The Luna Queen's Rebirth (Ellie and Dominic) novel Chapter 8

Chapter 8 
Ellie’s POV 
Everyone around us was stunned by my announcement, but Vivian looked genuinely pleased. She immediately linked arms with Dominic, beaming up at him like she’d just won the lottery. 
“This is perfect!” she said sweetly. “I’ve been wanting to work more closely with you.” 
Dominic’s expression clearly showed irritation. His jaw was tight, and there was a storm brewing in those blue eyes. In the past, seeing that look would have sent me into a panic. I would’ve quickly apologized and chased after him without hesitation. 
But this time, I just stood still. I watched him struggle with his frustration, and I felt… nothing. 
Well, not nothing. I felt free. 
“Fine,” Dominic said coldly. “If that’s what everyone wants.” 
But his eyes stayed locked on mine, like he was waiting for me to crack. Like he expected me to break down and beg for forgiveness any second now. 
I didn’t look back as I walked away toward Ryan. 
The switch was official now. I was partnered with Ryan for combat practice, and Dominic was stuck with Vivian. In my past life, I never would have dared to make such a bold move. I would have clung to Dominic’s side no matter what. 
“Well,” Ryan said with a grin as I approached, “that was certainly dramatic.” 
“Sorry about that,” I said, feeling my cheeks warm slightly. “I didn’t mean to drag you into pack politics.” 
“Don’t worry about it. I’m honored to be your partner.” His smile was genuine and warm. It reminded me of why I’d always liked Ryan, even when I was too blinded by Dominic to notice anyone else. 
We began our warm–up exercises, but I found myself distracted. From across the training area, I could see Dominic and Vivian starting their drills. 
Vivian was practically pressed against Dominic, hardly behaving like they were training. She kept touching his arm unnecessarily, laughing at everything he said, and positioning herself so close that they looked more like they were slow dancing than practicing combat. 
And Dominic… he was letting her. In fact, he seemed to be encouraging it. He stood closer to her than necessary and didn’t step away when she leaned into him. 
“Ellie?” Ryan’s voice brought me back to reality. “You seem distracted.” 
I blinked, realizing I’d been staring at Dominic and Vivian the entire time. Heat flooded my cheeks with embarrassment. “Sorry, I-” 
you regretting switching partners?” Ryan asked gently. “Because if you want to go back to Dominic, I understand.” 
“No!” I said quickly, then caught myself. “I mean, no. I don’t regret it at all. I was just… observing.” 
Ryan followed my gaze toward where Dominic and Vivian were training. Dominic had his hands on Vivian’s waist, supposedly adjusting her stance, but the gesture looked far too intimate for mere instruction. What caught my attention, though, was how Dominic kept glancing in our direction while maintaining the intimate position with Vivian. 
“Ah. Yeah, they’re certainly… close,” Ryan said, his tone thoughtful as he observed the scene. 
I watched as Dominic’s eyes flicked toward us again, even as Vivian pressed closer to him. 
“Why does he keep looking over here?” I asked. 
Ryan adjusted his stance casually, but his expression was calculating. “Dominic’s not usually the type to be so… demonstrative during training. Seems almost like he’s putting on a show.” 
There was something in his tone that made me look at him more carefully. 
“Maybe he’s doing it on purpose to get your attention,” Ryan said with a slight shrug. “But that’s not really my business, is it?” 
He was right. It wasn’t my business either. Not anymore. In my past life, I would have been consumed with jealousy watching Dominic with another woman. But now I felt strangely detached from it all. 
“You’re absolutely right,” I said, turning my full attention back to Ryan. “So, what kind of training did you want to focus on today?” 
Working through different defensive positions, I genuinely enjoyed Ryan’s company. He was thoughtful, asking intelligent questions about technique and strategy. Unlike other students looking to show off strength, Ryan was interested in understanding the theory behind each move. 
“You’re really good at explaining things,” he said as I showed him a counter move. “Have you ever thought about teaching?” 
“Not really,” I admitted. “I’ve always been more focused on… other things.” 
Other things meaning Dominic, of course. In my past life, everything I did revolved around him. I chose my classes based on what would make me a better Luna for him. I picked up hobbies he might find interesting. I even changed the way I dressed to suit his preferences. 
“Well, you should consider it. You have a gift for breaking down complex movements.” Ryan’s praise felt genuine, not like he was just trying to flatter me. 
It was strange, talking to someone who seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say. I’d always been so obsessed with Dominic that I’d never really gotten to know my other classmates. But now I was remembering things about Ryan that I’d forgotten. 
In my previous life, after Dominic became Alpha, Ryan had left our pack. He’d become the youngest senior Healer in the region, known for his work on battlefields, treating injured wolves regardless of their pack affiliation. He saved lives without caring about politics or pack loyalties. 
I’d always admired that about him. In fact, I’d once dreamed of becoming a Healer myself, before I gave up that dream to focus on being the perfect Luna. 
“Ryan,” I said suddenly, “what made you decide to pursue healing instead of warrior training?” 
His expression grew thoughtful. He paused in his movements, considering his words carefully. “I’ve always believed that protecting people doesn’t always mean fighting. Sometimes it means putting them back together after the fighting is done.” 
“That’s… that’s beautiful,” I said, meaning it. 
“What about you? What do you want to do after graduation?” 
The question caught he off guard. In my past life, I’d never really thought about it. My entire future had revolved around being Dominic’s Luna. Everything else was just background noise. 
“I’m not sure,” I said honestly. “I used to think I knew, but lately, I’ve been reconsidering everything.” 
“Well, if you ever want to talk about it, I’m a good listener,” Ryan offered. His smile was warm and encouraging. 
Gradually, I stopped glancing over at Dominic and Vivian. I stopped caring about whatever game he was playing or whether he was trying to make me jealous. For the first time in what felt like forever, I was focused entirely on the present moment. 
The instructor’s whistle blew, signaling the next phase of training. 
“Alright, everyone!” he called out. “Time for group combat exercises. I want teams of four. Choose your groups and prepare for scenario–based training.” 
Around us, students began pairing up quickly. I saw a couple of my friends from other classes form a team nearby. 
“Ellie!” one of them called out with a grin. “You and Ryan look like you’re working well together. You two make a perfect match!” 
I felt my cheeks warm at the comment, but before I could respond, a familiar voice cut through the air. 
“Ellie.” 
I turned to see Dominic approaching with Vivian in tow. Vivian looked a bit flustered, her hair mussed and her cheeks flushed from their training session. There was something almost possessive in the way Dominic walked, like he was claiming territory. 
“What do you want, Dominic?” I asked, keeping my voice neutral. 
“I want to team up,” he said simply. “You, me, Ryan, and Vivian. For the group exercise.” 
What?