Chapter 46

Chapter 46


Chapter – Under the Moon’s Mask

The afternoon light filtered through the heavy linen drapes that hung over the tall windows of the royal chamber. The scent of fresh herbs filled the air, mingling with the incense the healers insisted on burning to “purify the space.” I didn’t put much stock in it, but I let them. Pretending weakness had become part of my strategy, and if they thought the candles and smoldering herbs kept me alive, all the better for everyone.

I settled onto the cushions, breathing calmly while two healers whispered to each other. Kilian stood beside me, imposing and composed, though I knew behind those eyes a whirlwind of concern churned. His fingers brushed mine occasionally, a minimal touch only I seemed to notice, a silent reminder that he was there, with me, always.

—The heartbeats are strong —one healer commented, placing his hand gently on my belly—. Not just one… but two.

The words still resonated in me as they had the first time I heard them. Two. Two lives beating inside me.

Kilian had looked at me then with an unmistakable gleam in his eyes, a mixture of pride and devotion. I, however, felt pierced by guilt. I had let the pain consume me so much that I forgot I was not alone. That inside me, I carried the most precious thing of both of us. What kind of mother abandons herself when she knows she is not alone?

The blow of believing Kilian lost had been devastating, as if half my soul had been torn away. Never in my two lives had I experienced such an absolute void. And yet, the little ones in my belly had felt that sorrow with me. They had shared my hunger, my apathy, my fatigue. The thought that my suffering had endangered them burned within me.

The healer withdrew with a bow of his head, and soon the others followed. As always, they left us alone in the room. Only then, when silence reclaimed the walls, did I breathe more freely.

I barely turned and, pulling a small bundle hidden beneath the pillow, revealed my secret: a sandwich I had secretly ordered from one of the loyal servants. I bit into it quickly, knowing Kilian was watching.

—I hate this —I murmured, mouth full—, but… tell me, any progress?

Kilian didn’t answer immediately. He just looked at me, with that restrained smile that irritated me so much.

—What? —I frowned, brushing crumbs from my lips.

—Nothing —he replied, with a tone hiding amusement—. I just think you look adorable.

I rolled my eyes. Adorable. Me. The same woman who had faced councils, intrigues, and internal wars without flinching.

—I’m not —I huffed, taking another bite of the bread—. At this rate, I won’t be able to keep pretending much longer… Your children are asking for food every second.

He chuckled softly, leaning closer.

—I’ll tell Gabriel to sneak more snacks to you tonight.

I nodded with a quick gesture, and for a moment, my lips softened into a genuine smile. Gabriel had always been discreet, and if anyone could help me maintain the façade, it was him.

Kilian reclined on the edge of the bed, observing me with seriousness.

—I know Victor is planning something —he said in a deep voice—. I don’t have proof against him yet, but he’s being watched.

The mention of that name snatched my appetite away. I set the sandwich aside and wiped my lips with a cloth.

—Cunning old fool —I murmured, grinding my teeth—. I know people like him well, Kilian. He won’t give up. Not after what happened with his daughter… In part, it’s my fault. I should have taken the place that was mine when you weren’t here.

Victor’s arrogance, his sick obsession with asserting his lineage, the way he used his own daughter as a pawn in the power game. And when his plans collapsed, he blamed me, as if I were the cause of his misfortune.

Kilian placed his hand over mine, firm, warm, reassuring.

—Don’t regret it, love —he said, voice soft but resolute—. I wouldn’t have stayed sane if it had been the other way around. That you endured as you did, even when you thought I wouldn’t return, is a great achievement.

I looked into his eyes, letting his strength reach me.

—Well… it didn’t take much for me to almost break. —I confessed in a whisper, turning my gaze to the window.

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The days passed in that rhythm of care and secret complicities. I feigned frailty in front of the healers, accepting bland broths and herbal infusions with resigned expressions. But the moment I was alone with Kilian, I would slip beneath the sheets pieces of bread, pastries, or jerky that Gabriel passed discreetly.

The truth was, I felt stronger every day. My cheeks regained color, my legs responded with more firmness, and my children—our children—moved inside me with renewed energy. Yet maintaining the illusion of weakness was necessary. Experience had taught me that enemies strike when they believe the target is most vulnerable. And one thing was clear: Victor would not let the opportunity pass.

From the bed, I often heard Kilian’s footsteps leaving in the mornings. Each day he faced the council, the packs, and the nobles who now bowed to him with renewed fervor. But I knew that devotion was not always sincere. Ambition hid in the shadows, like serpents waiting for the moment to strike.

And yet, every night, he returned to me. No matter how exhausted he was, Kilian always sat by my side, took my hand, and recounted the day’s events. I closed my eyes and listened to him speak of training, alliances, and plans to secure the borders. His voice was my medicine, the only thing that truly restored my strength.

—Today Ian gathered three of the smaller packs. They submitted without objection. Gabriel is organizing the young ones’ training. —He said with the proud tone of an Alpha rebuilding what others had tried to tear down.

Sometimes I fell asleep before he finished, but I could feel him continuing to speak, as if he knew I listened even in dreams.

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One night, while silence reigned and the candles cast dancing shadows on the walls, I found myself reflecting on the paradox of my situation. Outwardly, I pretended weakness. But inside, I felt stronger than ever. Not only because of my recovery, but because two more hearts beat within me. And because, with Kilian by my side, I had learned that even death could not separate us.

He, as if reading my thoughts, placed his hand on my belly and whispered:

—I will protect them. You… and them. They will never be alone again.

Tears stung my eyes—not from sadness, but from fierce gratitude.

—Now I know it wasn’t a dream —I answered in a weak voice, caressing his face—. You really came back.

And in his embrace, I found the certainty I needed.

Yet beneath all this apparent peace, my mind remained alert. I knew the game was not over. Victor was not the only one with ambitions, but he was the most dangerous. His resentment was a poison that would consume him until it drove him to act. And when he did, I would be ready.

I could feign frailty before the court, but deep down, each day I regained my strength. And if the moment came, I would not hesitate to show them that the Moon shines not only for the Alpha, but for itself as well.

For now, I had to maintain the mask. I had to let my enemies think I was still weak, still broken. Because in the false stillness of my apparent fragility, not only new life was growing in my womb, but also my rebirth.

And when the day came to rise before them all, no one would be able to stop me.

I looked at Kilian, already asleep beside me, his deep breath, his hand still resting on the curve of my abdomen. I sighed and allowed myself to close my eyes. For the first time in a long time, I felt at peace.

The Empire celebrated outside. The kingdom was reorganizing. But here, in the intimacy of our chamber, I knew a truth no one else understood:

The Moon had never been broken. It had only been waiting for its moment to shine again.