Chapter 123
1 am torn between sitting here quietly, waiting for all my problems to go away by letting other people sort it out, or forcing myself to push through the fear, break out of this prison, and do whatever I can to help
I am the Luna of this place. I can’t just sit down and watch these monsters
ers torment my people. That is not who I am. That is not who I was raised to
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my thoughts, but my mind is in turmoil. It does not make sense for me to go out there. Enemies surround me. Everything is beginning to make sense
The betrayal. The way Dane was able to execute his plans so smoothly, even though he wasn’t physically here with us in the castle. It was all Mary. She was the one pulling the strings from within, orchestrating this chans under our very notes.
I don’t think I can sit here any longer.
The silence of this basement is suffocating. It’s soundproof, far removed from where everything is happening, but the absence of noise is wore than the sound of battle. The not knowing is what eats at me. I can’t just sit here, locked away in the dark, while my people suffer. I need to know. I need to get o.
If there is even the slightest chance that I can help–even if it’s just a few people–1 have to try
Immediately, I stretch my hand out, fingers trembling as they trace over the cool metal of the keypad. I can’t see the buttons clearly from this angle, but I rely on my memory, counting each press carefully.
The first attempt fails. A sharp, deafening buzz fills the air, and the alarm blares loudly. My heart pounds, but I don’t stop. There are no guards down here to hear it no one to stop me. I take a steadying breath and try again, more carefully this time.
The door unlocks.
For a moment, 1 freeze, my breath catching. My safety is now in my own hands. Stephan did everything he could to keep me protected, but I have chosen this
Fexhale slowly, and step out of my cell. My footsteps are cautious, as I make my way toward the exit.
Then, just as I near the stairs leading out, I hear a voice
look at this? The Luna has decided to be stupid today.”
I turn and see Collin, still locked in his cell, grinning like a madman.
“She wants to be a hero!” He throws his head back in laughter. “You’re gonna regret it,” he sings in a taunting tone.
I roll my eyes, ignoring him, but deep down, I low–key regret ever giving him food. Now he has the strength to talk shit
I find my way out of the basement, and the moment I step into the open air, the scent of battle. Blood. My stomach knots, and I gulp hard, forcing my legs to move despite the paralyzing dread creeping up my spine.
Search everywhere for her!”
Dane’s voice booms across the courtyard, sharp and commanding men. They’re looking for me
I pars myself against the nearest wall, my heart hammering against my ribs. Step by step, I navigate my way through the shadows, desperate lo spot someone—anyour—1 know and trust. I have to get out. If these bastands manage to take down our men, I’ll be trapped here with them. defenseless
Where the hell is Deckard when I need hum
The thought of him makes me afraid What could have gone wrong! Why isn’t he here!
slip into the main castle through die garden, moving swiftly toward the kitchen entrance. The halls are eerily quiet, but outside, through terrace windows, the chaos is undeniable. Fires burn, illuminating the battlefield in an eerie, flickering glow. Men–my prople–are being cut down, overpowered. My hands curl into fats.
Whunders Dane really want
I rush into Deckard’s study, my heart pounding wildly against my chest. I know he keeps weapon here–heavy, dangerous weapons. My fingers fumble av I pull open a drawer, my breath uneven. Then, I see it a large pistol, cold and weighty in my grasp. It feels foreign in my hands, heavier than expected, but I tighten my grip.
1/3
Chapter 123
I have never used a gun. before.
I have always been the Luna who sat pretty while my man did all the fighting. I played the role expected of me, staying protected, waiting.
watching. But this time this time, I have to take matters into my own hands
1inch toward the window and peek outside. What I see makes my stomach drop
We are losing
Our men–my men–are falling one by one. The rogues keep coming in and this is a recipe for distructions.
My pulse quickens when my eyes land on Stephan. He is hattling Dane, but he is weakening. He has already fought too many of them, and Dune- Dane is fresh, strong, barely winded.
Then, I see it
Dane moves swiftly, flexing his muscles as he overpowers Stephan. With a brutal shove, he throws him to the ground. Stephan groans, struggling to move. My breath catches in my throat as Dane raises his blade, its sharp edge hovering inches from Stephan’s throat.
“Not” I scream before I can stop myself
Dane freezes, his head snapping in my direction.
Did I just hear her voice! Is that my Amical” he calls out mockingly
The not come out, Luna‘ Please stay hidden!” Stephan yells, desperation in his voice
Dane knows I’m here
“Oh, shut the hell up‘ Dane snaps.
- ps. “I will d
I dig this sword into
into your gut now if she does not come
“Luna, please, do not come out. They will do unspeakable things to you if you do please, no matter what, stay hidden. I have sworn to protect you. my Luna, and I failed once before. Please-
His words cut off into a muffled gurgle as the blade pierces through his neck.
“Yeah, you can protect her on your way to meet the Moon Goddess, Dane sneers over Stephan’s lifeless body.
ΕΠΙΓΕ
I squeal in pain, my body trembling as I press a hand over my mouth, stifling my cri
www
I never knew Dane could be this vicious. And Mary–she’s searching for me. Is she seeing all of this? Is she really a part
‘Come out now, Amara I do not have all day!” Dane roars, his voice thick with rage. I will begin killing everyone here one by one if you do not
My heart pounds. I know I cannot let that happen
At this point, I know I cannot let that happen
I wipe my tran and rise to my feet, gripping the pistol firmly in my hands.
“Fine! I’ll come out! Please, just don’t hurt anyone else!” Lery
My wolf no longer recognizes Dane–be has become nothing but a bitter enemy. Even Ezra snarls in irritation at the sight of him from afar.
“Good girl” Danescoffi
I don’t bother being smart about it–I make my way downstairs, my heart pounding. Once I step out of the house, I walk slowly toward the horrid
“Look ather, Dane claps mockingly. “The great Luna has finally decided to grace us with her presence”
As I continue forward, he leans in and whispers something to one of the rogues. The man immediately starts walking toward me.
Wirinot hesitation, Fraise the gut and aim straight at him
“Stop walking“” I cominated
“Oh, come on, my little Amica, Dane mcks, his suice dripping with condescension. “We both know you’re too weak entire bring? Please, drop that gun and stoji pretending to be tough”
Fear grips me, but the rogue–disguised as a tamna warrior–keeps coming
to hurt an ant, let alone an
My palms are sweaty, my hands trembling, but I refuse to back down.
I take a deep breath–then pull the trigger.
