When The Luna Broke Her Chains novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86 Remember Your Place

[XENA]

Thank the Goddess for the distraction.

Finished

Tavia enters without waiting for my response, which startles me a little, but the calm and distant look on her face steadies me.

“I have to take her,” Tavia says gently, stepping forward to collect Vera.

Vera perks up instantly and resists, whimpering. She clings to me as I try to pass her on to the woman. “Go on, you’ll be back soon,” I assure the wolf, and as if she understands, she finally lets Tavia take her.

I watch them for a second before speaking. “Why do you bring her to me every day?”

Her brows knit together slightly. “Do you… not enjoy spending time with her?”

“No,” I say quickly. “I do. I only meant-” I hesitate, trying to frame it properly. “Why does the Prince want me to be with her?”

Tavia’s lips part. For a fraction of a second, something flickers there–surprise, maybe even alarm before she swallows. “The pup is comfortable with you,” she says evenly.

That isn’t what she was going to say. I know it.

“What does he want?” I ask directly. “Does he mean to use me?”

Now Tavia looks genuinely confused. “How would… he… use you?” she asks slowly, sounding genuinely

curious.

Something clicks inside me. Maybe she doesn’t know. Maybe she doesn’t see it.

I shake my head abruptly. “It doesn’t matter. Take her.”

Tavia studies me for a moment longer, then nods and leaves with Vera tucked securely against her chest.

The door closes and silence returns. I barely have time to breathe before another knock comes–firmer this time.

“Astrid?” I call, expecting her quiet step.

The door opens and Seraphel enters.

I straighten immediately, my heart kicking against my ribs. What in the Goddess’s name is she doing here?

Her gaze moves over me once briefly and lingers on my shoulder before settling back on my face.

The fabric hides the scar.

“How is your health?” she asks.

“I’m well,” I reply, dipping my head. “Thank you. For your generosity.”

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Chapter 86 Remember Your Place

I remember how sharp I was with her the last time we spoke. Almost rude.

65

Finished

Her eyes narrow slightly, as though weighing the sincerity. “You should know that everything you eat is being tested for Knotgrass. Despite explaining to the Prince that the poison in your blood couldn’t possibly come from eating here in the palace.” She pauses, drawing in an audible breath. “He likes to keep an eye on everything. He loves making everything personal,” she expresses with disapproval written on her face.

She doesn’t care at all that I was poisoned. Or that the one responsible should be punished for it. This is just an inconvenience for her. And why should she?

Finally she shrugs, “Well, I won’t waste time,” she says. “You must prepare yourself.”

“For what?” I ask carefully.

“To move. With your husband,” she clarifies. “To your new quarters.”

My heart drops. No.

“You’ll be with your family,” she continues smoothly. “They are relocating to the Old Alchemist’s Tower. It’s suitable. Not as refined as this tower, of course. This is the Prince’s residence, after all–reserved for special guests.”

The implication is clear: you are not one.

“You have overstayed,” she adds calmly. “You should’ve requested the Prince’s leave,” she continues. “But you remained, and he’s too courteous to ask you to depart directly.”

My hands curl at my sides as I blink back frustrated tears.

“So I’m here to inform you,” she finishes, “that you will move with your husband. As you should.”

“Did the Prince order that?” I ask.

“Must he?” she counters, her gaze sharpening.

Yes.

The word screams inside me.

I nod instead. “I’ll begin packing immediately.”

Seraphel inclines her head, looking satisfied. “Remember your place, Xena,” she says. “You should act accordingly. You’re beneath us, you understand that? Without a wolf, you can’t be a match for another of our kind, forget a Prince.”

Something inside me hardens.

“And you, Mistress Seraphel,” I reply evenly, meeting her gaze without blinking, “should keep your wits about you. Don’t be blinded by someone simply because they’re from the Guild. Trusting entirely can be… dangerous. It is wiser to uncover truth yourself,” I continue softly, “than to inherit it from another’s mouth. I would think someone of your rank knows that.”

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