Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 124

Talia’s POV

Nolan’s grip on the dagger tightened but he did not have the murderous glint in his eyes like he did with the rogues. Nolan really didn’t want to harm Solon if he didn’t have to.

“I said, put it away!" my father's voice boomed, causing me to flinch.

Nolan slowly lowered the blade and backed away from Solon. He sheathed it and stepped back. The guards quickly surrounded him.

“You have crossed every line tonight, Nolan. Until I know what truly happened, you are no longer free to walk this pack’s grounds," Father said.

“Are you ordering me to the dungeon?” Nolan asked. His voice was low and cold. His body was tense as if he was ready to fight. His aura flared throughout the room, almost as oppressive as my father’s.

“Yes,” Father said firmly. “Beta Logan will escort you there. You’ll stay until I decide what to do with you.”

“You think that dungeon will stop me?” Nolan scoffed. Then, he smirked. It wasn’t the type that would have made my heart flutter, but it made a chill come up his spine. It was a smirk of a man that spilled blood and enjoyed it. “If I choose to leave, nothing will stop me.”

My father’s eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his tone calm even though his claws were digging into the table. “If you were innocent, you wouldn’t make threats. You would wait for the investigation to run its course,” Father responded.

“I’m not threatening,” Nolan replied. “I’m giving you a warning. If you don’t find the truth to clear my name by tomorrow, I will handle it myself.”

Solon, still fuming, growled, “Is that another threat?”

“It’s a promise, Prince," Nolan answered.

“Enough. Beta Logan, take him," Father ordered.

Logan approached, motioning for two guards to follow. Nolan didn’t move at first. I began to panic. What if he actually challenged my father? Would I have to pick a side? I couldn’t allow him to harm my father, but I also knew that Jason and Michael had set him up.

Thankfully, Nolan finally relaxed. He shot one glance toward me before walking out of the dining hall. I felt a mixture of relief and sadness.

Michael turned to Father first. “Your Majesty, this cannot stand. His defiance endangers every pack in the alliance. If he walks free again, he’ll drag Silverfang into ruin.”

Jason added, “He’s already been seen with rogues. If he’s truly working with them, then the Bloodmoon pack itself is compromised.”

Father rubbed his forehead, looking weary. “We will investigate this matter carefully. No decision will be made tonight.”

“With all respect,” Michael said, his tone firm, “hesitation will be seen as weakness. The other alphas will not ignore an attack on their King.”

“And yet, acting without proof could start a war," Father countered. "I will not condemn an Alpha until I know the full truth.”

Jason leaned closer to his father and muttered something, but I couldn’t catch the words. Michael gave him a small nod before turning back to Father. “Of course, Your Majesty. You’ve always been wise. I only hope your trust won't come back to haunt you.”

“I have one more matter to raise before we go,” Michael added.

“Go on," Father said. His tone was now guarded. Of course, Michael would request something right after causing chaos.

“My son,” Michael said, nodding toward Jason, “has spoken often about the princess. He admires her greatly. It would be an honor for our families to unite. I thought perhaps we could discuss the possibility of a marriage especially since that was what Jason wanted as his reward for winning the Hunting Rite.”

"I know he saved your life, but this is serious Talia," Solon started.

“That's not why I am saying no. I think this is part of Jason and Michael's plan," I said, cutting him off.

"What do you mean?" Father asked.

"You can’t put him on trial yet. There’s no proof. All you have is a report that Jason and Michael could have fabricated," I replied. "You’ll just make the Blood Moon pack an enemy. They won’t stand by if their Alpha is accused without real evidence.”

“You’ve been defending him a lot lately," Father said flatly.

“I’m not defending him! I'm saying this could be another trap. We can't rush to conclusions,” I said.

Solon folded his arms. “So, what do you suggest? Let him go?”

“No,” I said. “Just give him a chance to speak. That's the least we can do since he saved me twice.”

Father was silent a moment before saying, "I know one thing about Nolan. He hates rogues. This was not an assassination attempt. Nolan does resent me. I can see it every time he looks at me. But even so, he would not work with rogues.”

“Then let me speak to him,” I suggested. "He'll be honest with me."

Father considered my words for a long moment. Then he finally nodded. “Very well. I’ll allow it. But you’ll go with guards, and you won’t be alone with him.”