Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 106

Chapter 104

Talia’s POV

Before I even see the face, I hear the voice; that grating, self–satisfied tone I’ve

come to recognize anywhere. Nick.

I look up. He’s carrying a piano case, Imema trailing behind him like a shadow. My expression doesn’t flicker. I return to tuning my instrument, treating him exactly like what he is: background noise.

Nick glances toward the entrance, noting Aires and Aeson haven’t arrived yet. A malicious gleam lights his eyes. He winks at Imema, loud enough for me to hear.

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“Watch me deal with your bully, Imema.”

Imema plays her role perfectly, all false concern. “Nick, don’t be too harsh.”

“Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”

He swaggers toward me, chest puffed, chin lifted. “So, Mrs. Housewife. Still

claiming no one can outplay you on piano?”

I glance past him at Imema, watching from a distance with barely concealed anticipation. Nick’s intentions are transparent–he wants to provoke me, rattle me before the performance.

“You want to test that theory?” My voice 24

< Chapter 104

is calm, uninterested.

He falters, clearly not expecting such a direct response. Then recovers. “Since you’re so confident, let’s make a bet.”

“What kind of bet?”

Nick looks around, deliberately raising his voice so nearly everyone in the waiting area can hear. “If you lose the

competition, you get on your knees and bark like a dog.”

He pauses for effect, enjoying the

attention.

୮

“And if I lose? I’ll kneel and call

you

Grandma. Or Mom, if you prefer.” 14:24

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I study him for a long moment, then speak slowly. “You want to be my son? Have you asked Aeson’s permission? I wouldn’t mind another child, but I suspect Aeson might object to having an older brother who’s… well, significantly older.”

Robin snorts, quickly covering his mouth.

Even some of the other parents, who have no love for me, can’t suppress amused

smiles.

r

Nick’s face flushes, but he forces himself to stay focused. “Scared to bet? Is that it? Afraid Imema will destroy you?”

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I meet his gaze steadily. “I’ll bet. But if you lose, you kneel and bark like a dog. I don’t want a son who’s older than me.”

His jaw tightens with fury. “Fine! Whoever loses kneels and barks like a dog. And if anything prevents you from competing–fainting, equipment failure, any excuse–that counts as a loss too. Agreed?”

I nod once.

i

He’s already recording this on his phone, I notice. Evidence to prevent me from backing out. How thoughtful.

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Aires and Aeson arrive moments later. Aeson spots me from across the room, and his face twists–anger, disappointment, confusion all mingled together. He turns away deliberately, refusing to look at me.

He’s furious about the juice. Convinced I sabotaged Imema to hurt his chances. Convinced I’ve changed, that Robin has poisoned me against him.

I watch my son’s turned back and feel the familiar ache. Then I look away.

One by one, parents and children depart for the stage. Imema and Aeson go last, disappearing behind the curtain.

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The waiting area empties. Wall–mounted screens broadcast the performances live.

I gather my things, reaching for Robin’s hand. A large body blocks my path.

Aires.

I look up at his handsome face, feeling nothing but impatience. “What do you

want?”

He’s silent for a moment, then: “Withdraw from the competition.”

୮

I laugh, the sound sharp and cold. “Planning to kidnap me, Mr. Perseus? Keep me from performing by force?”

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I glance around, already calculating

escape routes, strategies to evade him and reach the stage.

His face darkens with something like hurt. “Is that what you think of me?”

“It depends.” My voice is ice. “On what you’ve shown me.”

He opens his mouth, closes it. For a moment, something like realization flickers in his eyes–he has shown me nothing good. Ever.

When he speaks again, his voice is quieter. “You misunderstand. I’m trying to help you.”

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“Help me?” I laugh again. “Help Imema cheat, you mean. If you wanted to help me, you wouldn’t have let them destroy my reputation. You wouldn’t be here now, asking me to quit.”

2

He meets my gaze, serious. “Don’t let pride destroy you, Talia. Imema is more talented than you realize. You cannot win this bet. Withdrawing is the only way to save face.”

He pauses, then adds, “If you don’t compete, you can’t lose. Do you want Aeson to watch his mother be defeated?”

I say nothing.

“The necklace–if you lend Imema the Di24

Chapter 104

Lian for her concert, she’ll return it afterward. Agree to this, and I’ll handle the rest. Imema won’t bother you again.”

I clap slowly, sarcastically. “Mr. Perseus, this is the first time you’ve been so ‘considerate‘ of me. I’m truly moved.”

My tone makes it clear I’m anything but.

His brow furrows.

I tilt my head. “Let me understand. If I refuse, you won’t help me get my mother’s necklace back. And you certainly won’t help with anything else.”

Aires’s voice is flat. “You reap what you

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I step around him, Robin’s hand in mine. “Then move. I have a performance.”

He grabs my arm, startled by my stubbornness. “Talia, must you do this?”

3

I whirl on him, fierce. “If you want to help, convince Imema to withdraw. Her withdrawal has the same effect as mine.

Why should I be the one to quit?”

He hesitates.

“Right.” I shake off his hand. “Because my dignity, my feelings, my pride–none of that matters. Only hers.”

I walk away before he can respond.

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Behind the stage curtain, Imema is already stepping into the lights. The performance has begun.

Robin looks up at me, anxiety plain on his young face. “Ms. Perseus, will we lose?”

He’s watched everything–the bets, the whispers, the doubts. He’s stayed quiet, believing in me, but now, with the moment approaching, uncertainty creeps

1. in.

I crouch to his level, meeting his eyes. “Robin, listen to me. We will win. I

promise.”

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Something in my voice steadies him. He

nods, shoulders relaxing slightly.

The stage lights dim.

Imema’s performance begins.

Through the curtain gap, I watch. Her posture is perfect, her bow arm graceful. The first notes ring out–clean, precise, technically flawless.

She’s good. I’ll give her that.

Around me, I hear whispers from waiting parents. Appreciation. Admiration. Recognition of talent.

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