The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power (by Emily Reed) novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5 Hypocritical Plea to Stay

Cindy’s POV:

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Jewel worked fast. In less than 30 minutes, she meticulously counted every item I’d taken from the Northmere Silverpeak Pack, sorting through easy–to–carry currency alongside a few lightweight yet potent silver armor pieces and blades. The loot barely filled two travel bags.

“Ms. Cindy, everything’s set,” Jewel said, her eyes slightly reddened but her voice steady. “Wherever you go, I’m with you.”

A warm rush spread inside me, and I nodded. “You’re so good. Having you with me makes this journey a little less lonely.”

“Diana, it’s time,” I whispered inside my mind.

“We’re finally leaving this disgusting place!” Diana’s voice crackled with barely hidden excitement.

But just as Jewel and I were about to slip out of Moonwhisper Residence quietly under the cover of night, an older werewolf woman with a slight stoop appeared by the courtyard gate. She was Priscilla Nolan’s–James’s grandmother’s–most trusted aide.

“Ms. Cindy.” The old servant’s voice was dry but carried a subtle urgency. “Mrs. Priscilla wants to see you. She said it’s important.”

Diana and I exchanged a cold, silent laugh.

Important? More like a trap.

“Cindy, don’t listen! Let’s just go!” Diana warned. “Those old witches have no good intentions.”

I shook my head slowly.

Yes, we would leave for sure. But before that, there were some people I had to confront one last time, some words I had to get off my chest.

It wasn’t just for myself, but for the Silverpeak Pack’s bloodline stretching all the way back to Northmere. I wouldn’t let anyone think I was a coward who ran off silently, letting myself be pushed around.

“Got it. I’ll go,” I said calmly to the servant, then motioned for Jewel to set the bags aside for

now.

Priscilla’s Serene Residence was brightly lit, a sharp contrast to the cold quiet of my own Moonwhisper Residence.

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18:22 Fri, Jan 9 WG.

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Chapter 5 Hypocritical Plea to Stay

As I stepped inside, a mix of female werewolf pheromones hit me–mostly from wives of high–ranking Betas or Gammas, close to Priscilla They were former “sisters–in–law” and elders I’d worked hard to keep on my side.

They clustered around Priscilla, giving me looks that were hard to read–some pitying, some smug, but mostly distant and cautious.

“Cindy, you’re here. Sit down,” Priscilla greeted me with her usual polite smile, though beneath it I sensed a faint, calculating edge I’d once mistaken for wisdom.

“Priscilla,” I said politely, nodding before taking a seat nearby, calm and collected.

“Cindy,” Priscilla sighed, taking my hand and patting it gently, her voice thick with fake sympathy. “James acted rashly, and you’ve been wronged. But you understand, as Alpha, he carries a heavy weight. Everything he does is for the pack’s future. Evelyn is young but talented–a fierce fighter and a great asset for James.”

“So what you’re saying, Priscilla, is that I should step down as Luna for the pack’s sake–so James and Evelyn can be together?” I replied evenly, a faint, cold smile tugging at my lips.

Diana’s voice raged in my head. “I’m about to throw up! That old witch sure knows how to put on a show! Who was near death back then? Who begged us to save her?”

How could I forget?

When Priscilla was almost destroyed by a rare fire toxin attacking her wolf spirit, it was James who knelt before me, begging for help.

It was I who played my last card–traveling thousands of miles to the snowy mountains to bring back a hidden werewolf healer and applying the Silverpeak Pack’s secret antidote to pull her back from death’s door.

I cared for her tirelessly–cleaning her wounds, giving her medicine–more devoted than any daughter–in–law could ever be.

And now, she expected me to give up my place willingly for her grandson’s new flame?

Other female werewolves joined in, supporting er.

“Yes, Cindy, think about the pack’s future. Sacrifice a little for the greater good.”

“Evelyn’s strong and connected to the Royal Court. Having her as Luna will benefit Duskfang Pack.”

“Don’t worry. Even if you’re not Luna, we’ll still treat you like family. You won’t be cast out.”

“You were James’s first mate–we all remember that bond.”

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18:24 Fri, Jan 9 WG.

Chapter 5 Hypocritical Plea to Stay

Each fake consolation felt like poison coated with honey, cutting deep.

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They once praised me as virtuous and capable, vied my fated bond with James, but now they were casually asking me to swallow my pride, trampling on everything I sacrificed.

“Treat us like family?” Diana scoffed. “Opportunists and turncoats! Cindy, don’t let them waste anymore of your time. Tell them they’re not worth it!”

My heart grew colder with each word, and the last spark of loyalty I felt for this pack, this so- called “family“, died.

I slowly withdrew my hand from Priscilla’s grasp scanning the room with a calm, piercing gaze, committing every false face to memory.

“Priscilla, ladies,” my voice was sharp and emotionless, “I appreciate your concern. But I am Cindy, daughter of Benjamin, Alpha of Northmere Silverpeak Pack. Warrior blood runs through me. My mate may not love me and may betray me, but I will never allow him to disgrace our sacred bond or raise another above me.”

I stood, my gaze cold as the frozen plains of Northmere. “The Luna’s position isn’t his to give away. As for my future, it’s no concern of yours.

“The matter between James and me, I will take it to the Royal Court myself and ask King Ryken for judgment. Since he no longer wants this bond, then I will be the one to break it.”

Without looking back, I walked away, leaving stunned faces behind.

“Diana, did you see that? This is the family we once fought to protect,” I said to Diana bitterly.

“I saw. A bunch of fools! Losing you will be the Duskfang Pack’s greatest loss, and their worst mistake,” Diana’s voice rang out, filled with pride for me and scorn for them.

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