Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Imema’s POV

I freeze, hearing the disgusting word that’s somehow flown out of Aeson’s perfect little mouth that never gets tired of singing my praises.

My fingers stiffen on my lap.

Maybe, I’ve misheard. “What did you say, sweetheart?”

Aeson raises his head. His large, serious eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror. “Miss. Volkov./Are you a mistress?”

For a second, heat rushes to my face, and I almost lose control of my breath. The word is like a branding iron, reducing my identity to greed and shame.

Aires‘ voice cuts in, low and stern. “Aeson. Do you even know what you’re saying? That’s enough.”

Good. He’s angry, and his

anger

will be my

shield.

I look at Aires, parting my lips lightly like I’m stunned into

silence.

“Aires, don’t…”

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Chapter 9

I say softly. “Don’t scold him, please. He’s just a child. What could he possibly understand?”

I pause for a moment before casting my gaze downwards, tucking my hair behind my ear.

“I know Luna Talia has never… approved of me. But no matter her feelings, she shouldn’t have taught him such a hateful word. Adult matters shouldn’t poison a child’s innocent mind…”

I’m not looking at Aires, but I can feel the car’s temperature going down with his cold fury.

The clever pup opens his mouth with a small frown between his

brows.

“It wasn’t Mom who said it, it was-”

I interrupt him smoothly, “Aeson, I know. Luna Talia can’t say these things, you must have heard someone else saying it, right? Maybe the maids at the Alpha Palace…”

He doesn’t catch the trap, falling for the warmth in my

voice.

He nods, earnest and relieved. “Not the maids! There was a boy

at another table, his name was Ricky-”

I hum gently.

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“See? I believe you, sweetheart.”

I watch as a tentative smile starts to form on his lips, but it disappears instantly. He looks at me with determination. “Miss. Volkov. Would you ever be a mistress?”

“Aeson-”

Aires starts, but I shake my head lightly, cutting him off. “It’s alright.”

I turn my body in the seat, facing him fully and letting him see the image of my melancholy.

“Aeson… don’t you remember, honey? The healers said I only have six months left.‘

“”

As I thought, they work like magic.

Guilt floods into his wide eyes.

“Oh…”

He whispers.

The way he addressed me formally as ‘Miss Volkov‘ and not by name has made me a little uneasy. This child is no ordinary five–year–old; he is a prodigy,

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Chapter 9

And Aires’s heir cannot be placated with simple candy forever… but the mention of my illness excuses almost everything.

He bites his lip, shame blooming across his small face. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that.”

Regret twists his features, frustrating him with the thought of hurting a sick woman.

The victory tastes sweet. I smile warmly, absolving him.

“It’s perfectly alright. Let’s not speak of sad things anymore. Think of what you’d like for dinner later. Anything you want.”

“Chicken wings!”

He declares, a spark of his usual enthusiasm returning. “And can we get ice cream after?”

I don’t hesitate. “Of course.”

Aires glances at me sharply. “Imema, your health… The healer was clear about avoiding oil completely, then fried food-”

I wave off his concern.

“It’s fine if I don’t eat much.”

Then I smile back at Aeson, as if we’re the only two inolved in26

Chapter 9

this conspiracy.

“And anyway, Acson wants it, so we’ll get it! Life is so dull if you follow every rule, isn’t it? A little indulgence makes it sweet.”

He nods, and the tension is almost dismissed.

The poisonous question has been almost buried under layers of affection. Satisfied, I face the road, the ghost of a smile touching my lips.

“Yeah,” he murmurs. “You get me.‘

دو

He leans back against the seat, staring out of the window, lost in thought. The record has been set straight now: Talia is the controlling, bitter wife who poisons her son’s mind, and I am the one who is above all questions and reproach.

Aires‘ POV

The next morning, I sit at the head of the dining table, scanning the financial reports.

The house is silent, but for some reason, it doesn’t feel peaceful.

A soft shuffling sound makes me look up from the tablet in my hands. Aeson is standing at the foot of the stairs in his pajamas, rubbing his eyes.

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Chapter 9

I never even tasted medicine in the clear broths or dishes she prepared. Is that why I started to sleep through the nights, without my wolf stirring restlessly…?

Kaela sees my hesitation and presses on, her voice trembling with a boldness born of long–suppressed observation. “She did that for

years, Alpha. Only after you were both well, and the Young Master stopped getting sick so often, Luna finally started taking a little rest and allowing us to help. But then…”

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