The Silent Luna's Trial (Maple and Finn) novel Chapter 64

Chapter 10

Ryan raced down the highway, his mind completely consumed by thoughts of Tessa. The world around him blurred as his heart pounded with a mix of anxiety and desperation. When the traffic light ahead switched to red, he didn’t hesitate for a second—he slammed his foot on the accelerator and sped through the intersection without a second thought.

One red light after another, he ignored every signal, sweat slicking his palms as he gripped the steering wheel tighter. Never before had he felt such a desperate concern for Tessa’s well-being. A cold wave of fear washed over him—the terrifying possibility that she might be slipping away from him, that she might leave him forever.

The usual drive from the mating ceremony to his home took about fifty minutes, but today, Ryan made the trip in barely over thirty. Every second felt like an eternity as he pushed the car to its limits, his mind racing with questions and dread.

Bursting through the front door, he didn’t pause to catch his breath. He sprinted toward the bedroom, heart hammering wildly in his chest. But the moment he stepped inside, he froze. The room was empty—eerily so. It was as if no one had ever lived there. The absence of Tessa was palpable, almost suffocating.

Only his belongings remained scattered around, silent witnesses to her sudden disappearance. He called out her name, his voice echoing through the quiet house, but there was no answer.

Standing in the living room, Ryan’s breath came in short, ragged gasps. His heart thundered so loudly he was sure she could hear it. Desperation seeped into his voice as he turned to the maid nearby.

“Where’s Tessa? Where did she go?” he demanded, his tone sharp and urgent.

The maid flinched at his intensity, shrinking back in fear, hesitant to speak. “Luna Tessa… didn’t she leave yesterday?” she whispered uncertainly.

She assumed Tessa had packed her things to move to the Slivermoon pack and didn’t dare ask more questions, sensing the storm brewing inside Ryan.

His fists clenched tightly, rage bubbling up until he smashed a nearby vase against the wall, shards scattering across the floor. “Find her! Get the entire pack searching! Bring Luna Tessa back!” he shouted, his voice raw with anger and worry.

The servants had never witnessed Ryan so furious since he and Tessa had become mates. The intensity of his emotions was almost frightening.

His body trembled as exhaustion and helplessness took hold. He slumped onto the couch, the weight of the situation pressing down on him like a physical force.

“I told you, you can’t betray our mate,” his wolf’s voice hissed coldly inside his mind.

“Shut up,” Ryan snapped, swallowing hard as his throat tightened, his emotions choking him.

Audrey’s expression softened with pain. No matter what Chloe had done, Audrey couldn’t bring herself to blame her. To Audrey, Chloe was her true daughter.

“She’s wrong for doing this to you, Chloe. Don’t cry, my dear. Once I find Tessa, I’ll make sure she’s kicked out of the pack!” Audrey promised fiercely.

“No one can hurt my daughter!” she added, her voice trembling with determination.

Chloe wiped away her tears quickly, her eyes shining with newfound hope as she looked up at Audrey. “Mom, really?”

The thought of expelling Tessa from the Bloodmoon pack had been a secret wish of Chloe’s for a long time. She knew Tessa was the true daughter—the rightful heir to the pack. Chloe, on the other hand, had only managed to secure her place through deception, manipulating Alpha Liam and Luna Audrey.

But with her mother’s promise, Chloe felt her efforts might finally pay off. Not only would she gain control over the pack, but she could also be with Ryan openly, without fear.

Leaning gently into Audrey’s embrace, a small, satisfied smile played at the corners of Chloe’s lips, a quiet victory settling in her heart.