The Vengeful Warrior Luna's Return novel Chapter 4

Astra’s POV

The dowager’s chambers were warm.

A fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting a golden glow across the occupants of the room.

At the head cushion, her legs criss-crossed under her, was the Dowager Luna. Kieran’s Mother.

Lady Mora had always had a flair for expensive, exquisite things. Tonight was no different.

For what appeared to be a private family dinner, her brown hair was coiled fashionably atop her head, and her neck sported a sparkly diamond neck piece.

To her right sat her favourite daughter-in-law. Lady Agnes.

Agnes was the widow of Kieran’s late elder brother. Thin, sallow, and with a permanent scowl on her face, she was almost bemoaning her fate and never missed an opportunity to remind me that she had once been Luna.

The last member of the room was sprawled across her cushion. Her long legs criss-crossed carelessly, she had two maids fanning her and one maid pouring her wine. Original blood red rubies adorned her neck, and one glance at her dress showed it was the most luxurious silk.

Princess Sasha.

She was Kieran’s younger sister and arguably the most rotten member of his family. Sasha was spoiled senseless.

In the middle of the three women was a long array of tasty looking dishes.

Warm bread, pork soup, and even what smelled like smoked chicken.

To an outsider, this looked like a warm family dinner.

But after dealing with this family alone for the last year, one look at my cushion set opposite the dowager, and I knew what this really was.

A judgment panel.

“Your Majesty.” I inclined my head to Lady Mora respectfully.

“Astra.” Her tinkling voice echoed off the walls as she beckoned me with jeweled fingers. “Come ,child, sit. You must be exhausted.”

Calmly, I crossed my legs beneath me and settled on the offered cushion.

Seeing me take the seat with no opposition, she nodded her head in approval. Then her voice turned soft again.

“I heard about… your new Luna,” She started. “I know, sharing your husband will not be easy. You must feel so lonely and helpless,” She paused, wiping away fake tears, then gave me a smile. “But be strong, my dear girl. Fortunately, we are here for you.”

There it was.

That first blade, driven into my ribs with a smile.

“I am not helpless,” I replied calmly.

Mora paused for a second.

In all the years I had been married to Kieran, I had never spoken back to her. Not even softly.

She soon recovered, chuckling like I made a light joke.

“Of course not. Forgive me. A poor choice of words.” She stirred her tea, then paused. “But you must admit. Without an Alpha’s protection, a Luna’s position becomes… precarious.”

“Former Luna.” Agnes snickered from her seat. “Mother, Astra is no longer Luna. At least not for much Luna.”

Lady Mora hid an amused smile, then cleared her throat. “Yes, Astra. The reason for this meeting is because we care for you.”

Sasha snorted, and Lady Mora went on. “Truly… “ She raised her cup to her lips. “You have to understand. Everything we do is for the good of the pack.”

My hands curled into the sides of my dress as she kept going.

“The new Luna– Isla, she’s brave but very crude. She lacks refinement. With her coarse hands and battlefield manners, she can’t ever fully guide a pack. But you. You’re different. Cultured and gentle. Listen, Astra, don’t fight this. You can share.”

Lady Mora dropped her cup then looked at me intently. Her voice dropped low like she was giving me a special favor or gift. “You won’t even have to give up your work or duties. I promise, I’ll permit you to keep on as you are now. Handling all the affairs and the duties. You’ll be the real Luna while she gets only the meaningless title.”

My lips almost curled in a smile.

It amazed me just how much Kieran and his family underestimated me.

Did she think me dim-witted? To continue supporting her luxury lifestyle with my money, yet bear the grunt work and allow another woman parade as Luna?

“Interesting that you have a mouth to speak at all,” I mocked. “My grandmother’s ruby necklace is around your neck, and even the silk cloak you’re dressed in was bought with MY gold.”

Sasha’s face flushed. “So what?”

“So,” I said, standing. “Return them.”

The room erupted.

“You can’t be serious!” Sasha shrieked. “That old junk? I don’t want it!”

“Good.” My voice turned icy. “Then return them right now.”

Agnes gasped, raising a hand to her chest as Sasha’s face twisted with rage and humiliation.

“Fine! Take it! All of it!” She screamed flingling the necklace at me. “I don’t need charity from a dead pack!”

The gems landed at my feet, and I signaled a maid to pick it up, then turned to leave.

From her seat, Agnes yelled loudly. “Astra ,this– this is too much. You’ve crossed all lines.”

I paused, then turned back to her.

“The sea- water pearls on your neck are mine. So are the gold rings on your finger. Even the dress you have on.”

Agnes gasped, clutching her neck.

But I paid her no mind. “By dawn, everything that belongs to me must be delivered to my chambers. Save yourselves the humiliation of being searched.

Without another word, I turned.

Behind me, I could hear Sasha’s angry sobs and fragmented whispers about my ingratitude, but I paid them no heed.

For years, I had let everything slide.

Not anymore.