THE LUNA WHO CONQUERED DEATH novel Chapter 18

Episode 12-2

+25 Points

I stared at him. In my past life, he’d pushed for the binding ceremony right up until the rejection. This was

new.

“Really?”

“Really. You were right. A true partnership shouldn’t require magical binding. It should be built on trust and mutual respect.” His thumb traced circles on my palm, and the bond purred at the contact. “I want you as my equal, Sera. Not my subordinate.”

The words were perfect. Exactly what I would have wanted to hear a month ago.

Now they just sounded like another manipulation.

“That means a lot to me,” I said, because I had to say something.

“I know I’ve made mistakes. I know I’ve hurt you. But I’m committed to making this work. To be the mate

2

you deserve.” He stood and moved around the table, kneeling beside my chair. “Sera Nightshade, will you give me another chance? A real chance?”

The position was deliberately vulnerable. Alpha on his knees before his Luna. It should have been powerful, meaningful.

It just made me want to laugh hysterically.

Because in three months, this same man would stand before the pack and reject me. Would choose Vivian. Would let them wrap me in silver chains.

“Yes,” I said, because that was my role in this play. “Yes, I’ll give you another chance.”

His relief was palpable. He stood, pulled me to my feet, and kissed me.

The bond exploded between us, five years of manufactured connection flooding my system with warmth and desire and that terrible sense of rightness. My body responded automatically, lips parting, arms wrapping around his neck.

For a moment, I let myself feel it. The fake love that had ruled my life. The artificial connection that had made me believe I’d found my soulmate

Then I remembered the frozen river. The silver burning through my skin. His face watching me die.

I pulled back. “We should take this slowly. I’m still… healing.”

Damien nodded, though I saw disappointment flicker across his features. “Of course. Whatever you need.* “Thank you for understanding.”

We finished dinner with small talk about pack business, upcoming events, meaningless pleasantries that filled the silence. By the time dessert arrived, my face hurt from forcing smiles.

Episode 12-2

+25 Points

“There is one thing I wanted to discuss,” Damien said as we ate the panna cotta. “The summit is in three months. It’s going to be the biggest gathering of packs we’ve hosted in years.”

My stomach dropped. The summit. Where Adrian Wolfe would arrive. Where everything would start accelerating toward my death.

“I remember. What about it?”

“I want you to take the lead on planning. Coordinate with the other packs, handle the logistics, represent our pack to the visiting Lunas.” He smiled. “It’s time you stepped into a more prominent role. Show everyone what an incredible Luna you are.”

The irony was suffocating. He wanted me to plan the summit where he’d eventually reject me, possibly even execute me if Aldric had his way.

“I’d be honored,” I said, playing the grateful Luna.

“Good. We’ll make the announcement tomorrow at the pack meeting.” He reached across the table again. “This is your chance to shine, Sera. To show everyone what I’ve always known: that you’re extraordinary.”

I managed not to throw my dessert in his face.

Barely.

After dinner, Damien walked me back to the guest room I was still using. At the door, he hesitated.

“Can I come in?”

“Not tonight,” I softened with a smile. “I’m exhausted/ But soon, I promise.”

“Soon,” he repeated, like I’d given him a gift.

He kissed me goodnight, gentle and sweet, the bond singing with satisfaction.

The moment I closed the door, I leaned against it, breathing hard. My hands shook. My chest felt tight.

Five months.

I could do this for five more months.

I had to.

My phone buzzed. Marcus.

Marcus: Saw Damien leaving the guest wing looking pleased with himself. Are you okay?

Me: Define okay.

Marcus: Did he hurt you?

Me: No. Just… played his part well. I played mine.

Marcus: Come to my quarters. We’ll talk. Or just sit in silence. Whatever you need.

Episode 124

+25 Points

I wanted to. Desperately. I wanted to escape to somewhere safe, somewhere real, somewhere I didn’t have to pretend.

But that was dangerous. If Damien found out I was spending time alone with Marcus in his private quarters, it would raise questions. Suspicions.

Me: Can’t. Too risky. But thank you. For caring.

Marcus: Always.

I changed into pajamas and climbed into bed, staring at the ceiling.

Tomorrow, I’ll start planning the summit. The event that would bring Adrian Wolfe into my life. The hybrid son of Katherine Wolfe, the man my mother had somehow known, would be important to my survival. My supposed true mate, according to Katherine.

I touched my neck where the artificial mate mark sat, silver and perfect and completely meaningless. What would it feel like to have a real bond? One chosen freely, not manufactured by Council witches? Would I ever know?

Or would I die before I got the chance?

You conquered death once, I reminded myself. You can do it again.

I closed my eyes and dreamed of silver chains and frozen rivers and a voice that sounded like breaking glass promising that this time, I wouldn’t survive.

TO BE CONTINUED…

D

Dewumi Ezekiel

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