The Broken Luna’s Sacrifice
Chapter 125
Juno’s POV
So when exactly are you planning to leave? Vance’s voice cut through the morning quiet at breakfast,
I looked up from my plate to find him glaring at me, his expression openly hostile. Beside him,”
Dane seemed uncomfortable but made no move to intervent
“Vance,” Alpha Elton warned.
“No.” Vance slammed his hand on the table. “I want to know why we’re hosting these women who married the men who attacked our pack and killed a people!”
The table fell silent. Alpha Elton’s face darkened with anger, but before he could speak, I gently placed my napkin beside my plate and raised my hand to stop him.
“It’s alright,” I said calmly, meeting Vance’s furious gaze. I understand your anger.”
“Do you?” He sneered. “You’re sleeping with the enemy. You and your friend here.” He gestured dismissively at Scarlett. “Forestvale whores who climbed the social ladder by spreading your legs for men who destroyed our families.”
I heard Scarlett’s sharp intake of breath beside me, saw Alpha Elton beginning to rise, fury in his eyes.
“My mother is dead because of your ‘Alpha King‘,” Vance continued, his voice thick with emotion. “Dane’s too. And you expect us to welcome you with open
arms?”
The silence that followed was deafening. Alpha Elton stood, ready to reprimand his son, but I raised my hand again.
“It’s easy to make moral judgments when you don’t know the full story,” I said, my voice carrying in the silent room. “Let me tell you what you don’t know.”
I set down my fork with deliberate care. “My former husband, the man I pledged my life to at eighteen, found his fated mate and forced me to live alongside her. He stripped me of my Luna position, my dignity, and my home and expected me to accept it with a smile.”
I turned to Scarlett, giving her an encouraging nod.
“As for Scarlett, her husband abused her day and night. He beat her wolf with silver to avoid leaving marks on her human form. He forced her to live with his mistresses, treating her like a servant in her own home.”
I looked back at Vance, whose face had paled slightly.
“Everyone knew. Everyone saw. But no one helped. Not one Alpha stepped forward to protect us. Augustin and Bryloch gave us safety when no one else would. They gave us back our dignity, our voice.”
I leaned forward slightly. “I am genuinely sorry about your mothers. Truly, I am. But Augustin is not Nathanael. If you cannot see the difference, perhaps you should examine your own moral compass before questioning mine.”
Without waiting for a response, 1 picked up my fork and resumed eating. “The food is excellent,” I remarked to no one in particular. “It would be a shame to let it go cold.”
No one spoke for the remainder of breakfast.
“This is our community center,” Alpha Elton said, gesturing to a modest building with a well–used playground beside it. “We hold most pack gatherings here.”
I nodded, filing away mental notes as we walked. The tour had been enlightening in ways Alpha Elton probably hadn’t intended. I noticed the aging infrastructure, the limited medical facilities, the lack of economic opportunities. The pack was struggling, though they maintained their dignity admi
“Alpha Matthew has been generous,” Elton continued. “He offered part–time work to some of our members, helping them supplement their income.
I smiled at that, genuinely pleased. “That sounds like Matthew. I’m glad his heart hasn’t hardened.”
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Chapter 125
You still care for him, Elton observed.
I shrugged, trying to appear casual. “Is he well?”
Elton’s expression turned somber. “Not particularly. Alpha Kieran mentioned he’s still hurting over losing you‘
My heart sank. I’d left Matthew a letter explaining everything, hoping it would help him understand and move on. Apparently, it hadn’t been enough
“That’s not your burden to bear, Elton said, surprising me with his insight. “From what you said at breakfast, his actions forced your hand. His pain is self inflicted.”
“Perhaps,” I murmured.
“You love him, don’t you? Levenston.” Elton studied me carefully. “If you didn’t, you’d have used this opportunity to run.”
The observation was startlingly perceptive. “Yes,” I admitted. “I do.”
been years, but the loss of their mothers hit them hard. It’s why I
Elton nodded, then changed the subject. “Vance and Dane… they’re still grieving. haven’t stepped down yet, though Vance is more than old enough. His emotions would lead to dangerous decisions.
“They’ll heal,” I said softly. “Eventually.”
“I hope so.” He sighed, then straightened. “I owe you an apology for our cold welcome. Please convey to Alpha King Augustin that it’s been an honor to host representatives from Clifflands.”
His tone shifted, becoming more grave. “But I must warn you both. Clifflands is a political jungle. The position of a new Luna is never truly secure. Many covet connections to Clifflands.” He glanced around, ensuring no one was within earshot. “The Council’s loyalty to the Alpha King isn’t absolute. Augustin should be careful,”
My attention sharpened. “What do you mean?”
“Nathanael was cruel, yes, but partly because he needed to be to keep our world balanced.” Elton’s voice dropped further. Augustin may be facing challenges his father left behind. The twelve ruling families have been playing power games for generations.”
I absorbed this information hungrily, recognizing its crucial importance. “Tell me more about these power struggles,” I urged.
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