Yes, Gamma."Cassien clapped his shoulder."Again."The

AUREN'S POV"What is everyone doing?" I asked.Maelis smiled as she adjusted the shawl over my shoulders. Her old fingers tucked the fabric around my neck before giving it one last pat."You've never seen a First Hunt before?"I shook my head.Outside the palace windows, Emberfall was already awake.Warriors crossed the courtyard carrying bows, spears, and leather packs. Stable hands tightened saddle straps while cooks carried steaming pots toward long wooden tables. Children darted between the adults until their mothers caught them by the arms, laughing as they pulled them back.The smell of roasted meat drifted through the open window."It feels like everyone is leaving," I murmured."In a way, they are."She picked up a basket filled with fresh herbs and placed it in my hands."Today is Emberfall's First Hunt."I frowned. "The first hunt?""The first hunt after every full moon." Her eyes followed the warriors below. "The hunters provide for the pack, the younger warriors earn their