Get Back The Abandoned Luna (Scarlett and Alexander) novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Scarlett’s POV

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The first light of dawn touched the edges of my curtains, but I stayed curled under the blankets for a moment longer. Lucien had never left my side since the events of last night. He had been watching me and holding my hand–trying to comfort me, to make me feel like I wasn’t alone. He never left, not even after the mark on the back of my neck had eased up.

“You’re awake… How do you feel now?” Lucien asked from the doorway, holding a cup of water as he walked toward me and handed it to me.

I accepted and drank it before I spoke. I noticed that my throat ached, and my voice was hoarse. “The pain’s gone now… What’s up?”

“Just checking on you. You sure you’re okay?” he asked, glancing at me with concern.

I nodded. “I’m fine. I want to go outside and check on the people.”

“I’ll go with you,” he said, even assisting me as I got out of bed.

I paused and looked at him helplessly. “Just so you remember, I’m not disabled, nor is my life at stake. I’m really okay.”

“I know you’re okay. I know you’re strong, but I want you to lean on me too,” he said, not letting go of my wrist as he helped me toward the bathroom.

“Don’t tell me you want to help me wash up too?” I said, raising a brow at him.

The corners of his lips curved as he locked eyes with mine. “If you want me to, why not? I’d be glad if you let

me.”

I rolled my eyes and pulled my hand back from him. “Shut it. Get out.”

“You don’t want my help anymore?” he asked with those puppy eyes–how could an Alpha like him, branded as the strongest Alpha in the country and someone who even the council worried might be too influential or might cause trouble if they didn’t approve my bill, which is exactly why they tried to use me to threaten him (and it actually worked)-look like that now, acting like a big baby? It almost made me forget who he was.

“No. I’m good,” I said, hurrying into the bathroom and making sure I locked it, ignoring his chuckles.

After my morning routine, I went outside–to the courtyard.

However, I felt that something was different.

I didn’t know why, but I kept feeling someone’s secret gaze on me. And the warriors seemed livelier than before. They had been much more reserved once, sneaking mocking glances at me, but now they didn’t even mind my presence. If they saw me, they would call out and invite me to dinner and so on.

Weird.

11:02 Mon, Apr 20

Chapter 71

admiration, something dangerous.

“I’m not ready for this,” I admitted in a voice lower than I intended.

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“You’ve been ready longer than you think,” he said softly. “They’re only just realizing it.”

His eyes lingered too long, burning through the fragile space between us. My breath caught before I could steady it.

I turned slightly, breaking the spell, but his hand brushed against my sleeve before I could move further. Just the faintest touch–enough to send heat rushing to my throat.

“I’m glad the person you reached out to was me.”

The invitation arrived at dawn, sealed with Nightshade’s crest and lined with the ink of council scribes.

“A council dinner,” Kathleen said flatly, arms crossed. “Every Alpha in Nightshade has been summoned. And so have you.”

I turned the letter over once, then slit it cleanly. The elegant script confirmed her words. A summons, gilded in courtesy but sharpened with intent.

“A chance,” I murmured.

Kathleen bristled. “A trap. They’ll circle you like wolves who scent weakness. And they’ll call it civility.”

The door behind us opened. Lucien’s steps were soundless, but his presence filled the chamber. His gaze fell to the parchment, then lifted to me. Calm, even–yet edged with iron.

“They’ll try to make a spectacle of you,” he said. “If one Alpha rises, the rest will follow.”

I folded the letter, slipping it back onto the table. “Then I’ll give them nothing to follow.”

Kathleen groaned, throwing up her hands. “Spirits help me, they’re both impossible. I never understand these couples who argue and make up right away.”

I rolled my eyes at her. “What couples?”

“Seems she needs to find her mate,” Lucien said, making Kathleen pause as she hurriedly gathered her things. “I’m leaving now. Ciao! Good luck in the banquet hall! I hope next time they invite you, it will be the final session!”

“What good luck? You’re coming too! Aren’t you an Alpha?” I shouted.

Both Lucien and I just laughed, watching her hurried retreat helplessly.

The banquet hall shimmered with candlelight that night, silver goblets gleaming, polished marble reflecting the weight of gathered Alphas and their kin.

11:02 Mon, Apr 20

Chapter 71

The moment I entered with Lucien at my side, whispers rose like a tide.

“That’s her.”

“Scarlett.”

“Alexander’s Luna–no, Lucien’s?”

“The one who dares challenge the bond law.”

Every voice was loud enough for me to hear. I let none of it touch my expression.

Alpha Merrick was the first to step forward–his foxlike grin too sharp, his eyes hungry.

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“Ah, the infamous Luna,” he drawled. “Tell me–does Nightshade now run on your word… or Lord Lucien’s shadow?”

A few chuckles rippled through the nearby tables.

I tilted my head, meeting his gaze without flinching. “Neither,” I said smoothly. “It runs on truth. But shadows do make excellent warnings to fools who step too close.”

Merrick’s grin faltered. The laughter shifted, some nervous, some impressed. He bowed stiffly and retreated.

Lucien said nothing, but I felt the faintest flex of his arm beneath my hand, as though he resisted the urge to draw me closer.

As we sat down, the tide shifted with laughter and wine, yet beneath it I sensed something colder. Whispers, furtive glances. Kathleen slipped behind my chair, her hand brushing mine briefly as she bent close.

“Word is spreading,” she murmured. “They say you turn Lucien’s ear. That every choice he makes comes from your pillow.”

My grip tightened on the stem of my glass, but I lifted it calmly, letting the candlelight catch on the crystal.

Even though Kathleen had just whispered those words to me, I could feel almost everyone watching me, waiting to see my reaction. They were hoping I’d embarrass myself.

Even if Alexander wasn’t here, it seemed that the people he had planted were present, ready to make trouble.

I raised my voice lightly, addressing no one, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Strange,” I said, “I never knew reason had a bed of its own.”

Laughter broke around the table in response. Some even forced themselves to join in, while others just coughed and sipped their beer.

Still, I caught Alpha Merrick’s narrowed eyes across the hall. Seems he was here to watch my movements while Faye and Alexander were busy entertaining each other in their pack.

11:02 Mon, Apr 20

Chapter 72

Chapter 72