Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 87

Nolan’s POV

The sound of shattering glass echoed through the banquet hall. All conversation ended as everyone focused on me and the Alpha King. Because of Jason’s clumsy elbow, my plan was ruined.

Marco’s voice flooded my mind through our link. “Alpha, please, just leave it alone. We can try another time.”

There would not be another time. This must happen now. I would drag the truth out into the open one way or another.

I sneered at the Alpha King and said, “You’re growing old and feeble, old wolf.”

Gasps spread through the room. The Alpha King’s eyes widened at my accusation. Jason immediately moved away from us.

He gave a nervous laugh and said, “I think you had too much to drink, Alpha Nolan.”

I ignored him and continued, “Tell me, is it guilt that makes you tremble? Or do you remember the blood you spilled?”

Solon slammed his hand on the table as he stood. He snarled, “Nolan! How dare you insult the Alpha King! If you can’t handle your liquor, return to your room but do not cause a scene. It will not be tolerated.”

I didn’t break eye contact with the Alpha King, which only angered Solon more. “There is only one true Alpha King, and my father is already dead.”

Solon snarled, his Alpha aura flaring. I finally met his gaze. “Did I say something wrong?”

“You will not spit on this Rite with your conspiracy theories! This is a sacred gathering, not a stage for your tantrums. You dishonor every wolf in this hall with your reckless accusations,” Solon berated. “The Elders closed this case long ago. You would dare to call them liars before all of us?”

“Yes, I dare! The Elders closed the case too quickly, and you know it. They buried the truth to protect someone. If the Alpha King is innocent, then let him prove it. Show us all he has nothing to hide,” I argued.

Solon’s fury only intensified as his voice boomed, “You insult not just the Alpha King but the Elders themselves. Their judgment is the backbone of our law. Do you think your grief gives you the right to overturn everything we stand for?”

“Do you think this circus honors your father’s memory? You accuse without proof, you blaspheme against the Elders’ judgment, and you drag this entire Assembly into your bitterness. Do you not see how shameful this is?” Solon taunted.

I narrowed my eyes and growled, “Do not speak of my father. Do not lecture me about shame, Solon.”

The Alpha King’s patience snapped. He stepped forward, his power rising like a tidal wave. “You insolent whelp. You come into my territory, insult me before my people, and accuse me of blood I did not spill. I should end you here.”

I spread my arms slightly, daring him. “Then do it. Shift. Let them see what you are. If you are innocent, there is nothing to fear.”

The King’s chest rumbled with a growl so deep the floor seemed to vibrate beneath it. He bared his teeth, fury burning in his eyes. “You want punishment, boy? I will give it to you myself.”

And in that moment, as his aura flared higher and his muscles tensed to shift, I braced for the reveal.

At last, he would show himself. At last, I would know.