Rise Of A Shattered Luna (Natalie) by Kave Derry novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16 The Hollowing

Natalie’s POV

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I stood there long after his footsteps faded, listening to the house settle back into silence. The villa always sounded different after Jensen left.

My hands wouldn’t stop shaking; I stared at them for a second, confused. I hadn’t raised my voice, and I hadn’t lashed out.

And that was when it hit me.

The tears came then, quietly slipping down my face while I stood there, finally understanding what it meant that he had walked away.

I stood there wiping the tears that escaped, my satchel heavy against my side, the room door shut behind me. I hadn’t meant to lock it so quickly, but my fingers had turned the bolt on instinct when I left him in my room.

I moved back to my room slowly and set the satchel on the desk. My hands trembled when I unfastened the clasp. I waited for the feeling to pass. It didn’t. Five years of work stared back at me in folded parchment and ink–stained edges.

I sat down as I stared at the eagle design lying unfinished beneath the lamp, wings spread wide, lines clean and exact. I traced the edge of one wing with my eyes, remembering the night I’d first sketched it.

Jensen had been asleep then, sprawled across the bed, while I’d stayed awake until dawn, perfecting the balance and symbolism.

For him.

For the pack.

I let out a quiet laugh, sharp enough to hurt.

Jensen had remembered the design I promised to give him as a mating gift; he probably still expects it to be given to him.

But he was wrong. I’d gift it to the stranger who saved me last night. I didn’t even know his

name yet.

I packed the rest of my work methodically: charms wrapped in cloth, ink sealed, and transcriptions bundled carefully.

Each movement steadied my breathing, something solid to focus on instead of going under.

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Chapter 16 The Hollowing

When the final box snapped shut, I wiped my hands on my jeans and stood.

My phone buzzed.

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Renee from Greycrest Archives: “Contract confirmed. Travel documents approved pending physical signature.”

The relief that followed was quiet; I could feel a weight being lifted. I was finally getting out of this cage.

I grabbed my bag and left before doubt could catch me.

Outside, the air was cool, the sky dimming into shades of violet and steel. The mountains loomed in the distance, looking all ancient. I breathed deeply, letting the chill clear my head.

The cab pulled up beside me smoothly.

“Need a ride?”

I nodded and slid into the back seat, already pulling up the address on my phone. Immigration office, one last signature. One last tether cut cleanly.

The car moved easily through familiar streets. I leaned back, exhaustion settling into my bones now that adrenaline had nothing left to cling to. For the first time that day, I let my eyes close.

They opened again when the turn felt wrong and fast.

The road curved too sharply, and the lights dimmed instead of brightened. I sat up, frowning as the city began to dissolve into shadow.

“This isn’t the route to the immigration office,” I said, looking at the map on my phone.

The locks clicked.

The sound was small but unmissable.

My heart slammed hard as I leaned forward, peering past the partition. The shape of the driver’s shoulders was tense and controlled but somehow familiar.

He turned to face me as recognition slid cold down my spine.

“Clark?” My voice came out steadier than I felt. “What’s going on?”

I felt a pang of relief; Clark had been one of Jensen’s most trusted guards.

He didn’t answer immediately; the silence stretched as he kept driving through the

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Chapter 16 The Hollowing

unfamiliar route,

“Did Jensen send you?” I asked. “What does he want now?”

Clark exhaled slowly, as if bracing himself. “Please, Natalie… You shouldn’t resist.”

That was answer enough.

The road narrowed as trees closed in, branches clawing faintly at the darkness.

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My heart was in my throat as the car slowed and finally stopped in a moonlit clearing.

Clark stepped out and opened my door; his grip was firm as he dragged me onto the dirt, my knees striking the ground hard enough to jar my teeth. Pain flared through me as I tried to get back on my feet.

“Luna Sharon is the Alpha’s chosen,” he said, voice flat and practiced. “You humiliated her at the Conclave. The Alpha could not allow that to stand.”

“Luna Sharon?” I questioned, ignoring the pain in my legs as I stood.

The words felt wrong. I know I should probably run, but as a wolfless girl… I’m at a disadvantage here.

“Jensen wouldn’t do this,” I said, though doubt had already begun its quiet work. “Not like this.”

Clark avoided my gaze as he reached into his belt.

The obsidian blade emerged dark and hungry, reflecting in the moonlight. My chest tightened instantly.

I knew that blade; I knew the rituals it belonged to. I knew the cost of that blade.

“You’ll live,” he said quietly, almost gently. “But the whispers will stop.”

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