When The Luna Broke Her Chains novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44 The Mooncord

[XENA]

+5 Pearls

We reach the sitting arena just as the crowd is settling, a wide semicircle of stone benches carved into the slope of the hill, reserved for Lunas and other distinguished women. Cassian leaves me there without ceremony, already distracted by the movement of men gathering below, and I am left between Lady Mara and Oriel like an object returned to its shelf.

If they knew the prince had come to my room this morning, I would already be bleeding from their remarks. They’ve kept themselves busy and distracted. I can’t imagine them doing anything else.

Oriel leans in the moment she realizes where we are seated, and that as Luna, I occupy the first seat, and other relatives must sit behind me. “First row,” she says with a sharp laugh. “Imagine that.” Her gaze flicks over me, openly contemptuous. “Some people really don’t deserve what they’re given.

I don’t reply or even react. I fold my hands in my lap and stare ahead as more Lunas arrive, silk and jewels catching the early sunlight. Behind us, Mara and Oriel settle themselves with exaggerated importance, whispering and snickering.

Beyond the cleared stretch of ground, the forest rises thick and dark, ancient trees crowding together. That will be the hunting ground.

I straighten when I hear a familiar voice.

Davina approaches with a bright smile. For a moment, the image of Morrin’s death flashes in my mind, the shadow with arms so vivid it steals my breath. I curl my fingers into my palms until my nails bite.

“Sister,” Davina says warmly. “I’m so glad to see you here.”

I look up and force my lips into a smile. “Davina.”

She looks radiant and unbothered as usual, as if she hasn’t conjured death with her own hands to get rid of someone who found out about her broken oath.

Oriel beams. “You should sit with us.”

Davina hesitates, pressing a hand to her chest. “Oh, I shouldn’t. I’m meant to be with the Guild.”

Mara scoffs. “Nonsense. You’re practically senior now.”

Davina tilts her head, considering. “Well… I suppose I could be excused. Just this once.”

She takes the seat beside me.

I think of the magic she used. Morrin wasn’t ordinary, and yet killing her seems to have left no mark on Davina at all.

As the men gather across the clearing, Mara and Oriel begin their commentary, loud enough to carry.

“Honestly,” Mara says, “someone with real grace should be sitting in front.”

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Chapter 44 The Mooncord

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Oriel laughs. “Exactly. A woman with power. With training. Someone deserving and beautiful should stand by my brother as his Luna. Someone like you.”

Davina smiles modestly. “You flatter me.”

“It’s not flattery,” Oriel insists. “Everyone knows you’re wasted in the Guild. You should be where you belong. A proud Luna beside a strong Alpha.”

I keep my eyes forward, my face still, but I feel it–the way Davina’s voice tightens just a fraction when she responds.

“Oh, please,” Davina says lightly. “I’m happy where I am.”

“You shouldn’t be,” Mara presses. “Anyway, it’s not long before you’ll be free.”

Davina’s smile holds, but there’s irritation beneath it now. “Let’s not make a scene.”

A trumpet sounds, cutting through the chatter.

Arch–Luminist Seraphel steps forward, her blood–red robes striking against the pale stone. Davina leans toward Oriel, murmuring introductions, praising Seraphel’s accomplishments in reverent tones.

Seraphel raises her hands, and silence falls.

She speaks of the Bloodwake Hunt as the first rite of ascension, of blood spilled not for sport but for sovereignty, of the Moon watching and weighing what is offered.

Then the Lycan King takes his place, settling into a throne–like chair opposite us, surrounded by men too old or too powerful to hunt.

Seraphel’s voice carries again. “Before blood is spilled, fortune must be bestowed.”

My interest sharpens.

She explains the Mooncord–silver thread braided with dark leather, a symbol of restraint and return, tied by a chosen woman.

Oriel clutches Mara’s arm. “Oh, he’ll be looking now,” she whispers eagerly. “Someone beautiful enough to bring him luck. I hate that we–prospective Lunas–weren’t formally introduced.”

I shake my head slightly, more amused than irritated, and look ahead.

Knox steps forward to receive the Mooncord.

He looks broader here, standing among the men, his height unmistakable. Half his hair is tied back, the rest falling loose over his shoulders. I notice the lines of his neck, the veins beneath his skin, and I think of how easily he spoke to me earlier, how unguarded his voice sounded in my small room.

I realize I’ve been staring when his gaze lifts and sweeps the crowd.

It finds me.

Heat floods my face. I look away at once, my cheeks burning, my heart suddenly unsteady. I close my eyes

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:23 pm

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Chapter 44 The Mooncord

briefly, trying to steady my breath, and when I open them again, I know.

He’s walking toward us. Toward me.

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Before I can think, before I can prepare, he stops in front of me and extends his hand. The Mooncord rests in his palm.

‘Will you grant me fortune?” he asks quietly. “Luna Xena?”