Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 182

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & EIGHTY TWO

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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & EIGHTY TWO

Talia’s POV

Michael’s demeanor changed almost immediately after Nolan spoke.

His shoulders eased and his expression smoothing as if he had simply flipped a switch. It was unsettling how quickly he adapted. Michael had always been unpredictable, but this change was disturbing.

“War would serve no one,” Michael said after a brief pause. His voice was calmer now, almost appeasing. “Shadowclaw has already suffered enough instability.”

Nolan did not respond. He watched Michael carefully. I could tell through our bond that he too was suspicious of Michael’s mood change.

Michael turned his attention back to me. “Princess Talia, my earlier reaction was… impulsive. I apologize for it.”

I kept myself from rolling my eyes. He meant every word. Michael was only doing damage control because he had not expected

Nolan to be here.

“If Shadowclaw is to avoid unnecessary bloodshed,” Michael continued, “then a proper transition must be handled with order and transparency. I will arrange for a full assembly tomorrow.”

My surprise must have shown on my face because he quickly added, “At that assembly, I will explain the situation and formally transfer leadership of Shadowclaw to you, under the Alpha King’s authority.”.

This was too easy.

I had expected resistance, but Michael was barely putting up a fight. We needed to be careful moving forward.

“I agree,” I said carefully. “A full assembly is appropriate.”

Michael nodded and said, “Then it is settled. Until tomorrow, you and your party will be treated as honored guests.”

Michael turned and gestured to one of the omegas standing nearby. “Prepare quarters for Princess Talia and Alpha Nolan and their guests. Ensure their needs are met.”

As omegas moved into action, Michael took a step back. His gaze lingered on Nolan a moment longer before he turned away. Only once he was gone did I release the tension in my body.

The omegas guided us to our rooms. Everything looked the same as I remembered, and yet it felt entirely different now. This place was no longer Jason and I’s domain. Michael had quickly changed the decorations to suit his taste, but all of that would change. Soon, it would be mine.

Our quarters were spacious and well-appointed, just like I had designed them to be when I was Luna. Dinner arrived before we could even get a moment to decompress. Trays were set on the table and the omegas retreated immediately.

Marco immediately went into action as he searched for any hidden cameras or microphones. Henry assisted with the search,

Before anyone could sit, I spoke. “I want guards stationed outside Jason’s cell at all times. No one approaches him without my authorization.”

One of the guards bowed and left immediately to carry out the order.

I turned to Henry. “You’ll dine with us,”

Henry hesitated only a fraction of a second before nodding. “Yes, Princess.”

We took our seats. The food was untouched for a moment as I gathered my thoughts.

“Starting tomorrow,” I said, meeting Henry’s eyes, “you answer only to me.”

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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & EIGHTY TWO

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Henry did not look surprised. He straightened slightly in his chair. “Understood. I will follow your commands.”

Nolan leaned back, watching the exchange with quiet approval. Marco remained relaxed but alert, his attention flicking occasionally toward the door as if he expected trouble to walk in at any moment.

“Before we eat, we need to make sure it’s not poisoned,” Della said. “Since you know Michael is good for that kind of thing.” “He wouldn’t dare,” Henry said.

“Yes, he would,” I responded. “If he thought he could get away with it.”

Della took out a small bag filled with what looked like white powder and said, “Leslie gave me this. She said all I need to do is sprinkle the herb on the food. If it turned a different color, it would mean the food was poisoned.” She sprinkled it on the food and in our drinks. Thankfully, the powder did not change colors.

“I am glad he wasn’t foolish enough to try to poison us,” Marco added.

As we began to eat, Nolan spoke. “Michael’s compliance came too quickly.”

Henry paused mid-bite and said, “You’re not wrong. It was unnerving how fast he switched his tone.”

“Men like him rarely surrender power without attempting something,” Nolan continued.

I set my fork down. “What are you thinking?”

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