Chapter 39 Chapter 39
Sophia’s POV
I knew Marcus to be many things. He was inconsiderate, a liar, a cheater, a bad husband. But a murderer? That, I had never imagined.
I had always seen Lila as the one willing to stain her hands with blood, yet even so, I knew she could not have hired an assassin without Marcus’s help.
For that alone, I was going to make them both regret ever crossing paths with me.
Retrieving the vial Violet had given me, I tucked it into the pocket I had specifically requested to be sewn into my dress, hidden beneath the wide cuff of my sleeve.
I glanced at my reflection as my handmaidens applied the final touches of my makeup.
Red lip gloss. Dark eyeliner that complemented my purple pupils perfectly. My hair was pulled into an elegant updo, framing the soft edges of my face.
One would never guess at the storm of emotions raging beneath the calm surface.
In the span of just two days, Marcus had managed to turn my life upside down, but tonight, everything would change.
A voice cleared behind me, and my handmaidens bowed quickly before filing out of the room.
“You should be resting,” I said, rising from my seat at the vanity to meet Ethan, who stood in the doorway.
“I’m fine. I don’t need that much rest,” he countered, leaning his weight onto the cane the doctor had given him.
“I’m worried about you, not myself.”
I let out a short breath. “I promise you, I’m going to be fine, Ethan.”
“I know. That’s what you keep saying.” He lifted a hand and brushed his thumb along my cheek.
“But it doesn’t mean I’m not still worried.”
“Ethan….”
“You don’t have to go, Sophia.”
“I have to. The Alliance moved the succession forward by a day so everyone would be present.”
“That doesn’t make it compulsory. You could always give an excuse. I could even write to them and say I’m the reason we didn’t attend.”
“No,” I said quickly, shaking my head.
“Fire with fire, remember?”
He sighed. “I’m worried about what they might do this time. What if something goes wrong with your plan? What if they’re deliberately baiting you into a trap?” His gaze grew intent. “Just tell me what you’re planning. I could help you assess it, look for weaknesses.”
I bit my lip. I hated that he was worried, and that I was making him attend the succession in his condition.
But Ethan had refused to let me go alone, not after the accident and the attempt on his life.
The least I could do was reassure him by telling him about my plan with Violet, but I wasn’t sure how he would take it.
It felt safer to tell him after everything worked.
“I know you want to help,” I said quietly, “but I can handle this. Once I expose Lila, we can focus on giving Marcus a taste of his own medicine. For now, I can’t give you more details. I’m sorry.”
He stepped closer, resting his forehead against mine.
“I know exposing Lila is your priority tonight, and I’ve got your back. But you are my utmost priority. If everything goes wrong, plan or no plan, your safety comes first. Do you understand?”
I nodded slowly, his words easing the doubt that had begun to creep into my thoughts.
As much as I wished he would stay home and rest after being stabbed just hours ago, I was glad he was coming with me. His presence grounded me.
“Aww, I love the reassurance he always gives you,” Kira sighed dreamily.
A small smile tugged at my lips.
This felt like the right moment to tell him how much I cared.
To finally say the three words I had been holding back. But they lodged stubbornly in my throat.
“Just say it already,” Kira groaned. “It’s not that hard to say you love him.”
“I know,” I muttered. “Just… not now.”
“Not now for what?” Ethan asked, frowning.
Shit. Had I spoken out loud?
“Um….”
“Alpha,” Max interrupted, appearing behind Ethan.
Relief rushed through me as Ethan turned.
“The car is ready,” Max said, “and waiting for your arrival.”
Ethan offered his hand.
I slipped mine into his, allowing him to guide me out toward the car waiting outside. My stomach fluttered with nerves. Tonight, I would expose Lila. Tonight, I would finally tell Ethan about my rebirth. I could hardly wait.
Ethan came around to my side of the car and opened the door for me, taking my hand as I stepped out, as if he wanted everyone to know I was his Luna.
The Alliance meeting hall had been transformed beyond my expectations.
Bright green neon lights hung above the entrance, spelling out the purpose of the occasion.
‘Welcome to Shadowmoon Pack’s 31st Luna Succession’
I swallowed the bile rising in my throat. Three years ago, the same ceremony had been held for me, crowning me the thirtieth. The memory made my stomach twist.
Pushing the thought aside, I observed as alphas from different packs filed into the massive hall. The exterior had felt modern, almost celebratory, but the interior was something else entirely.
It was breathtaking.
The decor reflected the Moon Goddess’s ancient roots.
Thrones were arranged in a wide semicircle, the largest and most ornate positioned on a raised platform at the center, with a smaller one beside it for the new Luna. The medieval atmosphere stirred something deep within the wolves present, older alphas staring with nostalgia as though recalling their youth.
I had to admit, it was impressive.
Ethan, however, looked unimpressed. His expression remained calm, his eyes only softening when they met mine.
“Try not to look like you’re out for blood,” I teased.
“I’m trying,” he muttered, forcing a smile as he waved to passing alphas.
“Marcus hasn’t even arrived yet, and you already look murderous,” I joked as he gestured for me to take my seat beside his throne.
He sat only after ensuring I was comfortable. “I suppose I’ll just stare at you all night. You’re the only thing worth looking at here, especially in that dress.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks.
I was about to respond when I noticed the waiters entering with trays of drinks.
This was my opportunity. I rose. Ethan lifted a questioning brow.
“Give me a few minutes,” I said lightly. “I’ll be right back.” I leaned down, brushing a quick kiss against his cheek. “Try not to pummel Marcus when you see him.”
“I make no such promises,” he replied dryly.
Smiling, I turned and walked away. His unwavering support gave me confidence.
It made everything feel possible.
I slipped outside, following a waiter toward the kitchen in an adjoining building.
“Luna,” a plump woman who I assumed was the event planner said, bowing. “How may I assist you?”
“I wanted to ensure everything is in order,” I replied smoothly. “The Alpha and Luna’s food and drinks should be exceptional.”
“Of course,” she said. “Please, take a look.”
She led me to where Marcus and Lila’s refreshments were prepared. A dark part of me wished I could poison everything, but that would raise suspicion.
“Have a waiter bring their drinks out first,” I instructed. “They shouldn’t be served last.”
“Yes, of course,” she said hurriedly.
As she rushed off, I slipped the vial free and tipped a single drop into the silver goblet meant for the Luna. The liquid vanished into the red wine instantly, leaving no trace.
A waiter entered moments later, collected the drinks, bowed and left.
My part was done.
Now, all that remained was for the Moon Goddess to see it through.