When The Luna Broke Her Chains novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30 Scapegoat With Golden Eyes

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don’t get the chance to corner Astrid or ask her to meet me in my chamber.

Cassian’s voice reaches me first. “Why are you sweating so much?”

startle. He’s too close. I hadn’t heard his footsteps over the crackle of the pyre.

Are you feeling alright?” he adds, eyes skimming my face like he’s assessing damage.

nod quickly. “It’s just… the heat. From the fire.”

le scoffs softly. “Of course. You’re affected by every small extremity.” He gestures with his chin. “Come.”

hesitate, glancing over my shoulder.

strid still stands near the healers, her face pale, eyes fixed on me. Around her, the others remain in their laces, waiting as tradition demands–until the pyre collapses into nothing but ash. They will stay. Cassian as already done his duty.

turn back and follow him. As we walk, he says casually, “Have you prepared for our departure?”

blink. “Our… departure?”

le looks at me like I’m slow. “The palace.”

My steps falter. “The palace.”

Yes,” he replies, unbothered. “We leave soon for the Moonborne Gathering. The Lycan King and Prince ave summoned all Alphas and their Lunas. Along with all eligible maids.” He pauses, then adds lightly, The Prince will choose a bride this year.”

say nothing.

le continues anyway. “Normally, the Choosing is separate. But the ascension’s been delayed long enough The Prince is what–twenty–eight now?” He hums. “Older than his father was when he took the crown

He glances at me sideways. “What do you think? Will he choose from our pack?”

The words sink slowly, painfully.

The palace. Davina. The Guild. The Moonborne Gathering. Lady Mara and Oriel in close quarters for weeks. Comparisons whispered aloud. Davina paradeil like a living wound I’m expected to smile through

I force a breath, “I don’t know, Cassian. He’ll choose the best”

He laughs. “It’s not entirely up to him?

I frown faintly. “What do you mean?”

10:56 am P Pxx.

Chapter 30 Scapegoat With Golden Eyes

Finished

“He doesn’t have a mate,” Cassian says. “That much is certain. If he did, they’d have gotten rid of her already.” He shrugs. “Lycans rarely marry their mates. They don’t believe in fated unions.

“Why should they?” he continues, unconcerned. “What if the Goddess picks someone weak?” He tilts his head. “Or pathetic?”

“Well,” I say quietly, “it’s a good thing she didn’t pick a weak, wolfless one for you.”

He stops walking. I stop too.

He turns, genuinely surprised. Then he shakes his head once, amusement showing on his face. “That was unexpected.”

I meet his gaze. “You chose me,” I say. “All on your own. Gave up your fated, powerful, blessed mate.”

For a moment, something sharp flashes in his eyes before he masks it with a smile. “Come,” he says instead. “You’ll eat with us.”

I want to refuse, but what choice do I have?

***

The dining chamber feels smaller than usual.

Lady Mara sits stiff–backed, lips pressed thin. Oriel lounges beside her, eyes bright with barely contained excitement. The table is laid too lavishly for a funeral day.

I take my seat silently.

Almost immediately, Oriel speaks. “It’s been one disaster after another since that thing arrived.”

Mara sighs heavily. “Truly. First, the fire that burned your clothes, and the nightmare that marked me. Then the healer’s… accident.”

I keep my gaze on my plate.

“And now this oppressive air,” Oriel continues. “Even the servants are whispering.”

Mara nods. “Ill omens gather around cursed creatures.”

“The wolf,” Oriel says sweetly. “That black–furred thing.”

Cassian looks up, fixing a bored gaze on his sister. “What about it?”

Mara gestures sharply. “Since she brought it into the keep, nothing has gone right

“That’s absurd,” Cassian says flatly.

Oriel pouts. “Is it? Morrin dies. Fires break out. Tension everywhere.” She tilts her head. “And it has golden eyes.”

“So?” Cassian cuts in.

10:56 am PP

Chapter 30 Scapegoat With Golden Eyes

“So it’s cursed,” Mara snaps. “Everyone knows that.”

“No,” Cassian says. “Everyone believes that. They’ve been told to believe that.” He leans back, jaw clenching. “Belief doesn’t make it true.”

Oriel scoffs. “You’re still defending it?”

Finished

“I’m dismissing nonsense,” he replies. “If a wolf pup could bring down a pack, Frostfang wouldn’t have survived this long.

Mara’s mouth tightens. “You always disregard tradition.”

“I disregard stupidity,” Cassian says. “And mistake not, this is stupidity.”

I lift my eyes then, unable to stop myself. He isn’t looking at me.

Oriel huffs. “That thing growls at night.”

“No, she doesn’t,” I protest before I can hold myself back. “She’s the quietest wolf pup!”

“It’s a wolf,” Cassian says, ignoring me. “They do that.”

“And it appeared out of nowhere,” Mara presses.

“So do rogues,” he answers. “And storms. And human children.”

Oriel slams her fork down. “It doesn’t belong here.”

Cassian’s gaze flicks to me briefly. “Neither did half the people who built this pack.”

Silence falls.

Mara exhales sharply. “You’re letting her weakness infect you.”

Cassian’s jaw tightens. “That’s enough.” He looks at both of them now, “You want to blame something for your discomfort? Blame the fire. Blame chance. Blame your own fear over a helpless little thing that could fit in your arms.”

Oriel mutters, “Fear keeps us alive.”

“So does reason,” Cassian snaps. “And I won’t have you accusing my Luna’s wolf of murder.”

Mara stares at him. “That’s her wolf now? Why, because she doesn’t have one like all of us? It’s a replacement? A reassurance she belongs and matters? And you? You’re choosing this creature over your family?”

“I’m choosing logic,” he replies. “And I’m tired of this conversation.”

He stands. “We leave for the palace soon. I expect composure.” He looks at me then. “Rest. You’ll need it.”

I nod. Inside, I’m already counting exits. And thinking of Astrid.

And wondering how long before someone decides Vera is easier to silence than Morrin was.

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