CHAPTER 57: "The Farewell Before the Fall"

CHAPTER 57: "The Farewell Before the Fall"


"See that the High Prophetess is returned in safety," she commanded Cedric, who was already mounted upon his steed.

"At once, my lady," he replied, inclining his head with respect. Then, turning to the men assembled behind him, he barked the order, "We ride!"

Within moments, the sound of hooves striking stone echoed through the courtyard as the riders galloped through the castle gates and disappeared beyond.

She turned back toward the keep, her voice calm but firm. "And the Alpha—what is his condition?"

"He remains in slumber," Jade replied.

She paused, glancing over her shoulder. "Where is he now?"

"I have returned him to his chamber, mother."

"Very well. We shall now see the Luna."

But before she could take a step, her son’s voice interjected.

"The Luna is with him."

She halted at once, her breath catching in her throat.

\---

Within the Alpha's chamber, the Luna sat in stillness, her gaze fixed upon him—eye to eye, though his remained closed in slumber.

"I do not understand why you choose to torment me, even as you sleep, Alpha Demetrius," she whispered bitterly. "Have you not done enough? Since the day our paths crossed, you have made my life a living torment, and still, I cannot discern what grave sin I have committed to deserve such cruelty."

She paused, her voice faltering.

"And now you lie here—silent, unmoving—leaving me to face the wrath of those above us. Why such mercilessness? Must I die abandoned?"

A long silence filled the chamber.

She swallowed hard, the weight of despair pressing upon her.

"Before the pack lords decree my death, may I at least behold the face of the man who has haunted my days and nights."

Her fingers trembled as they reached for the golden mask upon his face. Slowly, she brushed her hand against it, her touch hesitant yet determined.

But just as she began to lift it, the door creaked open.

Startled, she drew her hand back at once, her heart thundering in her chest.

Lady Miriam stood upon the threshold, her eyes fixed upon the scene before her.

"I trust you have heard of the decree issued against you," Lady Miriam spoke solemnly as she closed the door behind her and advanced into the chamber.

"I have heard," the Luna replied, her voice but a breath.

"There is naught to be done to reverse it—not while he sleeps. He alone holds the power to stop them. Yet, I have conceived a plan to grant you freedom."

The Luna’s head snapped up in disbelief. "You… you would do such a thing for me?"

"You are but an innocent caught in the snare of greater schemes," Miriam said with quiet conviction. "You do not deserve to bear punishment merely because it is convenient for them. Know this—what they seek is not justice, but dominion. He is a threat to their hold over this realm, and so they would see him stripped of all he holds dear. I shall do all I can to spare you from their cruelty, even should it cost me my life."

The Luna’s eyes welled with tears, her fingers trembling.

"How… how am I to repay such mercy?"

"You need not repay me," Miriam said, a faint softness in her voice. "There are still those among the wolves who possess a conscience, child. Now listen well—gather but a few possessions. Lord Jaime shall arrive by nightfall. He will see to it that you reach your pack unharmed."

The Luna could not speak for a long moment, so overcome was she by the kindness.

"Go now," Miriam urged gently. "Bid your farewells, and make ready."

\---

"You are certain?" Lady Scarlet inquired, lifting her gaze with slow deliberation.

"I am, my lady," her handmaiden replied, bowing her head. "At this very hour, preparations are being made for her punishment."

Scarlet crossed the chamber, her steps unhurried, until she reached the tall window. She peered out into the fading light, her expression unreadable.

"I confess, I was disheartened upon learning she was not Aurora  fang—yet the people began to accept her as Luna regardless. Worse still, the Alpha no longer regarded her as foe. He drew near to her... far too near."

A cruel smile touched her lips.

"But now... now the gods have turned their gaze upon me once more. At last, a chance to rid myself of her and rise to claim what should have been mine from the start—the title of Luna, and the heart of the man I have long called my own."

Her eyes glinted with satisfaction.

"And the pack leaders, though I declined their earlier bargain, have still struck the blow on my behalf. Gracious lords, fortune smiles upon me. Prepare the chariot. I wish to see the look upon her face with mine own eyes."

"At once, my lady," the maid replied with a bow, departing swiftly.

Scarlet lingered by the window, whispering to herself, "Soon. Soon he shall be mine... wholly and without rival."

\---

Her heart led her to the gardens, where the stillness of the evening pressed upon her shoulders like a farewell. Tears threatened to fall, though she held them at bay. Was this truly the end? Had her tale in this land come to its final chapter?

She had walked a worthy path within this pack, and now, the time had come to leave it behind—to begin anew in lands far from here. Yet a question lingered within her.

Would she ever forget him?

No. It was clear he had departed from her world, and there would be no return.

And Milicent—sweet Milicent. A sister not of blood, but of bond and spirit. She whispered a prayer into the wind that fate would grant them a crossing once more, and that when it came, Milicent would be whole, smiling as ever.

"My lady," a voice called softly from beyond the garden walls.

She turned and made her way back toward the house.

Her hand upon the latch. When she opened the door, she found the Beta standing there, his head bowed low.

"I have come to offer my apology," Cedric said gravely. "I am not without fault in all that has occurred. Had I not given him the key, perhaps none of this would have transpired. He would not have escaped."

She stepped forward, meeting his gaze.

"I did not know it was you who gave him the key," she said gently, a faint smile touching her lips. "And I say this truly—you did well. It only proves your heart beats loyally, and that your affection for her runs deep. I am comforted to know she remains in the care of one who loves her."

"Still…" he began, but she raised a hand.

"Do not torment yourself with guilt. All things shall settle in time, and I swear this to you—when all is behind us, I shall find her."

He bowed deeply. "Lord Jaime awaits. We must go."

She nodded, gathered her shawl with steady hands, and followed him into the darkening eve.