When the Hidden Luna Rises novel Chapter 25

**Chained by Fate**
**Eliza Rowan**

**Chapter 1**

“Ms. Carrington, let me tell you, this cruise ship is on par with the Titanic, though it’s the latest model, far beyond anything you might have imagined. It boasts all the amenities you could dream of, and the service? Unparalleled throughout your journey,” the sales representative exclaimed, his enthusiasm palpable.

Tessa’s long lashes fluttered as she leaned closer, her eyes glued to the sleek model displayed before her. The ship gleamed under the showroom lights, a promise of adventure and escape.

“Is it really true that once I step aboard this magnificent vessel, I can leave everything behind?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with a mix of hope and desperation.

The salesperson’s eyes sparkled with intrigue, his professional demeanor shifting to one of eager excitement. “Absolutely! You can chart your own course, sail wherever your heart desires. This ship is equipped with everything you could possibly need. You could live out your days aboard without ever stepping foot on land again, and it even—”

Tessa, her heart racing, cut him off with a decisive gesture, her finger pointing emphatically at the ship. “I’ll take this one.”

The salesman’s smile widened, a mix of relief and triumph. “Excellent choice! However, it will take about a week for delivery, so you’ll need to prepare your belongings if you plan on moving in right away.”

As he handed her his business card, Tessa slipped it into her bag with a sense of finality. The weight of her decision settled around her like a comforting cloak.

Before she turned to leave, she glanced back at him, her voice low and firm. “I don’t want anyone else to know about this.”

His nod of understanding was all she needed. With that, she stepped out into the bustling world outside, her heart pounding with resolve. Tessa had made a choice—a choice to vanish into a world where no one could trace her, a world where she could be free. This cruise ship felt like the perfect sanctuary, a place where she could dissolve into the depths of the ocean and never look back.

This time, she was determined to embark on this journey alone.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, her phone buzzed insistently in her pocket. The screen lit up with Ryan’s name, and her heart sank.

“Babe, we’re having a gathering with the pack tonight. Don’t forget,” his voice chimed through the speaker, filled with warmth.

“Where are you? I’ll come pick you up,” he added, concern lacing his tone.

Tessa felt a wave of nausea wash over her. She had stumbled upon a painful truth not long ago—that Ryan’s heart had always belonged to Chloe, her own sister, not her.

Even though they were fated mates.

No wonder her wolf, Clara, had been so despondent, echoing her own turmoil.

“After growing up in the Bloodmoon Pack, how could you not learn some basic manners?” Chloe continued, her tone dripping with condescension.

“We’re all supposed to be future Lunas. What will we do now?” she added, casting a disdainful glance around the table, as if Tessa’s presence was a stain on their gathering.

Tessa raised her gaze to meet her parents’, but the coldness reflected back at her was unyielding. It baffled her. They were all adopted children of Alpha Liam and Luna Audrey, yet Chloe basked in their adoration while Tessa felt like a shadow, always overlooked.

The pack revered the vivacious and charming Chloe, but Tessa endured their secret torment, even though she too was the Alpha’s daughter. Their frustrations seemed to be directed solely at her, masked by a facade of respect that crumbled the moment she turned her back.

Years ago, the Bloodmoon Pack had suffered a devastating attack by rogues, resulting in the loss of Alpha Liam and Luna Audrey’s biological daughter. When they found Tessa and Chloe, they were drawn to the striking resemblance the girls bore to their lost child, leading to their adoption.

Ultimately, they proclaimed Chloe as their biological daughter and Tessa as the adopted one.

Tessa had grown accustomed to this harsh treatment over the years, but when Chloe confronted her, her demeanor remained calm, betraying none of the turmoil within.

“I’m sorry. I’m late,” she said, her voice steady, but her heart raced with a mixture of anger and resignation.