Chapter 14 Luna’s Grace
|| Lilac’s POV ||
Unspoken words echoed in the hall, making everything suffocating.
“I can’t believe how you treated my daughter,” dad growled, breaking the eerie silence.
“The Blackwoods will never forget this day,” mom said as she pulled me into a hug, her arms warm and comforting as she whispered soothing words in my ear, as if she was trying to protect me from this chaos. Unfortunately I was the one creating it.
anger.
“This is an insult,” dad added as he stood beside us, his fists clenched, his face flushed with could feel the tension radiating off him, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. But I couldn’t let him act, not now. Not when I was so close to achieving my goal.
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I glanced at my parents, my eyes pleading with them to stay calm. They nodded, though my dad’s jaw remained clenched, his eyes burning with fury. I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I stepped forward, my eyes wide and teary, my expression one of hurt and betrayal.
“Why are you all accusing Kael?” I said, my voice trembling with emotion. “Our future Alpha King has finally found his soulmate, and this should call for celebration.”
“What are you talking about?” Luna queen asked in surprise.
“We know each other for years and that is more of a reason for me to understand him… when he needs me the most,” I said with teary eyes as if I was breaking inside.
The room erupted into chaos once more, the crowd’s murmurs turning into shouts of shock and disbelief. Kael’s expression softened, his eyes filled with regret as he looked at me. “Lilac, I’m sorry,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
I forced a smile, my heart pounding in my chest as I addressed the crowd. “I am happy for you, Kael. Please don’t apologize. After all, you have found your one true love.”
The crowd’s reaction was immediate and visceral. Whispers of admiration and pity filled the air, their voices rising in a cacophony of emotion.
“Look at her!” someone exclaimed.
“She has spoken like a true Luna.” Another voice chimed in, “Kael is so unfortunate.”
The words washed over me, their impact fueling my resolve.
I turned to Alpha King Darius and Luna Cassandra, my expression one of quiet grace. “My King, Luna, please bless them on their reunion. Fate has brought them together after all,” I said, my voice polite but filled with emotion. Tears welled in my eyes, though they were more from relief than sadness. I bowed slightly, my movements graceful and deliberate.
The crowd erupted again, their voices filled with admiration and respect. I could feel their eyes
I
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and now it was time to make my exit.
“I wish you and our future Luna a happy reunion, Kael,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside me. “Now, if you please excuse us, I would like to take our leave.”
I turned to my mom, my expression one of quiet vulnerability. “Mom, please take me home.”
“Yes, sweetpea,” she said, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance. She threw a last glare at Luna Cassandra, her eyes burning with anger, before linking her arm with mine. My dad joined us, his presence a steadying force as we made our way off the stage.
I kept my head held high, my expression one of quiet grace as I walked through the crowd. I had played my part perfectly, and now it was time to make my exit.
But as I walked past Coco, who was still cradled in Kael’s arms, I stole a glance. Her face was pale, her expression one of exhaustion and relief. One simple letter, a little help from Alaric, and look where she was. The thought brought a smirk to my lips, though I quickly masked it with a look of quiet grace.
We stepped out of the grand hall, the cool night air washed over me, a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. I took a deep breath, the weight of the evening slowly lifting from my shoulders. I was free. Free from Kael, free from the engagement, free from the life that had been forced upon
- me.
The drive home was quiet, the tension in the car palpable. My mom sat beside me, her hand resting gently on mine as she tried to offer comfort. My dad was silent, his jaw clenched as he focused on the road ahead. I could feel their anger, their frustration, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. Not when I was finally free.
As we pulled into the driveway, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. The house was quiet, the familiar scent of lavender and honey filling the air as we stepped inside. My mom led me to the living room, her voice soft and reassuring as she tried to offer comfort.
“Sweetpea, are you okay?” she asked, her eyes filled with concern.
I forced a smile, my heart pounding in my chest. “I’m fine, Mom,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside me. “Really, I’m okay.”
My dad stepped forward, his expression dark with anger. “That boy,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “He doesn’t deserve you. None of them do.”
I nodded, my heart swelling with pride at his words. “I know, Dad,” I said, my voice filled with quiet determination. “But it’s over now. I’m free.”
As I stood there, surrounded by the warmth and love of my family, I felt a flicker of hope.