Todos los capítulos de THE LUNA’S CROWN: Capítulo 11 - Capítulo 20

The first drops of rain tapped softly against the tall windows as I made my way down the corridor.A smile tugged at my lips before I even realized it.It was the Rain.I had always loved the rain, especially when Kael was with me.During storms, he always insisted I slept in his arms. He claimed thunder made my wolf restless.I always argued that I wasn’t afraid.He never believed me.“I know you aren’t,” he’d say with that crooked smile of his. “But I’m using it as an excuse to hold you.”Then he would pull me so tightly against his chest that I could barely move.Every morning after a storm, I’d complain that my arms and legs ached because he refused to let me go in his sleep.He would only laugh before kissing my forehead.“I’ll do it again next time.”Thinking about those nights made my chest warm.Perhaps…Tonight could be one of them.The rain grew heavier as another flash of lightning lit the corridor.I quickened my pace.********When I stepped into our chamber, Kael was alr

For the first time in three years…I had breakfast alone.Usually, I waited for Kael.Even if he was running late after a council meeting or a morning patrol, I would ask the cooks to keep everything warm until he arrived.We had made a promise early in our marriage.No matter how busy life became…We would always share at least one meal a day.It had been Kael’s idea.“A pack can survive without many things,” he’d told me once. “But a marriage cannot survive without time.”I had believed him, and perhaps I still did.I simply wasn’t sure he believed it anymore.***********The dining room was quiet.One of the maids poured tea into my cup before setting a basket of fresh bread and oats on the table.“Would you like us to wait for the Alpha, Luna?”I looked at the empty chair across from me.The chair that had become emptier with each passing week.“No.”The maid blinked. “Are… are you certain?”I nodded. “The food will get cold.”She bowed politely. “As you wish.”I picked up my spoon

The lessons continued over the next several days.Every morning, Lily appeared outside my office at the same hour, notebook in hand and an eager smile on her face.Together, we inspected the kitchens, reviewed household accounts, planned upcoming ceremonies, and settled the occasional disagreement between servants.She learned quickly. Too quickly.By the end of the week, she no longer hesitated when servants asked simple questions.Instead, she would glance at me first, waiting for my approval before answering.It was respectful and It was proper.And somehow…It still made me feel unnecessary.**********“Good morning, Luna.”I looked up as one of the laundry maids hurried toward me.“The linens for the guest wing have been washed.”“Very good.” I nodded satisfactorily.She smiled. “I’ve already shown Miss Lily where everything is stored.”I blinked. “You have?”“Yes.” She hesitated. “She wanted to learn.”The maid looked pleased with herself.“She even helped us fold the blankets.”

There are moments in life that change everything.Not because they are loud, but because they are so quiet that you almost miss them.A forgotten glance, an empty chair, and a question no longer asked.No one in Moonridge woke up one morning and decided Lily should replace me.It simply happened little by little and day by day until one afternoon, I looked around and realized the pack had begun revolving around someone else.The preparations for the Harvest Banquet had begun.It was one of Moonridge’s oldest traditions.Every autumn, the pack gathered to celebrate another successful season before winter settled over the mountains.As Luna, organizing the banquet had always been my responsibility.I had done it every year since mating Kael.The guest lists, the decorations, the seating arrangements, the musicians, and the menu.It was exhausting and I had always loved every minute of it.“This year’s harvest was generous,” Martha said as we stood in the kitchens reviewing supplies. We’

The first scream came just before dawn.It pierced through the quiet of the packhouse, dragging me from sleep before I understood what had happened.For a moment, I lay still.Then hurried footsteps thundered past our chamber.“Fetch the healer!”“Boil more water!”“Send for the Alpha!”I sat upright so quickly the blankets slipped from my shoulders.My heart began to pound. Today, the baby was coming.I dressed as quickly as I could and stepped into the corridor just as another servant rushed past carrying a stack of clean towels.“My Luna!” She barely slowed enough to bow. “Miss Lily has gone into labor!”“I know.” I forced a calm smile. “Go. She’ll need you.”The servant nodded gratefully before disappearing down the hallway.I stood there for another heartbeat.My legs suddenly felt heavier than they should.My wolf was strangely quiet. It was as if she had almost resigned.***********By the time I reached the eastern wing, the corridor outside Lily’s chamber was already crowde