The packs outcast Luna (Kaia and Theo) novel Chapter 18

ch 18~~Liora’s POV~~

“Argg! I hate this,” I screamed, flinging the goblet in my hand.

I stared at the dress I bought for my Luna coronation a week ago.

Hanging in front of my face, mocking me silently.

I should have worn it, the pack bowing and flattering me as they finally see me as I am meant to be: Luan, not a consort tucked in a corner.

Instead it glares back at me unworn. I hate it.

I move to the mirror, looking at my reflection.

This is the perfect face for a Luna.

I force the smile I’ve sold to Draven and to the elders, who think I’m the best thing that happened to the Silvermoon Pack.

The Alpha’s Hall is quieter than it should be when I enter later.

Draven arrives like always – imposing even in the soft light, the weight of his presence a hundred times heavier than usual.

Tonight, his face is something I haven’t seen before.

Sharp. Cold. Controlled.

“Liora,” he says, without warmth. Controlled. Cold. “The elders are restless.”

“They’re always restless,” I answer. I trace the hem of my dress meticulously. The motion was deliberate. ” They’ll be quiet when I’m crowned.”

He watches me. There’s a calculation in his eyes that makes me set my jaw.

“They’re asking questions again. About the rogues. About Kaia’s exile.”

Kaia.

A rust stirred in my ribs–something hot and uglt. I masked it, not letting my true feelings show.

“She’s gone,” I say, too quickly, as if trying to convince myself. “We all saw her leave. She left after betraying the Pack.”

Draven’s gaze slides toward me and back. “And yet, they whisper. They wonder if we acted too hastily. The High Chief isn’t having any of it”

“So, what are you trying to say,Draven?” I asked, feeling annoyed.

Draven looked away. “I’m not thinking about anything else, Liora. We did what had to be done at the time. Kaia was a traitor and she got what traitors get”

“Exactly. The High Chief should understand that we did the right thing, ” I said.

“Thats the problem, he doesn’t think we did the right thing,” Draven looked at me, grim. “He wants to hold off the Luna coronation for now”

“What?” I flared up, shocked.

“You told me you loved me,” I say, soft and dangerous. “You told me I was your future.”

His jaw tightens. “I know, Liora but the pack doesn’t need my love. It needs stability.”

The sentence lands like a verdict.

“We will hold off the ceremony until we come to an agreement with the High Chief. Please, hold on for now”

“I promise, I’m doing everything I can. Just give me a little more time”

Without saying anything else, Draven left the Alpha’s hall, leaving me all alone.

1/3

Chapter 018

Something shifted.

Since Kaia was cast out two weeks ago, something I can’t name shifted in Silvermoon Pack.

I hope this isn’t going to ruin my chances of becoming Luna.

I can’t let it happen.

Later that night I find Leo in the Whispering Chamber, wrapping his fingers around a glass of wine.

He was once loyal to Kaia.

Obeying and staying by her side like a loyal dog. Even after her exile, his loyalty did not shake.

I sat down without him inviting me.

I didn’t need an invite. This is my pack and I can sit anywhere I want.

Given, they would bow to me either way.

Leo raised his head.

Shocked.

He was shocked to see me. Exactly what I wanted.

Shock. Obedience.

Obviously, he had to obey me without questions.

“Leo, right?” I asked, lifting the bottle of wine.

“Yes, your grace. What can I do for you?” Leo asked, avoiding eye contact.

I smirked, asking. “Can I pour you a drink?”

Leo agreed. “Of course, your grace. Please”

I pour him a glass of wine, and watch him gulp it down.

“You’ve been so loyal, Leo,” I say. “It must be exhausting, keeping the Alpha’s secrets.”

He frowns. “I serve the pack. So it’s my duty to keep the Alpha’s secrets.”

“Of course.” I lean in. “But tell me do you ever wonder if the wrong Luna sits in waiting?”

His expression stiffens. “What are you implying?”

I smile. “That the elders are plotting. Plotting against the Alpha and the Pack? What if they are really not after its stability at all?”

Leo looks at me with confusion. Clearly not getting what I’m pointing at.

“They’ll force Draven to choose between his Pack and me. And when that happens…” I wrapped my fingers around the glass slow enough for him to notice the Alpha’s mark on my hand. “…I’ll need to know who’s truly on my side.”

Leo glances at the mark, then back to my face. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I’ll need you.” I whispered, catching his gaze. “Sucking over exiled Luna will only get you kicked out for treason. You wouldn’t want that, right?”

Leo was shocked.

He didn’t expect that I knew his secrets.

Something he had been trying desperately to hide from everyone.

Kaia has been exposed for being a traitor yet people still suck over her.

I can’t have Kaia’s loyalists in my pack.

Either they side with me and help me reign as the Luna of Silvermoon pack or they meet the same fate as Kaia.

Nothing more. Nothing in between.

“I’m always after the Pack’s interest, Alpha Consort, Liora” Leo began, “I’m only grieving over losing a dear

2/3

Chapter 018

friend. I hope this isn’t treason too”

Leo glanced at me after saying this.

For some strange reasons, his statement held an underlying meaning that I couldn’t interpret.

“Good,” I smiled, fixing my face.” Good to know that the Pack is still first for you.”

Leo nodded. “Of course, Alpha Consort, the pack first and always”

Alpha Consort. Twisted.

“If that’s the case, I have an errand for you.” I said, pulling out a folder. “You can’t refuse this. Otherwise, it means you don’t think of the pack first like you claimed”

I handed it over.

Leo looked confused. “What is this?”

“Just a little delivery for the high chief. Something he needs to see. Deliver it to him immediately”

Leo wanted to ask more questions but I didn’t give him a chance to.

He stood up and left to deliver my parchment.

Once he was out of sight, a smile crept onto my face.

Kaia. Kaia.

Just you wait, everything and everyone dear to you won’t be yours for long.

Slowly, I’ll steal them away from you.

And you’ll be left with nothing but a peck of dust.

And the shame of Exile.