Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 354

Talia’s POV

"I'm here to deliver a message from the Rogue King," Morgana said. She smoothed her robe and barely looked at the armed warriors, acting like they were just fence posts. "Kargon is being merciful enough to offer you a chance."

“Stop wasting our time, witch, and tell us what you want,” I snapped.

She looked at me, and all I saw in her eyes was amusement.

I watched her face, hoping for any sign she was bluffing, but her calm, unsettling smile never changed. Morgana looked like she could wait all night for us to give in. "So impatient," Morgana taunted. "Kargon is offering you the chance to kneel."

My wolf bristled inside me. Even thinking about kneeling to a rogue felt like an insult.

“No,” I growled. “No way in hell we would do that.”

“Little girl, I wasn’t speaking to you. You’re just a little princess. The Alpha King makes decisions, or has that changed?”

I bit my tongue to keep from shouting back at her. “You watch your tone when speaking with my sister, witch,” Solon warned. “Explain yourself or leave.”

“Every pack in this territory is going to bow to the Rogue King, whether you like it or not. He’s being merciful by allowing you a chance to think this through. If not, he will make an example out of Silverfang,” Morgana explained. She turned her attention to Solon. “Swear yourself to him, little Alpha King, and you keep your throne and your people. Say no, and you lose both.”

Solon stayed quiet. I could see him thinking, choosing his words carefully. The warriors glanced at each other; some shifted nervously, others gripped weapons that would be useless against magic. Even my wolf felt uneasy. 'Is he not going to say anything?' she asked. I was about to answer when Solon scoffed. Morgana raised an eyebrow. "What is funny, little Alpha King?"

"That you really think I would believe the word of a madman,” Solon replied. “The answer is no. Silverfang doesn't kneel to anyone. Tell him to take his mercy and shove it. I will burn Silverfang down to the ground myself before I willingly give it to him.”

Silverfang warriors cheered in solidarity to Solon’s response. Morgana laughed and shook her head. “You are far more interesting than Rudolf. Your defiance is refreshing, albeit idiotic.”

Morgana’s laughter got under my skin. I clenched my fists, wanting to shout back, but I knew that would only please her. Instead, I focused on Solon and drew strength from how steady he was.

“If that is all you have to say, run home to your master,” Solon said.

“Morgana wanted us to be afraid. That was the purpose of this trip. They knew Solon would never agree to kneel, especially after what they had done,” Nolan said.

“She was able to bypass the wall. What if she could enchant the mad rogues to do the same?” I said.

“That would require a significant amount of time and energy that Morgana would not waste even for the Rogue King,” Camilla said.

Solon’s jaw flexed. "Do not allow her to rattle you, Talia," he said, as he finally took his eyes off the empty space where Morgana had disappeared to look at me.

“How can you be so sure? We didn’t expect her to show up like this,” I argued.

“Because we’re sure about you, Talia,” Nolan said. “You wield Moonfire. Moonfire will cut off her magic. Without it, she is just a regular woman. If she can’t use her magic, she can’t pass through the wall that way.”

"He is right," Camilla stated. "She came here to frighten you, Talia, and she meant for you to spend the night frightened. Do not give her that. We know that they will attack Silverfang first, so let’s plan for that."