The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power (by Emily Reed) novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14 The Hyenas‘ Feast

Cindy’s POV:

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Dusk draped the sky in a deep red, like a thick, bloody curtain falling over the horizon.

As planned, I handed James a crate packed with gold and silver.

He accepted it without any sign of guilt–only an arrogant air, as if I were paying him tribute.

“Not bad, Cindy. Finally acting like you’ve got some sense,” he sneered, rolling the box in his hands, his voice heavy with disdain.

I stayed silent and turned away, heading back toward Moonwhisper Residence.

“Ms. Cindy, dinner’s ready,” Jewel said, approaching with eyes full of guilt.

That poor girl was still blaming herself for everything.

“Just eat,” I told her simply. No sooner had I sat down than Priscilla’s servant appeared, her smile forced and cold behind her eyes. “Ms. Cindy, Mrs. Priscilla is holding a dinner tonight and has invited some of the pack’s ladies. She specifically asked for you to come.”

“These wolves don’t know when to quit,” I said to Diana bitterly.

“Be careful, Cindy. Nothing good ever comes from stepping into that old witch’s den,” Diana warned quietly.

I gave Jewel a reassuring look and followed the servant to Serene Residence.

The parlor was crowded with female wolves. They were wives of the pack’s leaders and elders, all women of high rank.

Their eyes flickered with curiosity, pity, but mostly cruel satisfaction, like they were watching a drama unfold just for their amusement.

Priscilla sat at the head of the room, smiling warmly. “Cindy, you’re here. Please, take a seat. We’re here to discuss Evelyn’s Luna inauguration ceremony. It’s a big deal for the Duskfang Pack. Nothing can be left to chance.”

I had barely sat down when Priscilla let out a heavy sigh, her face clouded with worry. “Elder Nick said James and Evelyn have drained the pack’s funds buying equipment. We still need money for materials and refreshments for the visiting packs, but the budget is tight. We’re running out.”

I smirked coldly. No surprise they called me here; it was all about squeezing money out of

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18:26 Fri, Jan 9 WG.

Chapter 14 The Hyenas‘ Feast

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1. me.

Diana was right. Nothing good would ever happen in that old hag’s lair.

“What are we supposed to do?” Hannah suddenly exclaimed, her makeup flawless, eyes sharp and calculating. “If the ceremony looks shabby, other packs will laugh. Cindy, your family’s wealth piles up like mountains in the Silverpeak Pack. This kind of money isn’t a big deal for you, right?”

Her eyes flashed greedily. “Oh, and I saw this butterfly–wing silk gown in the capital. It’s absolutely stunning but pretty expensive… As the Alpha’s sister, I can’t show up looking cheap, can I?”

At that, the other women’s eyes gleamed with hunger.

They stared at me like I was some fat prize, ripe for the taking.

I realized then that this wasn’t just Priscilla and Hannah’s plan. Every high–ranking female in the Duskfang Pack was eyeing my inheritance, ready to cash in while I was vulnerable.

“Diana, do they really think I’m some easy lamb to shear?” I ground my teeth.

“A pack of hyenas! Cindy, show them that Silverpeak Pack’s fortune isn’t anyone’s to touch!” Diana growled fiercely.

I slammed my wine glass down hard, the sharp clink echoing through the room and silencing everyone instantly.

“Priscilla, Hannah, ladies,” I said evenly, my voice cool and commanding, “If the ceremony’s paid from the public fund and the money isn’t enough, then the event should be modest. Evelyn cares about the pack–she wouldn’t mind if it’s simple.”

I shot a pointed look at Hannah, whose smile froze into something forced. “And as for the gown–you say you’re the Alpha’s sister, not mine. My money goes only to worthy causes. If you want it, earn it yourself or ask your brother

Priscilla’s face darkened. “Cindy! Evelyn’s ceremony is the pack’s face, a symbol of respect to the Royal Court. It can’t be cheap! You might be angry, but think of the bigger picture! You’ll have to pay now. When the pack sells the old gear, we’ll pay you back.”

“It’s the same old excuse. You’re always saying you’ll pay back, but when do you ever?” Diana sneered from the side.

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