Chapter 6 - The Luna Who Refused to Kneel
The journey home changed everything.
The northern packs had heard that Rosaline was alive.
More importantly, they had heard she was Kalin's mate.
Some celebrated.
Others feared her.
The Royal Council demanded she appear before them.
Kalin refused.
Rosaline insisted.
“If they're afraid of me, they need to see me.”
He frowned.
“You don't owe them anything.”
“I owe myself the chance to speak.”
The council hall was packed.
Rosaline entered beside Kalin.
Several elders immediately bowed.
Others remained seated.
An elder named Marlow stood.
“You cannot name a prisoner Luna without council approval.”
Kalin answered:
“I don't need approval for destiny.”
Marlow's expression hardened.
“The Moonblood line has historically been unstable.”
Rosaline stepped forward.
“Say what you mean.”
Marlow looked at her.
“You are dangerous.”
Rosaline smiled.
“So is the man standing beside me.”
Kalin's eyes gleamed.
“And yet you invited him into the room.”
Several council members shifted.
Rosaline continued.
“I was accused because I was useful to a conspiracy.”
She described Richard's poisoning.
Harrington's crimes.
Caster's betrayal.
The Ashen Circle.
The moonstone mines.
When she finished, the room was silent.
Marlow still refused.
“You have no proof of your lineage.”
Rosaline held up the ancient document.
“I have records.”
“You could have forged them.”
Kalin stepped forward.
“Enough.”
Marlow sneered.
“Your Majesty, if she becomes Luna, she gains influence over every pack.”
Kalin looked at Rosaline.
Then back at the council.
“That is not what I fear.”
“What do you fear?”
“That someone will hurt her because of me.”
Rosaline's heart broke open.
Not from fear.
From love.
She realized it then.
The bond had not created her feelings.
It had revealed them.
Kalin saw the change in her eyes.
After the council session, he found her alone on the balcony.
“You're quiet.”
“So are you.”
He stood beside her.
“You realized something.”
“Yes.”
“What?”
Rosaline looked at him.
“I love you.”
Kalin froze.
She smiled.
“You look surprised.”
“I've imagined hearing that sentence.”
“And?”
“It still sounds impossible.”
He reached for her.
She stepped into his arms.
They kissed.
Slowly.
Gently.
Nothing like a conqueror claiming territory.
Everything like two people finally choosing one another.
Behind them, Thomas turned away with a grin.
“Finally,” he muttered.
But happiness lasted only until dawn.
A messenger arrived.
The Ashen Circle had attacked three packs.
And their leader had revealed himself.
King Alaric.
Kalin's older brother.
Everyone believed Alaric had died fifteen years earlier.
He had not.
May you like
He had been building an army.
And he wanted Rosaline.
