The Rise Of The Betrayed Luna (Amorah and Holmes) novel Chapter 41

13:03 Sat, May 30 MM.

Chapter 11

Chapter 41

AMORAH

I stood outside the elder quarters for a while after that conversation, letting the air settle around me before I moved again. My chest felt normal again, but I did not trust it to stay that way.

What I had just been told did not sit well with me, and I knew it would not leave my thoughts anytime soon I started walking without any particular destination.

For the next few days, I made a decision not to think about it. I focused on everything else instead, anything that could keep my mind occupied long enough to push the awareness aside. It did not disappear, but I learned to move through it without

reacting every time it came

What unsettled me more was that I could still sense him. Even when Conrad was not in the same space, there were moments when I knew he was somewhere within the territory.

It was not constant, but it happened often enough that I noticed the pattern. I did not like it, and I made no effort to accept it I adjusted by keeping my distance.

I avoided the areas where I knew he spent most of his time, and I changed my routine so I would not cross paths with him without warning. It was not difficult at first. The territory was large enough, and there were many sections I had not fully explored vet

That gave me something to focus on. I spent my time observing.

I started asking questions.

At first. I kept it simple, directing my questions to lower–ranking wolves who were less likely to feel threatened by me.

By the fourth day, I noticed it clearly.

I was no longer expecting hostility.

That realization stopped me in my tracks.

I stood near one of the inner paths, watching a group of younger wolves complete a training drill. Their movements were precise, their coordination aligned, and their focus did not break even when I passed by.

No one looked at me with suspicion. They acknowledged me, then returned to what they were doing. I turned away before I could think about it too much.

I did not want to get used to this. That was when I felt it again. Stronger this time.

He was close. I exhaled slowly, already knowing what that meant. I did not turn right away.

Justead. I kept walking, hoping to move past it before it became something I had to deal with directly. But the closer I got to the corridor ahead, the stronger it became

Then I stopped. There was no pout pretending. I turned the corner, and he was there.

Contar stod a short distance alad, speaking quietly with one of his sentinels. The conversation ended the moment E

tepped into view, and the sentinel stepped back, offering a brief nod before leaving-

That left the two of us alone

The awareness did not fade.

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Chapter 41

It stayed, pressing against my chest, making it difficult to ignore the space between us. I forced myself to remain where I

was

“You’ve been avoiding me,” he said.

His tone was calm, but the statement was direct

“I’ve been busy.” I replied.

“With what.”

“Learning your territory.”

“That doesn’t require avoiding certain paths.”

I crossed my arms lightly. “It does if I want to understand it properly.”

He studied me for a moment.

“You’ve been asking questions,” he said.

“Yes.”

“To wolves who are not in positions to give you full answers.”

“I’m aware.”

“Then why ask them.”

“Because they answer.“.

That seemed to hold his attention for a second longer.

“And what have you learned,” he asked.

“That your pack is not what I expected.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It is for now.”

He stepped closer, reducing the distance between us. The awareness increased immediately, and I had to focus on keeping my expression unchanged

“You’re adjusting” he said.

“I’m observing

“That’s not the same thing”

“It is if I decide it is.”

There was a brief pause..

“You’re still avoiding the real question,” he said.

“And what is that?”

“Why are you avoiding me?”

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Chapter 11

I did not answer immediately. Because I already knew the answer.

And I did not want to say it out loud.

“It’s easier.” finally

“For you.”

“Yes.”

He did not respond right away.

“That won’t last,” he said.

“It doesn’t need to.” I replied. “It just needs to work for now.”

His expression did not change, but I knew he understood what I meant.

“You spoke to the elder,” he said.

“Yes.”

“And.”

I hesitated.

Then I answered. “He told me what it is.”

“And you believe him.”

“I don’t have a reason not to.”

There was a pause.

That doesn’t mean I accept it,” I added.

“You don’t need to accept it for it to exist.”

“I can still choose what I do with it.”

“Yes,” he said. “You can.”

And for some reason, that unsettled me more. I looked away for a moment, then back at him.

“You’re not pushing it.“.

“No.”

“Why.”

“Because pushing it won’t change anything.”

I frowned slightly. “Most would try.”

“I’m not most.”

“I’ve noticed.”

I don’t like this.”

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Chapter H

“I know.”

“And you’re not doing anything to make it easier.”

“I’m not doing anything to make it harder either.”

That was true.

And I could not argue with it.

I exhaled slowly, lowering my arms.

“I need space.”

“You have it.”

“That doesn’t change what this is.”

“No.” he replied. “It doesn’t.”

We stood there for a moment longer, neither of us moving.

Then a presence approached from behind.

I turned slightly as a messenger stepped into the corridor, his posture urgent, his attention fixed on Conrad.

“Alpha King.” he said, lowering his head. “A messenger has arrived from Silvercrest.”

My chest tightened slightly at that. Conrad’s attention shifted immediately.

“From Alpha Holmes,” the messenger added.

Then Conrad looked at me.

“Bring him here,” he said.

“Yes, Alpha King.”

The messenger left without delay.

I remained where I was, but my thoughts were already moving ahead.

“This isn’t routine,”

“No.” Conrad replied.

“What did he do.”

Conrad did not answer immediately.

Instead, he watched the corridor where the messenger had disappeared, his expression unreadable.

Then he looked back at me.

“Holmes has made his first move,” he said.

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Chapter 42

Chapter 42