When The Luna Broke Her Chains novel Chapter 65

16:00 Sat, Apr 11

When The Luna Broke Her Chains

Chapter 65 Unruly Prince

Davina knows she has fucked up.

:

27

Finished

The realization needles at her with every step as she walks behind Seraphel, hands folded neatly before her. She let herself get sloppy. Let her urgency sharpen into recklessness. Let fear rush her hand when patience would have served better.

She sent that murderous shadow for Xena without even thinking of the consequences. Or perhaps, she was overconfident that she could handle it. What she hadn’t expected was for Knox to show up there and save her.

‘You should’ve been more alert, her wolf complains.

What in the hell was he even doing there? Didn’t he dismiss her earlier because she’d interrupted him? How did he end up in the woods?

Whatever it was that led him there has doomed Davina. Now he is suspicious.

She recalls it: his face in the chamber. The way his gaze slid past her, the way his voice

hardened when he barred her from Xena’s side. He didn’t explain why he did that. He just commanded.

Why stop her from changing Xena’s clothes?

Anyone else would have allowed it. She was the sister. She was Guild. She was the chosen.

Unless… he knows more.

The thought rots in her skull, sour and insistent. Perhaps Xena already told him. Maybe she finally found the courage to open her mouth. To speak of Morrin. Of the slow erosion Davina wrapped in kindness and necessity.

Davina clenches her jaw.

How?

And why would he believe her?

Davina has always b

believed.

She is beautiful. She has always known it, always wielded it carefully. It wasn’t just Cassian who ached for her attention. Boys from her pack, from his pack–men who tripped over their own pride just to earn a smile. Even here, even now, she catches the looks. One Guild scholar had come too close earlier, curiosity and hunger warring in his eyes, before sense saved him from ruining his life.

1/4

Chapter 65 Unruly Prince

So what kind of man is Knox?

Only one word comes as an answer: dangerous.

Finished

The kind who might already be watching her. The kind who could, at any moment, drag her to the cells if the truth reached him.

The thought makes her steps falter. She only realizes she’s stopped walking when Seraphel pauses and turns.

They’re in Davina’s chamber.

Why would Seraphel bring her here?

Davina smooths her expression instantly, clasping her hands tighter as if in prayer. The folding screen stands just behind her, harmless in appearance. She doesn’t look at it. She can’t.

“Prince Knox seemed… agitated,” Davina offers softly when Seraphel doesn’t speak.

Seraphel sighs. “More than usual.”

Davina nods, sympathy carefully measured. “Something is clearly weighing on him. I worry for him.”

Seraphel studies her face, searching. “He wasn’t like this,” she says quietly..“Not before. Every day, I notice something different.” A pause. “I’ve known him since he was a scrawling babe.”

Davina lowers her gaze briefly, as if humbled by the intimacy of the confession.

“He won’t tell me what has happened,” Seraphel adds–and then stiffens, guilt flashing across her face, as if she hadn’t meant to reveal that.

Davina exhales, gentle and understanding. “That must be difficult.”

Seraphel steps closer. “That woman,” she says carefully. “She’s your sister.”

Davina straightens just a fraction. “She is.”

“You seem… composed,” Seraphel observes. “Despite her condition.”

Davina sighs, swallowing just enough to sell hesitation. “Frankly, Mistress Seraphel… she isn’t my real sister,”

Seraphel tilts her head. “Go on.”

“My father took her in after rogues destroyed her village,” Davina continues, voice steady. “My

2/4

16:00 Sat, Apr 11

Chapter 65 Unruly Prince

27

Finished

mother had lost a child. Xena was just a baby.” She lets silence do some work before adding, “But she has always been… difficult.”

“Difficult how?”

“A rebel,” Davina says softly. “She lost her wolf in a rogue attack. And I would not be surprised if she fraternized with them before, and some disagreement led to that unfortunate incident.”

Seraphel gasps despite herself.

“Well,” Seraphel says after a moment, “the prince clearly cares for her.”

Davina nods, jaw tight. “He does.”

“And that troubles you?”

“It confuses me,” Davina corrects gently. “As does this talk of a shadow.” She hesitates, then adds, “What do you think of it? Surely a shadow can’t have attacked Xena.”

Seraphel exhales. “I don’t believe he’s lying. But I don’t yet understand what he saw.” She shakes her head. “I’ll hear it from him. I must draw her blood, ensure she’s stable.”

Davina’s heart stutters.

Blood.

Fuck.

If Xena’s blood is examined properly, secrets will surface. Knotgrass leaves traces. And if Cassian is telling the truth–if the poison continued even after arriving at the palace-

Seraphel’s hand closes gently around Davina’s arm.

“I appreciate your concern for the prince,” Seraphel says. “You’ve accepted him. Accepted your fate. But he is still fighting it. He has been treating you harshly.”

Davina meets her gaze. “He’s a prince. He carries much.”

“That doesn’t excuse harshness,” Seraphel says firmly. “I’ll speak to him. I’ll make sure the two of you bond and understand each other better.” She pauses for a beat. “Though I still don’t approve of the treachery the crown and Guild have agreed upon.”

She turns toward the open window, night pressing close beyond it. “We must be careful. Half the continent is here. This palace is full of eyes and ears.”

Davina nods fervently.

3/4