Chapter 32
Lyanna’s POV
The room smelled of old books, rich oak, and the faint hint of wine that clung to the crystal goblet in my hand. The dim light of the chandelier reflected in the deep red liquid as I swirled it idly. Across the stained mahogany table, the figure sat poised like a queen in exile, her sharp features half–shadowed but no less formidable. Her silver hair fell in soft waves around her face, though her piercing eyes betrayed no softness at all.
For the last hour, we’d danced around the topic that had brought us together, but now, the masks were slipping. My voice cut through the tension like a blade.
Darius is dispensable.” I said it without emotion, without hesitation. “He served his purpose long ago.”
woman’s thin lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “Your mate,” she drawled, as if tasting the words, “is but a pawn in your game, then?”
I sipped my wine, letting the warmth bloom in my chest. “Mates are a primal bond, a relic of the past. I’ve transcended that weakness.” I leaned forward, locking eyes with her. “Darius may share my bed, but he doesn’t share my future.”
The weight of the admission hung in the air, heavy and electric. Lady McCall tilted her head, her curiosity barely veiled. “And Lucian?”
The name struck me like a slap, though I didn’t let it show. Lucian. The name of the man I had spent years despising, manipulating, and cursing. My grip on the goblet tightened, but I kept my composure.
“You want to know why I hate him?” I asked, my voice low and dangerous.
Her silence was invitation enough.
“It was twenty years ago,” I began, my tone clipped but laced with a quiet fury. “Lucian and I were only children,only ten years old, barely old enough to understand the weight of the world. My little brother, Elias, idolized him. He followed Lucian everywhere, his shadow, his protector.”
The memories surfaced, sharp and vivid. The sound of snarling wolves. The copper tang of blood. The sight of Elias standing between Lucian and a Black Moon wolf, his small body trembling but unyielding.
“The Black Moon Pack attacked the Crimson Valley Pack that fateful night. They targeted certain families as though they were settling an ancient grudge. Among the casualties were my parents and Lucian’s. But they weren’t done yet.
“They came for Lucian,” I continued, my voice wavering for the first time. “He was their target, their prey. But it was Elias who stood in their way. It was Elias who fell.”
“He begged Lucian to run but he stayed rooted to the spot and my little brother tried to save his mentor. Lucian did nothing.
“All that time, I thought it was a random attack, but it wasn’t. My father had ties to the Pack and the attack was part of an internal power struggle. Kael, the former Alpha sought to eliminate all rival claims to the title and my family paid the price. He also knew Lucian’s family were protectors of the sacred bloodline. I guess he killed two birds with a stone. You can imagine my horror when I discovered his son, Darius is my mate. Seems destiny enjoys playing cruel jokes on me.”
I paused, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Lucian survived. My brother didn’t. And you know what he did after that? He lived. He thrived. While my family crumbled, he grew stronger. His guilt kept him silent, and I used that silence to my advantage. All I had to do was remind him of Elias and he became putty in my hands. Elena never stood a chance. Guilt will always outplay love.”
The woman’s expression softened, just for a moment, before hardening again. “You married him.”
“A calculated move,” I said with a bitter laugh. “I needed his trust, his resources, his name. He is the key to getting Elena. Everything I have done since then, was planned thoroughly all these years. I wormed my way into his life, made him believe I was weak, dying, vulnerable, and he tried to play the hero. All the while, I plotted his downfall.”
“And your hatred?”
“Will only be satisfied when he’s dead,” I said coldly. “Lucian owes me that much. He owes Elias that much.”
The figure studied me for a long moment, her sharp eyes narrowing. “You’re not so different from me, Lyanna. You wear your hatred like armor.”
“And what about you?” I shot back. “Why do you despise him?“.
12:02
Chosen by the Moon: Rise of Female Alpha
9.2%
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Our glasses clinked, the sound sharp and final
As I sipped, I allowed myself a fleeting moment of satisfaction. For the first time in years, the pieces of my ples were falling wo face, Tennes distraction. Laucian was a pawn. And Lady McCall was the perfect accomplice,
I set the goblet down, my eyes flicking to the woman across from me. “Rowen dveld come tamed kurky” 1 sati, a line of noder anyone ong such a devoted mother like you”
Her smile didn’t reach her eyes, “And Elias should count himself lucky, she replied, “having a diary who would be the world for him
The words struck a nerve, but I didn’t flinch. Instead, I rose from my chair, soothing the fabric of my dress as I did. This moving enlightening,”
“Indeed,” Lady McCall said, rising to her feet as well. “But don’t mistake our alliance for friendship. Lyanna When this is over, 12 do what needs to be done,”
“So will I,” I said evenly.
We stood there, two wolves circling each other, both waiting for the moment to strike,
But tonight, at least, we were on the same side.
AfI turned to leave, I felt the weight of her gaze on my back. The night was far from over, and the war was just beginning
But for now, I had a new ally. And together, we would bring Lucian and Elena to their knees,
