Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 163

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & SIXTY THREE

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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & SIXTY THREE

Talia’s POV

I went straight to Henry after leaving the dungeon. He was in the storage room behind the kitchen. He was sorting through crates of supplies. When Henry noticed me standing in the doorway, he froze. His eyes widened, and the guilt on his face was

immediate.

“Princess,” he said. “I did not expect you.”

“I need to talk to you,” I said. “Now.”

“What…what’s wrong, Princess?” Henry stammered.

“You know exactly what I am here for,” I said as I stepped closer. “Jason used Moonlust. Where did he get it?”.

Henry gulped and said, “Princess, I did not mean for any of this to happen. I swear it.”

“I don’t care about your apologies. I want you to answer my question,” I said. “How did he get the Moonlust? Did you get it for

him?”

“Goddess, no!” Henry exclaimed.

“Then, tell me who,” I snapped.

Henry avoided my gaze, choosing his words carefully. He had always been loyal, respectful to me when I was his Luna. I had stood by him more than once, covering for mistakes that weren’t his, and I knew he hadn’t forgotten.

Henry took a long breath, and then forced himself to meet my eyes. “It’s Michael.”

I felt my entire body go still. “His father?” I repeated. “Elder Michael?”

Henry nodded. “He told Jason it would help him fix things with you. Said it would be better for the pack if you restored the bond. I told him it was wrong, Princess. He wouldn’t listen.”

I was furious but I knew Henry didn’t have a choice. He was Jason’s Beta. He swore his loyalty to him.

“Thank you for telling me now,” I said finally.

Henry bowed his head. “Princess, I am so sorry.”

“I know,” I said. “But an apology will not undo what happened.”

He nodded again and kept his head lowered. I left him there. Every step I took away from the storage room allowed the anger to build in me. Again, Michael was interfering in my life. Jason had drugged me, but Michael set everything in motion. Michael was equally to blame.

By dinnertime, I had already decided what needed to happen.

I sat across from my father and Solon at the long dining table. The dishes were untouched. My father waited patiently. He

wanted to hear what I had found out. Solon glanced between us nervously.

“Come on, Talia, tell us what you found out,” Solon finally said,

I set my fork down. “I spoke with Henry this afternoon.”

Father’s attention sharpened. “And?”

“He admitted that Michael gave Jason the Moonlust,” I said. “Michael told him it would help repair the bond between Jason and me. He framed it as a solution for Shadowclaw.”

Solon answered first. “So Michael was behind all of this. I am not surprised.”

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & SIXTY THREE

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Father’s face darkened, and his eyes cooled. “It fits his personality. He has always been a problem.”

His tone surprised me. Father was normally cordial with Michael, but there may be some bad blood between the two even more so than I thought.

“Jason is not fit to lead a pack,” I said. “He cannot control himself, and he is too easily influenced. Shadowclaw needs a new leader.”

Solon nodded once. “I agree.”

“Silverfang should take responsibility for the transition,” I continued. “We cannot leave a pack in the hands of a man who uses Moonlust freely. But we also cannot move carelessly. If we act too fast, Michael’s supporters will push back.”

“Right. We need to make a wise plan.” Father said.

“I suggest we wait until I choose a mate,” I said. “Once my position is settled, we can bring Shadowclaw under Silverfang’s guidance. And we will have another powerful alliance to support us.”

“Choosing Colin may be the best outcome we can build after this mess,” Father said and nodded.

“I think so. There aren’t any other candidates that are trustworthy,” Solon added.

The way they said it told me everything. They were already planning around Colin. They were already building a future on the idea that I would choose him. Neither of them said it directly, but the assumption was there.

I knew they were both right. With Colin involved, everything would be easier. The elders would see a balanced arrangement instead of a sudden overthrow. It was the logical choice. But when I pictured myself standing beside Colin as his mate, I felt

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