For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I felt something that wasn’t pain: hope. My tears came, but they came from joy this time. Relief wrapped itself around me like a long-lost friend.
As I left the clinic, one thing became very clear—I had unfinished business. I made my way to the estate that used to feel like home, the Alpha’s residence. But as I stood in front of its grand oak doors, I felt more like a stranger than ever.
The guards stiffened when they saw me. “Is Alpha Harper in his office?” I asked.
“Yes, Luna. But you aren’t allowed in at the moment,” one of them replied, clearly nervous.
I tilted my head, my voice cool. “Why not? I am still your Luna, am I not?”
He avoided my gaze. “I apologize, Luna. I’m not permitted to say.”
The breath caught in my lungs. Jonathan hadn’t even told me he was back from his supposed summit. My disbelief burned into fury.
The guards didn’t budge, not until Billy came over. “As a warrior, your loyalty is to the Luna. You have no right to bar her way.”
The guard stayed silent but finally stepped aside. I didn’t thank Billy. He was just as complicit in the lies, and I owed him nothing now.