Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 263

CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & SIXTY THREE

Nolan’s POV

After swearing his loyalty and secrecy, Gideon left the room. The air was thick with frustration and anger. Talia’s brow was furrowed. Leslie was rubbing Solon’s back as Solon was taking deep breaths to calm down. We were all thinking the same thing and waiting for someone to say it first.

“I think we can all agree that none of this is surprising,” I finally said. “I knew Michael would not take the embarrassment of exile lightly, but this is insanity.”

“When you told us what happened, I figured it was Michael that saved Jason. No rogue would risk their neck for Jason,” Solon said. “It made sense to attack Bloodmoon, but what does he get out of poisoning our father?”

“Because Bloodmoon wasn’t the main target. When things didn’t go to plan, he moved on to his main goal: Getting rid of the Alpha King,” I explained.

“But why?” Talia asked.

“If the Alpha King dies without a clear successor, the entire region becomes unstable. Every pack within range starts calculating on making a bid for the throne. It is exactly the kind of chaos he would want,” I replied.

“The palace has been under heavy guard since the Alpha King became sick,” Leslie added. “I can tell you with certainty that Michael has not set foot in Silverfang territory. I would stake my reputation on it.”

“Then, it is what I feared,” Talia said. “Someone loyal to Michael has been hiding in Silverfang, maybe for a long time.”

“No way. Everyone loves our father,” Solon said.

“That is the only thing that makes sense, Solon. We have a traitor here. It has to be someone already inside and established with access to our father that would not raise suspicion.”

“But who would that be? No one would dare to hurt him,” Solon asked.

“You’d be surprised what people would do when misguided,” I replied and saw Talia flinch at my words. She was thinking the same thing as I was: Maggie. She was the perfect example of someone with good intentions being misguided and leading to a lot

of harm.

“Right now, we are at an advantage,” Talia said.

“What do you mean?” Solon asked.

“Whoever the mole is does not what Gideon told us and how we have connected the marks back to Shadowclaw. As far as they are aware, the Alpha King’s condition is worsening,” I replied.

Leslie smirked and said, “Oh, I get what you’re saying. Very smart, Nolan.”

“Can you clue us in?” Solon asked impatiently.

“We’ll spread the word that the Alpha King’s health is improving. The mole will report back to Michael. Michael will not accept that. He will order them to try again, and he will want it done immediately,” Leslie answered.

Solon nodded. “And we’ll be waiting to catch them.”

“That is a huge risk to take. Maybe too much of a risk,” Talia said as she looked at her father.

“It is a risk worth taking,” I countered. “This gives us a path to Michael, and he is the only person who can provide us with the antidote.” I understood her hesitancy. We could be wrong or worse not catch the culprit and her father dies, but we were running out of options. This was our best option of getting the antidote as soon as possible.

“But what if…”

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“Do it,” Rudolf said, cutting off Talia.

“Father, let’s talk about this.”

“It is my decision to make,” Rudolf said firmly. Talia’s jaw flexed as she wanted to say more, but even in his weakened state, his Alpha aura rolled off him, letting us know his word was final. Talia relented and nodded.

“Then, let’s get a plan together,” Talia sighed.

It was well into the night before we left the hospital. Talia said nothing, but I could tell she was still upset about the situation.’ Give her space for now,’ my wolf suggested and I agreed.

Marco and Della were waiting for us outside the hospital. Della looked expectant but her expression became serious when she

saw Talia.

Before Della could ask any questions, I said, “I need you two to spread information. Speak to the guards, the maids, anyone who’ll listen and tell them that the Alpha King’s illness has been identified, and he is responding well to the treatment. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Marco nodded immediately, but Della looked between Talia and I. “Is that true?” Della asked, her eyes hopeful.

Talia shook her head and whispered, “We believe someone has been feeding information to whoever is responsible for father’s condition. If we spread word that he is recovering, it’ll get back to the culprit. They will order another assassination attempt, and we’ll be ready to intercept.”

“So, we’re setting a trap.”

“Yes.”

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