Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 143

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & FORTY THREE

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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & FORTY THREE

Talia’s POV

Della and I walked the path to the cabins for temporary residents sitting beyond a stretch of pine trees, quiet and shaded from the morning sun.

“I couldn’t catch up to her yesterday. She went straight to her cabin and has been there ever since. She hasn’t answered any of my messages,” Della said as we walked. “You really think she’s planning to leave?”

“Solon said she’s been distant,” I replied. “She won’t speak with him.”

“That’s not good.”

“No, it isn’t.”

“I didn’t think she would react like this. I thought her not wanting a mate was all for show.”

“If we don’t convince her to speak with him, I think Solon may spook or worse she’ll run back to Windpaw and get the Alpha to not let Solon see her,” I said.

“Then, let’s make sure we convince her,” Della stated.

When we reached the cabin, the front door was cracked open. We could hear movement within. I cautiously pushed the door open.

Leslie stood by the bed, folding clothes into a suitcase. Her hair hung loose, and she looked pale from lack of sleep. She looked at us but didn’t stop folding clothes.

“You two actually showed up sooner than I thought,” she said. “Aren’t you supposed to be vetting mates, Princess?”

“We were hoping you’d still be here,” I said, stepping inside.

“Not for long,” Leslie said. “I’m heading back to Windpaw.”

“You can’t be serious,” Della exclaimed.

“I am. It is time for me to go,” Leslie stated.

Della paused and said, “Tomorrow’s the bonfire celebration. There’ll be contests, the feast, the mating ritual. Everyone’s going to be there. How about you stay to-”

“That’s exactly why I don’t want to stay,” Leslie snapped. She folded another shirt and set it neatly in her suitcase. “I’ve had enough ceremonies and celebrations.”

Della crossed her arms and said, “Stop lying. You told us you love bonfires before.”

“That was before the Moon Goddess decided to take my choice away,” Leslie spat.

“Leslie,” I started, but she kept going.

“She must be playing a cruel joke on me, I should’ve known something was wrong when I couldn’t even drink the herbs yesterday. I built up an allergy. Ironic right? How can a healer be allergic? It’s pathetic!”

“It’s not pathetic,” I said, keeping my tone calm. “I mean it makes sense. As a healer, you should know that.”

“No, it doesn’t make sense,” Leslie snapped. “Why now? Why would I build up an allergy the day of the Sacrifice Ceremony?”

“It means this was meant to happen,” I responded, and Della nodded.

Leslie let out a bitter laugh. “Do you really still believe in the mate bond after everything that has happened to you?”

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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & FORTY THREE

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“Hope and belief are all I have left,” I responded honestly.

“You think Solon is someone I can trust?”

“Yes,” I said firmly.

“Of course you’ll tell me yes. He’s your dear brother!” Leslie said, waving me off.

“Then, I’ll tell you,” Della said, stepping forward. “He isn’t perfect, but he’s honest. He’ll stand by you if you let him.”

“You make it sound easy.”

“It isn’t. I know that firsthand with Marco,” Della admitted. “But it’s worth trying.”

I nodded and said, “Listen to Della if you don’t believe me. I promise you it’ll be worth it in the end. You need to face this head

on.”

Leslie scoffed. “You’re one to talk about trying.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked.

Leslie crossed her arms. “Don’t act like you don’t know what I am talking about. Your first mate cheated on you and your second refuses to acknowledge the bond earlier. How can you tell it’ll be worth it in the end?”

Leslie was right. I couldn’t tell her that, but I did remember how happy I was with Jason before everything fell apart. Those memories I cherished but this was different. Solon was nothing like Jason. He wouldn’t betray Leslie.

Before I could respond, Della quickly stepped in. “No, you’re not going to do that. You are lashing out, and Talia doesn’t deserve that. She is trying to make sure you don’t end up regretting your decisions.”

“Sorry,” Leslie muttered. “It’s just a lot.”

“Then, let’s focus on something else,” Della suggested.

“Like what?” Leslie asked.

“The Bonfire,” Della said.

“No!”

“Come on, Leslie. The Bonfire night isn’t just about mates. It’s about renewal, blessings, and new beginnings. You could talk to Solon there,” Della explained.

Leslie looked skeptical. “And if I don’t want to talk?”

“Then don’t,” Della said simply. “Just come, Listen to the music, eat something, and stand by the fire. No one’s asking for more

than that.”

I nodded. “He wants to talk, Leslie. He’s just afraid of pushing too hard. You leaving now will only make it worse.”

Leslie stared at her half-packed bag. She stared at it for a few seconds before saying, “Even if I went, what would I say? Would I have to pretend I was fine and we just go straight to reject each other?”

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