Chapter 55 The Palace
ARYA
Elira’s expression shifted from confident to uncertain. She looked at Theron, who was staring at his assembled warriors with growing concern.
Because some of them were lowering their weapons.
“What are you doing?” Theron demanded. “We came here to—”
“To die for your pride?” One of the warriors stepped forward, a grizzled veteran with scars covering half his face. “I’ve fought in enough wars. I’m not dying for this one.”
He dropped his weapon and walked away.
Others followed. Not all of them, but enough that the army began to fracture.
“COWARDS!” Elira screamed. “You’re all cowards!”
“We’re survivors,” the scarred warrior called back. “Something you won’t be if you keep this up.”
Within minutes, half of Theron’s army had deserted. The ones who remained looked nervous, uncertain.
“This isn’t over,” Theron hissed. “The Moonborne line will end. If not today, then soon.”
“Keep threatening my mate and see what happens.” Luca’s voice dropped to a deadly whisper. “I’ve been merciful because Aeliana asked me to be. But my mercy has limits. And you’re rapidly approaching them.”
“We’re leaving,” Theron finally said. “But mark my words, Shadowborne. This war is just beginning.”
“Then bring it.” I stepped forward. “Because I’m done hiding. Done apologizing for existing. You want to end my bloodline? Come try. But know that every supernatural being who stands with unity, who believes in peace over prejudice—they’ll stand with me.”
“Idealistic nonsense.”
“Maybe. Or maybe I’m exactly what this world needs.” I smiled. “Guess we’ll find out.”
Theron retreated, Elira beside him, their remaining forces falling back into the forest.
The moment they were gone, I sagged against Luca. The adrenaline crash hit hard, and if he hadn’t been holding me, I’d have fallen.
“I’ve got you,” he murmured, lifting me into his arms. “Always.”
“That was insane,” I mumbled against his chest.
“That was magnificent. You were magnificent.” He carried me back into the pack house. “But also never do that again. My heart can’t take you facing down armies.”
“We faced them together.”
“Still terrifying.”
In our room, he laid me gently on the bed. My body was exhausted, but my mind was racing.
“They’ll be back,” I said quietly.
“I know. But not tonight. Tonight, you rest.” He began undressing me carefully. “And tomorrow, we plan.”
“Plan what?”
“How to end this. Permanently.” His eyes met mine. “Because you’re right. This has to stop. The old grudges, the prejudices, the endless cycle of violence. It stops with us.”
“No pressure.”
“We can handle it.” He climbed into bed beside me, pulling me against his chest. “We can handle anything as long as we’re together.”
Through the bond, I felt his certainty. His absolute faith in us.
And for the first time, I felt it too.
We were going to change everything. Rebuild the world into something better.
But first, we needed to survive long enough to do it.
“Luca?” I murmured as sleep began to claim me.
“Yes, little wolf?”
“I love you. Just… in case I forget to say it enough.”
His arms tightened around me. “I love you too. More than anything in existence.”
I fell asleep wrapped in his warmth, his love, his absolute devotion.
And dreamed of a future where we didn’t have to fight for our right to be together.
Where love was enough.
I woke to find Luca already dressed, talking quietly with Caspian by the window.
“—need to move her to the palace,” Caspian was saying. “It’s not safe here anymore.”
“She won’t agree to that.”
“Then make her. You’re the king—”
“And she’s my equal. I don’t make her do anything.” Luca’s voice was firm. “We discuss. We decide together.”
I sat up, and both males turned.
“Good morning, sleeping beauty,” Luca said, his expression softening. “How do you feel?”
“Like I faced down an army last night.” I stretched, wincing. “Sore. Tired. But alive.”
“Barely.” Caspian’s expression was grim. “Luna, with respect, last night was too close. If they’d actually attacked instead of posturing—”
“But they didn’t. We called their bluff.”
“This time. Next time, they might not bluff.” He looked at Luca. “She needs better protection.”
“I have protection. I have him.” I gestured to Luca. “And I have my own power. I’m not helpless, Caspian.”
“I know. I saw the footage.” He pulled out his phone. “It’s already going viral in supernatural circles. The Moonborne and the Lycan King, standing against the Nightshade coalition. You’re becoming a symbol.”
He showed me the video. Watching myself from an outside perspective was surreal. I looked powerful, confident, nothing like the timid Luna who’d left Jaime’s pack.
“Symbols get martyred,” Caspian continued. “I’m not trying to cage you. I’m trying to keep you alive.”
He had a point.
“What are you suggesting?” Luca asked.
“Increased security. Limited public appearances until we’ve neutralized the immediate threat. And…” Caspian hesitated. “I think it’s time to call in your allies. All of them. Make it clear that anyone who moves against the Moonborne moves against every kingdom that’s sworn loyalty to you.”
“That could trigger the war we’re trying to prevent.”
“The war is already here. We’re just deciding how to fight it.” Caspian’s expression was serious. “Better to fight from a position of strength than wait for them to strike again.”
I looked at Luca, seeing the conflict in his eyes. He wanted to protect me but also respected my autonomy. Wanted to end the threat but didn’t want to start a war. I felt his turmoil.