When The Luna Broke Her Chains novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80 Hope Without A Chance

[XENA]

It takes me a second to understand why she chose to sit with me.

One must sit with family if they’re participating in the Luna Choosing trials. And I am all she has here. 1 parents–our parents–are back in Crescent Ash.

Lady Mara and Oriel don’t approve of her participation. That much is obvious. She is Oriel’s competito now as they see it–someone who will be fighting against her to win and marry Knox. Davina may think herself untouchable–but even she feels the shift.

I wonder, briefly, how Oriel would react if she knew the truth. That the trials are fixed. That her chances are smoke and illusion.

I could keep the secret, but Oriel never would. She’d scream it to the continent at the top of her lungs.

The herald’s voice booms through the hall. “His Highness, Prince Knox of Aurelune. Her Highness, Princess Aria.”

Knox enters first, clad in gold and black, the edges of his shoulders emblazoned with golden wolf heads, his night–black cloak trailing the floor behind him. His jaw is clenched hard like he just left an argument, and his steps are hard and heavy. Behind him, Princess Aria appears flushed, the color of her cheeks matching that of her robes.

Somehow, by some instinct, Knox’s gaze comes straight to me, immediate and unguarded, like my presence is a known constant. His jaw eases a little, his pace slowing for a fraction of a second.

Astrid straightens beside me, making me swallow hard. I drop my eyes quickly, hating myself for it. I kno more than one pair of eyes has noticed how his gaze went to me. If I can manage to spend the rest of the day with my gaze lowered to my feet, I will. Just so I don’t have to see the hate for me in those eyes.

I know they’ve taken their seats on the thrones when everyone sits in unison, but I don’t glance up until I hear Seraphel’s voice.

“Welcome to all gathered here,” she announces, voice carrying effortlessly. “I must remind you all about me. I’m Seraphel. Arch–Luminist of the Moon Guild. Representative to the crown. I will oversee the Luna Choosing Trials.” She pauses. “I must let you all know first that the King will not be in attendance this evening. He’s had to turn his attention to another important matter.”

A ripple moves through the hall.

“What’s more important than the Luna Choosing?” I hear Oriel ask before Lady Mara pinches her, shutting her up.

Knox shifts in his chair, something tight flickering across his face. Aria watches him from the side before

she lets out a breath.

“Tonight,” Seraphel continues, “we will announce the names of those deemed worthy to enter the Luna Choosing Trials. Those who stand a chance to become Prince Knox’s wife. The future Luna Queen of Aurelune.”

1:43 pm

Chapter 80 Hope Without A Chance

2. 2.

Finis

The hall erupts with whispers, gasps, and nervous giggles.

Around me, women clutch at each other’s hands, murmuring prayers, promising offerings to the Moon Goddess. Lady Mara grips Oriel’s arm, whispering reassurance.

“There’s no reason they won’t choose you,” she says firmly.

Davina doesn’t react to any of it. She sits back, serene, almost bored.

She already knows her name will be one among them.

I look around the hall, at the hope etched into unfamiliar faces. At the desperation and hunger.

They have no idea.

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