Chapter 23

Isa POV

I hated it, hated that my body betrayed me, that my blood raced when I should’ve shoved him out the door.

“Don’t,” I whispered fiercely, but it was more a warning to myself than him.

“Don’t what?” he asked silkily, his head tilting, his lips so close I could feel the warmth of them.

“Don’t make you feel something your bond with Tristan never could?”

My breath hitched, I wanted that to feel what Tristan claimed he could never give me, would it be so wrong as soon as I had the thought guilt knifed through me.

I jerked my hand out of his grasp like I’d been burned.

“Leave,” I demanded.

“If you have any honor left, you’ll stay away. Whatever game you’re playing—”

His laugh cut me off.

“Honor? Such a fine word” He leaned back, finally, his smile sharp as glass.

“Do you really think Tristan sees you as anything more than a placeholder? Do you really think, with Viviana waiting in the wings, that he’ll ever want you?”

The words hit like claws, ripping through every fragile defense I’d built up against him, I tried to keep my expression blank, not to let him see the flicker of pain that crossed my face, but his grin told me I wasn't as successful as I wanted to be.

“You…” I started but my voice cracked, I cleared my throat

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I know exactly what I’m talking about,” he countered smoothly.

“Tristan will never choose you. Not while Viviana breathes. And you know it.”

The air between us turned sharp, heavy with things I refused to say.He was right. I hated that he was right but if I could not have anything then I would never give him the satisfaction of knowing that I was hurting

“ I can get rid of her for you” he said softly wrapping his arm around my waist, I blinked up at him

“ I'm serious, if you want her gone I'll do it but you'll be mine” he whispered, it was such a seductive idea but I didn't want that, I straightened my shoulders, meeting his gaze, even though my stomach twisted with guilt and longing but I pulled away

“You think I care what you believe? You think I’ll let you waltz in here, insult me, make… disgusting remarks about my body, and get under my skin?”

“You already did,” he said softly. His eyes burned into mine, and for a second, I felt raw. Stripped. Seen.

I clenched my fists until my nails dug into my palms.

“Get. Out.”

His smile lingered, like he was in no rush and his leaving was his decision, not mine.

But finally, after a beat of silence, he inclined his head.

“As you wish,” he murmured. He stepped back toward the balcony, pausing at the threshold. His gaze swept me one last time, slow and deliberate.

“You’ll see soon enough, Isla. You and I—we’re more alike than you realize.”

And then he was gone.

The night swallowed him, leaving only the whisper of his words echoing in my ears.

I staggered back to the bed, sinking down, my hands shaking as I buried them in my hair.

Why did my skin still burn where his touch had been? Why did my heart feel like it was trying to rip itself in two—?

Kieran’s smile and his haunted me.

What made it worse was the fact I knew he was right.

I woke up slowly, my subconscious telling me that I had to get up early if I wanted to get at least some things done today

Being Luna wasn’t what I thought it would be.

Apparently, part of being Luna was overseeing the daily operations of the household and that meant managing the cooks, the laundry staff, the gardeners, and even the warriors’ supply lines.

It meant being responsible for every detail—meals, schedules, pack events, rituals—things Viviana would have been trained for since she was a girl.

While I hadn't imagined authority and definitely not respect. I had imagined that I would be spared from having to deal with pack politics since I was not the real thing.

I had been wrong.

All I had gotten instead was housework dressed up as “tradition” of the family that I had to follow as the Luna.

The most suffocating thing about it all was the fact that I was dealing with unruly staff.

I was the Luna and the Ridge was more than a home; it was a kingdom under the alpha king Tristan’s rule, and the Luna was expected to be its quiet queen, the one who kept order while he carried the weight of leadership. But the reality less simple and far more cruel.

Lilly pushed open my door and I blinked rapidly trying to block out the light from blinding me

“ What is it again” I groaned burying my face in the pillows. She stopped by my curtains and peered anxiously over me as she had done since this torture started the day after Tristan and I argued.

It was not yet dawn, but I knew that if I didn't stand up now there was no chance in hell of me meeting expectation.

“ Lilly,why can't you be helpful and let me sleep” she pleaded and Lilly winced

“ Luna you must inspect the kitchens, and must make sure every meal is balanced, nutritious, and fit for wolves who will train and fight.” she whispered as she walked towards me gently guiding me out of bed before I could bury myself back under the covers.

“the staff expecting you,” she mumbled and placed a robe around my shoulders. I closed my eyes looking upward as I sighed deeply and dragged myself from bed, because I was definitely not changing anybody's mind right now pulling on plain clothes instead of silk so I could work properly.

“ You know with the way you recite my schedule you're fit to be Luna and not me.” I mumbled and she paled

“ Oh I could never,” she cried and I waved her off.

We walked towards the kitchen, which was filled staff. It was going to be another long day. I swallowed and straightened my spine, forcing my voice steady.

“Breakfast prep looks behind,” I said, glancing at the tables where half-cut vegetables and unseasoned meat sat neglected.

“The Alpha expects food ready by eight. Let’s not give him a reason to growl before coffee.”

“Viviana would never need to be reminded.” a maid hissed underneath her breath and a few of them snorted.

I ignored it and looked to the platters lined along the table in the kitchens while the cooks “waited” for my approval. They had lined up the platters of food—eggs, meats, porridge, fruits—then asked me which dishes should be served that day.