Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 432

Talia’s POV

Papers rustled in the council room while Nolan scribbled notes. Sunlight spilled across the floor, turning the tiles gold. I tried to focus on pack business, but my thoughts kept drifting to Arya.

Yesterday, Arya refused to see anyone. She locked herself in her house after her brother died. I convinced Henry to sneak in through her window to check on her. When the rain started, I left, hoping he could help her.

‘Please let Henry help her,’ I thought.

‘He’s her mate. Of course he did,’ my wolf said.

A knock sounded at the door, then it swung open. Arya walked in with Henry behind her. I barely recognized her. People said she was a wreck, but now she looked different. She held her head high, eyes clear and bright, moving like a weight had finally lifted.

“Good afternoon, Arya. Henry.” I set my papers aside and smiled at Arya. “It’s good to see you looking like yourself again.” I nodded to Henry. “Thank you for being there for her.”

Arya gave a small, shy smile. “Hi, Luna. Thank you.”

Henry nodded. “Good afternoon.”

Arya stepped closer to me and tucked her hair behind her ear. I spotted the fresh mark on her neck. My eyes widened.

“Is that…? You two are marked mates now?!” I exclaimed. My voice was loud enough for Nolan to look up.

My wolf chuckled, ‘It seems Henry did more than be there for her last night.’

Arya nodded and said, “Yes. Henry and I are official mates.”

Nolan closed his book. "Congratulations, I knew you would make the right decision," he said. “If he gives you any trouble, you let me know.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Henry questioned. “I take being a mate very seriously. I’ve been waiting years to find her, and I plan to show her every day how grateful I am for her.”

“Good,” Nolan said. Then, he turned to Arya. "Are you going back to Shadowclaw with Henry?" His voice was kind but worried. "Whatever you choose, we’re behind you. We want what’s best for you, Arya."

Arya took a deep breath and squeezed Henry’s hand. She looked at Nolan, then at me, her face serious. "Before I decide anything," she said, "I want to thank you both for putting up with me. I know it wasn’t easy. I need to explain what happened with Geoffrey. I want to talk to everyone. Please, let me address the pack."

There were sharp gasps. The room murmured, but Arya pressed on. “I’m sorry for the pain this caused the pack. I’m ready to leave with Alpha Henry. I’ll step down as Deputy Chief Warrior and accept any punishment Alpha Nolan and Luna Talia think is fair.”

No one spoke. Della watched Arya. Waldon shifted in his chair but stayed silent. Everyone seemed to wait for someone else to speak.

Nolan finally addressed the group. “Arya, just because you are Alpha Geoffrey’s sister does not mean you are tainted by his decisions. His actions were his own. You acted as was required of you,” he said. “No one here will place blame on you for what happened.” He looked around the room, inviting others to speak.

“No one questions the difficult decision you had to make,” Della added.

“We trust your judgment,” one of the Elders chimed in. “However, the Alpha Queen will have the final say.”

All eyes turned to me.

“You’re not a criminal, Arya. We know that,” I said firmly. “But as Deputy Chief Warrior, you still bear responsibility. You must still face the punishment for that.”

The room fell silent. Eyes widened, and mouths dropped open in shock.