Chapter 28: Silks and Shadows
Chapter 28: Silks and Shadows
Rachel’s POV
The echo of Liam’s footsteps faded long before the smug smile left my face.
Oh, how delightful it was watching him storm off like a kicked pup—barking orders he no longer had the teeth to enforce. He thought he'd rattle me by coming here with his stern face and Alpha badge.
Pathetic.
Let him run to Eva like the gallant fool he pretends to be. Let him tug on her heartstrings with his boyish regret and desperate attempts to win her back.
Because all he’s doing is making her more vulnerable for me.
I stood by the frost-laced window of my chamber, clutching a goblet of blood-red wine, savoring the bittersweet taste. The moonlight draped over the glass like silk, whispering secrets. Everything was falling into place. Slowly, painfully, but deliciously.
The fire should’ve ended her.
I still remember the crackle of the flames. The way the walls caved in like they were bowing to me. I remember the scent of burning flesh that made my heart flutter with ecstasy. But Eva hadn’t burned. No. Somehow, that slippery little rodent escaped, dragging with her the last remnant of my patience—my locket.
I ground my teeth.
That locket wasn’t just any trinket. It held magic, old and dark, passed down by the matriarchs of our bloodline. My mother had gifted it to me as a symbol of legacy and power. I’d worn it into every secret meeting, every black ritual, every seduction.
And now... that mongrel had it.
But no matter. That, too, would return to me.
As would the throne she dared touch.
My fingers curled tighter around the stem of the goblet, cracking it slightly.
"Eva Grey," I muttered, "you’ve danced long enough."
Footsteps approached behind me. I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.
"You're smiling again," Mother said smoothly as she entered the chamber. "Which means you’re plotting again."
"Of course I am." I sipped my wine and finally turned. “He came here like a fool.”
"Liam?"
"Yes. Stormed in like he thought he still mattered. He’s so obsessed with her, it’s laughable. I told him where to find her. He thinks I slipped—thinks he’s clever.” I scoffed. “But I wanted him to go.”
Mother raised a brow. “You’re baiting your own brother?”
“He stopped being my brother when he took her side. Now he’s just a pawn.”
She chuckled. “Your father would’ve been proud.”
A strange warmth fluttered through me. Pride from Mother was a rare gem.
“I leaked Intel,” I confessed. “Somewhere deep in the Northern territory, one of our old patrols saw remnants—survivors—from Eva’s cursed pack. I made sure Liam heard it.”
“And?”
“He’s out with his men now. They think they’ll find them first.”
“And you?”
“I’ll follow in silence. Wait until they capture someone. Then I’ll swoop in and snatch the survivor before they make it back. A sister? A friend? I don’t care who. All I need is someone she loves. I’ll lure her out with that bait… and finish what I started.”
Mother was quiet, calculating. Then she nodded slowly.
“And the Alpha Gathering?”
My smile widened. “Oh, that’s the best part.”
“What?”
“I’ve just been told that Kyle—the first beta—is out of the pack. Likely following Liam or scouting the perimeter. Either way, it makes the Blood Moon Pack vulnerable.”
Mother narrowed her eyes. “You plan to attack Eva directly?”
“Not yet. But I can slip into their territory. Just a whisper. Maybe plant a little poison. A shadow in her room. A whispered lie to stir the pack against her. But most importantly... I’ll watch. I’ll learn who she’s closest to. Who protects her. I’ll see how soft Trent’s become under her spell.”
"And when the Gathering comes?"
"I’ll humiliate her," I said, voice dripping like venom. “She’ll have to stand beside Trent, wearing a crown she doesn’t deserve. She’ll be surrounded by every Alpha in the realm, and they’ll see what she truly is—a whimpering little fraud. I’ll tear her down in front of them all.”
"Careful, Rachel," Mother warned. “There are limits.”
“I don’t care.”
“You’ll be Luna soon, yes. But don’t forget—Liam still holds power in the Council. Too much scandal and he could turn it against you.”
"Then I’ll take it from him," I hissed.
“Is that your final plan? Marry Trent, become Supreme Luna, and what—banish your own brother?”
“Banish?” I laughed darkly. “No. That’s too kind.”
“What then?”
“I’ll make him serve. He’ll kneel at my coronation, kiss my ring, and beg for a seat at the table. Then I’ll strip him of his Alpha title and exile him to the gutters where traitors belong.”
“Even your father never dreamed so big.”
“He wasn’t me,” I whispered.
A knock came at the door. A young rogue entered, bowing his head low.
“My lady,” he said. “Your spy at the Eastern Ridge confirmed movement. A girl—young, wounded—was spotted with an old man. They match the description of survivors from the Emerald Moon Pack.”
My heart stopped.
Finally.
“Where?”
“They’re heading toward the Ravenwood cliffs. Liam’s scouts are closing in.”
I smiled wickedly. “Then it’s time.”
Mother stepped closer. “Shall I send backup?”
“No. This one I’ll handle myself.”
\---
Two Hours Later – Ravenwood Cliffs
The forest was dead quiet, save for the rustle of leaves and the distant hooves of Liam’s horses.
I moved like a shadow, cloaked in scentless oils and silence. The scouts ahead had no idea I was right behind them. My blood sang with anticipation.
Then I saw her.
A girl with wild dark hair and a bloodied leg, limping beside a ragged elder. Her eyes darted everywhere, filled with the same fire I remembered in Eva’s.
Family, perhaps?
Liam’s men shouted, charging forward. The girl screamed and tried to run.
Too slow.
Two wolves tackled the elder, and a third subdued the girl. She thrashed, bit, scratched—like a true Grey.
My heart pounded. Perfect.
I waited until Liam emerged, giving orders to bind them and carry them back to the trucks. He looked... furious. Determined.
But careless.
Once the patrol disappeared into the treeline, I followed the scent path they left.
By midnight, I would intercept them. I’d tear through the guards, snatch the girl, and vanish like a ghost.
And then?
Then I’d send Eva an invitation.
One written in blood and fear.
Back in the Palace – Midnight
I returned just before dawn, soaked in sweat, but victorious.
The girl lay unconscious in my dungeon. Bruised, not broken.
She’d wake soon enough. And when she did, I’d make her scream loud enough for Eva to hear—no matter how far away she was.
I changed into silk and poured another glass of wine. My fingers trembled slightly—not from fear, but anticipation.
In mere days, the Alpha Gathering would be held. Trent, ever the perfect host, would stand tall and proud, with her by his side.
But when I arrived, I wouldn’t come as the envious ex.
I’d come as his future.
Luna Rachel.
Supreme Luna.
And in front of the entire Council, I’d show the world who truly belonged on that throne.
Not Eva.
Not that weak little runt hiding behind Trent’s title and power.
But me.
The real Queen.
Let the fire rise again.
Only this time... I won’t leave anything behind to crawl out of the ashes.