The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 31

**Chapter 22**

**Blair’s POV**

The delusions lingered, like stubborn shadows refusing to fade. They clung to the hope that I might find it in my heart to forgive them, but I knew better.

Gifts arrived in a relentless stream, each one a desperate attempt at an apology. I discarded every single one without a moment’s hesitation, tossing them aside as if they were nothing more than crumpled paper.

Cassian stood by, watching my actions with a bemused smile. His laughter broke the tension in the air. “My Alpha summit is wrapping up soon. Care to join me back at Skylorne?”

I halted mid-motion, my mind racing.

“Skylorne? Isn’t that the territory of the Lycans?”

He arched an eyebrow, as if the revelation were insignificant. “Didn’t I mention? I’m a Lycan.”

In an instant, everything clicked into place. “So that’s how you managed to push Christian back that day…” I whispered, the realization washing over me.

A heavy silence enveloped us, and I felt the weight of a question pressing against my chest, one I had been too afraid to voice until now.

“Cassian… do you really have feelings for me?”

“Do you truly not care about my past?”

His gaze was unwavering, radiating warmth and sincerity. “Blair, I’m a man who understands the distinction between gratitude and love. I like you. I love you. And I want to keep you safe.”

“As for my past… it only breaks my heart. I wish I had met you sooner.”

Cassian wasn’t the type to make grand proclamations or sweep me off my feet with dramatic gestures. No, every move he made was deliberate, every word he spoke infused with quiet consideration.

I had shed the skin of the naive girl who once chased after a fiery, all-consuming love. What resonated with me now were the subtleties—the tender moments that spoke volumes in their simplicity.

“Blair… let’s go to Skylorne together. I promise to protect you. Always.”

Just as we were about to leave, Christian appeared, a specter of his former self.

He looked worse than I had ever seen him—drawn and haggard, the weight of despair etched across his features.

“Blair, can we talk?”

I attempted to sidestep him, but he blocked my path, desperation evident in his eyes. “Just one conversation. After that, I swear I won’t trouble you again.”

With a resigned sigh, I relented, and we found ourselves seated at a nearby café, the air thick with unspoken tension.

“Blair… is there really no chance left for us?”

I could have let go of the betrayal that had transpired between him and Carrie, but the truth gnawed at me. Even in his declarations of love, Carrie lingered in his heart like an uninvited ghost.

“Christian, the moment you marked Carrie and told her you didn’t love me… that’s when our story ended.”

“I was such a fool. I stayed, even when I knew I was merely her substitute.”

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