Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 85

Talia’s POV

The banquet hall pulsed with music and voices. Warm light shone across stone walls and silver platters. Wolves from every territory were in their finest suits and ball gowns, while servants wove between them with trays of food and wine.

At the head stood my father, the Alpha King. Even on such a relaxed night, people turned toward him, waiting for him to speak. When he raised his glass, the room went still.

“Tonight, we celebrate strength, but also unity,” he said. “The Rite reminds us we are bound not just by rivalry, but by the Moon Goddess and by one another through alliances and friendship.”

Applause followed. Others believed while some had practiced smiles. Yes, the Rite was about deepening friendships, but this was also an opportunity for others to gain the advantage on other packs.

I stood with Solon and Della near the center of the hall. Solon’s posture was rigid as if he was overthinking an issue. He leaned toward me and said, “Talia, you should withdraw from the Rite.”

I glared at him and said, “Father already approved.”

“Still, you are not at full strength,” Solon added.

“Say that again, and I’ll assign you every southern case for the next three months. You’ll drown in work before you even make it midway through the first month,” I warned.

Della laughed, nearly spilling her champagne. “She’s right, Solon. You know Talia doesn’t change her mind once it’s set.”

Solon pinched the bridge of his nose. The familiar gesture softened me for a moment, but his tone stayed weary. “You two are impossible.” His eyes cut back to me, sharper now. “I am only saying it because I have a bad feeling about it. At least promise me that you’ll monitor your stamina. Don’t push yourself past your limits.”

I was not used to Solon being worried, especially not for me. I wanted to argue with him, but I could tell from his expression that he really needed me to promise him. I nodded and said, “I promise.”

“You better be telling me the truth, Talia. If not, I will drag you back to the infirmary myself,” Solon warned.

I rolled my eyes and asked, “Would you really embarrass me like that?”

“Of course, even if it means keeping you safe. Don’t test me, Talia,” Solon answered.

“Fair enough,” I muttered. I didn’t need any additional humiliation.

Across the room, Jason stood with Henry and two of his warriors. Once again, he looked arrogant and overconfident. He never learned from his past experiences. Not far away, Nolan leaned against a marble column. A wine glass in his hand as his gaze swept the crowd. He was watching like a predator sizing up prey.

Unease curled in my stomach. Both were dangerous. Both had reason to be here for the Rite. If either moved against the other, or worse against my father, the celebration would go up in flames. I would have to keep my eye on both and hope our security was vigilant.

I turned away, meaning to set down my glass and focus on food, but a shadow at the far doorway caught my attention.

Someone lingered just outside the light. The posture was very familiar. The person moved and I could clearly see them before they drifted back into the shadows.

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