When The Luna Broke Her Chains novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43 Playing The Wife

[XENA]

I sigh, slow and dreamlike, and try to calm the frantic beat of my heart at the thought of him wanting me there today.

He’s a prince, I remind myself firmly. He’s polite. Grateful. That’s all this is. Of course he knows how to speak to women–he was raised to charm, to disarm, to make people feel seen without meaning anything by it. He doesn’t care. And even if he did, what would it matter?

I’m married. Wolfless. A Luna who no longer wants to be married to the murderous, evil man who betrayed her, hurt her, and still sleeps peacefully beside his lies.

Astrid appears at the doorway a few seconds later, her expression still stunned, as if she half–expects Knox to materialize again.

She closes the door behind her and approaches me, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Forgive me,” she says at once. “I was… too intrigued not to pry. But I couldn’t hear anything.”

I shudder, finally pulled back into my body.

I pace to the table and remove the necklace from my throat, placing it down carefully. The small mirror above the desk catches my reflection–my cheeks flushed, my eyes too bright.

Werewolves of the Alpha and Beta lineage have the capabilities of hearing through walls and picking up sounds from a distance.

Astrid exhales. “So…?”

“He cloaked the room,” I say. “He’s a Lycan. Only he–and the Goddess–knows what kind of power he truly has.”

Her eyes widen slightly. “What did he want to talk about? I was afraid for your life.”

A small, involuntary smirk lifts my lips. “Strange, isn’t it? A few days ago, you might’ve rejoiced at the thought.”

Astrid presses her lips into a thin line. “I should’ve known what I was signing up for,” she says quietly. “Getting involved with a married man. An Alpha, no less.”

She opens her mouth to say more–about the petition, I know from the guilty look on her face. We discussed it since we arrived here at the palace–but the door jolts open so suddenly that she gasps snaps her mouth shut.

Cassian stands there, fury etched into every line of his face.

“You scared me,” I breathe, forcing surprise into my voice.

“Out,” he snaps, eyes never leaving me.

Astrid glares at him, then scurries past, brushing my arm as she goes.

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Chapter 43 Playing The Wife

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+5 Pearls

I lean back against the table as he steps closer, his presence crowding the room.

“The prince was here,” he says.

It isn’t a question.

I nod and turn back to the mirror, pretending to inspect my face. “Yes.”

“What did he want?” Cassian presses. “What’s going on, Xena? And he saved you? What does that mean? What haven’t you told me?”

I turn slowly and meet his gaze, letting my eyes soften, my voice stay mild. “Forgive me, Cassian. I didn’t realize you wanted to know. You didn’t come to see me yesterday, and I didn’t want to bother you. I thought you might be busy. I don’t like disturbing you. And I know you don’t like being disturbed.”

His lips twitch. “Good,” he says a moment later. “It’s good that you understand that.”

“But I can’t look clueless in front of him,” he continues sharply. “Not like I did that day. Not again. I’m the Alpha!”

I nod sympathetically. “I’m sorry. I should have told you.” I pause, then add gently, “But I must thank you. For resisting your mother’s and sister’s complaints about the pup.”

He stiffens.

“Goddess knows what would’ve happened if you’d ordered it killed just to satisfy them,” I continue softly. “If the prince had discovered his pup was mercilessly destroyed…” I trail off, then look at him. “I can’t imagine how he’d have reacted. He might’ve thrown us out. Or worse–taken away your claim to the pack.”

Cassian swallows.

‘He’s grateful,” I add, carefully. “Because I took care of her.”

He exhales through his nose. “Did he ask if the pup was hurt?”

I can see the flashes in his eyes. Varek standing with the guild stone–the way I screamed.

‘No,” I lie softly. “And I won’t tell. I understand it’s not favourable for the pack or us. And your reputation, of cours,e for allowing that to happen. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt your reputation.” I pause, feeling satisfied at the flickering expression on his face. “And about saving me,” I go on, stepping closer, lowering my voice. “That day at Crescent Ash, I ran after Davina-”

I deliberately stop.

Cassian nods. He understands.

‘He saved me from a hydralith,” I finish. “That’s all.” I move closer still, letting my hand brush his arm even though I feel disgusted. “I wonder… have you forgiven me for what I dared ask that day?”

His brow creases. “What?”

“Severance,” I say quietly, as if ashamed. “I was out of my mind. It was that very day. Everything was too

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Chapter 43 Playing The Wife

much.”

He studies me, then nods once.

+5 Pearls

I hate myself for what I do next, but I cling to his arm anyway, letting him think I’m still tethered to him by fear and need.

He pats my shoulder awkwardly.

“I know you’re shaken by what happened to Morrin,” I say gently.

His gaze snaps to mine. “What do you mean?”

I frown. “You knew her since you were a child. You learned so much from her. She was… like a second mother to you, wasn’t she?” I tilt my head. “It must hurt, losing her.”

For a moment, confusion crosses his face. Then he turns away. “You’re right,” he mutters. “But you’re wasting time getting emotional. We’re already late for the hunt.”

As we move toward the door, he starts talking–boasting, really–about the Bloodwake Hunt, about how he’ll outshine the other Alphas, how he’ll show the prince his strength, his precision, his worth.

I nod at all the right moments.

At the threshold, I pause and look at him. “You trust me, don’t you, Cassian? That I won’t hide anything from you.”

He glances back, smug. “Of course. You love me. And I accepted you when no one else did, despite all your limitations.”

He links his arm with mine and pulls me forward.

“You’re wolfless and powerless,” he reminds me quietly. “The least you can do is show gratitude and manners. Don’t embarrass me, Xena. Don’t displease me.”

I smile up at him.

And let him believe every word.

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