The Silent Luna's Trial (Maple and Finn) novel Chapter 61

Chapter 7

Ryan’s gaze was sharp, his eyes narrowing as they locked onto Tessa. She stood still for a heartbeat, a shadow of sorrow flickering across her face.

Slowly, she turned her head away and forced a nod, though the weight behind it was heavy.

The following morning, Tessa rose early and accompanied Ryan to the hospital.

Before they left, a message from the cruise company popped up on her phone:

“Your custom cruise will arrive in two days. Please prepare to board.”

Her eyes lingered on the notification for a moment, a brief spark of something unreadable passing through them.

“Babe, we need to leave now,” Ryan urged, his voice eager.

“Alright,” she answered quietly, slipping her phone into her pocket.

When she glanced back at him, Ryan was holding a bag packed with supplies, the kind of over-preparedness that made him look almost like a child seeking approval. He waved the bag in front of her expectantly.

Tessa said nothing, offering only a faint, bitter smile in return.

“Labe, I heard there are a lot of blood tests today. I know you hate pain, but don’t worry—I’ll be right here with you,” Ryan said, pulling her into a tight embrace. His voice trembled slightly, betraying his own anxiety more than hers.

Tessa clutched the list of tests silently, standing in line as she waited for her turn.

Ryan watched closely as the nurse drew the first vial of blood from her arm, his brow furrowing with concern.

“Does it hurt? Don’t be scared, I’m here,” he said softly.

In the past, these words would have warmed Tessa’s heart, filling her with comfort.

But now, they felt hollow—empty echoes that stirred nothing within her.

She nodded quietly, her face blank and devoid of feeling.

The sting of the needle was nothing compared to the ache left by his betrayal.

Just then, the familiar ringtone of Chloe’s call rang through the sterile hospital room.

46.27%

Tessa recognized it instantly.

It was Chloe calling.

Ryan quickly hid the phone from her view and answered, his voice tight with panic.

“What happened? I’m coming over now.”

His worry was impossible to conceal. He pressed his lips together before adding, “Something came up with my pack. I need to go take care of it.”

“I’ll meet you later,” he said, though it was clear to Tessa he was making excuses.

She didn’t ask any more questions. She already knew the truth behind his sudden departure.

Another lie. Another meaningless excuse.

The realization hit her hard: the entire family had been keeping secrets from her all along.

Her hands trembled slightly as tears welled up, blurring her vision.

She had always known, deep down.

This family never truly accepted her.

No matter how many times she had hoped for change, it was clear now that nothing mattered.

They only cared about their own desires—not hers.

She no longer wanted to live under this shadow.

So, with a quiet resolve, she wished them all a lifetime of happiness and unending togetherness.

Ryan didn’t come back that night. Instead, he sent a message:

“Babe, I have to attend a pack meeting tonight. Don’t wait up.”

Even on the eve of their mating ceremony, his loyalty lay elsewhere—with Chloe.

Tessa felt nothing but bitter irony.

And in that moment, keeping Ryan close felt like just another one of Chloe’s manipulations.

That was exactly the kind of thing Chloe would do.