21:33 Wed , Oct 15 The Alpha Betrayal Rise Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 14 Sixty Seconds Of Truth I dream of Rowan . Finished He stands before me in his wolf form , protecting me from a herd of rabid rogues . When I feel brave enough to finally look at their faces , I see the Elders who make up the High Council , and leading all of them is Kade . I wake up to the news of a stricter border patrol being implemented . Kade sends his best warriors to scour the forest surrounding our territory for any imminent danger . Rowan was right . We won't see each other now . But at least he gave me the herbs to brew fresh antidotes before the envoy arrived . The man sent by the High Council did his job right - making Kade paranoid about Nightfell and its rogues . But Kade has yet to ask me about the envoy's accusation . I remember how he reacted when the envoy asked about rumours of me fraternizing with rogues . Perhaps someone saw me when I visited Rowan and told the council about it . Maybe this person also told them about the High Luna's mark . I return to my chamber and drag my wooden chest aside to reveal a small secret shelf built into the wall . It holds all of the forged contracts and the ledger that proves Izel's treachery . I'd hoped to present it in front of the High Council at the Blood Moon before I demanded to attempt the Silver Severance , because the thought of showing them to Kade feels absurd . He doesn't see me anymore - not as his Luna or wife . He only sees her . He's tangled in Izel's web of lies , and he's beyond saving . Now , even the council doesn't seem like an option . Putting the chest back against the wall , I spare a glance at my diadem . The Luna's crown , Nyx unmuzzled , and a witness circle . That's all I need . And then I'll be free . Free from Kade . Free to choose my path . Free to take my children away with me . *** Brin's hut is unusually warm today . And I quickly learn why . He sets the clay bowl on the table between us . A scrap of linen lies inside , faintly stained . " What's this ? " I whisper , leaning forward , my eyes widening in awe as I watch it glisten unnaturally . " It's a tether , Luna Freya ," he explains . " It is made using small magic . " 1/5 21:33 Wed , Oct 15 Chapter 14 Sixty Seconds of Truth " Small magic ? " I blurt out , failing to hide the horror in my voice . Brin winces . " It's not witchcraft , " he insists . " I drew power from the sun . It was a small enchantment , but it is very powerful . " Finishind I nod slowly , still watching the bowl . Not all magic is bad , I recall my mother's words faintly . " This is why you asked for Nyx's fur ? " Brin nods , continuing , " If you steep this cloth in your blood and Nyx's shed fur , then hide it near Finn , it will call to him . It will weaken Izel's spell over time ." I stare at the cloth . " If there's any chance Finn might get hurt , I don't want to do it . " Doesn't mean you should ever stop being careful , she heard her father say , responding to her mother's words . Brin shakes his head . " No , it's harmless . All it will do is remind him of your scent . His real mother's scent . " With an exhale , I place my palm forward . Brin doesn't hesitate - he picks up a knife and makes a straight cut in the centre . Blood trickles down the side of my hand and disperses into the bowl . The cut heals quickly . I'm stronger now , I think momentarily before I watch him add the fur to the bowl . It dissolves in the liquid , and all at once the cloth soaks it up . My hand trembles as I pick it up , gasping when it feels dry and smooth . " What if she finds it ? " " Then she'll know you're fighting her . But I'd wager she'll be too proud to search his bed for ghosts . " He folds my fingers around the cloth . " Tonight , Luna Freya . Take the moon - amber , give him one breath of truth , then plant the token . " I tuck it inside my sleeve . My chest aches , heavy with fear and hope . " Sixty seconds , " I whisper . " Make them count . " Hours later , the keep is still . Only torches crackle along the hall . Jax shadows me , his boots silent against stone . " Door's ahead ," he murmurs . " I know ." My grip tightens on the moon - amber . When I met Jax and asked if he'd help me enter the nursery , he did not hesitate . He bowed and got to his feet . I did not think it would be so easy . But I understand where his obedience stems from . He recognises my authority once again , now that Nyx is no longer silent and weak . He remembers the oath he swore jo me , and he chooses to obey even though it goes against his 2/5 21:34 Wed , Oct 15 A Chapter 14 Sixty Seconds of truth Alpha's immediate command ... You're the High Luna , Nyx echoes within me . Your word overrides everyone else's ! Finished Jax quickly convinces the guard on duty to switch places . The man did not have much of a choice Jax stands as the strongest among the betas , ranking just beneath Kade and me in the pack's order of power . I push the nursery door open . Lavender and milk flood the air . The fire is dimmed but warm . Finn lies curled around his wooden wolf , lashes dark against his cheeks . Six years old , and stolen from me by lies and magic . " Stay by the door , " I whisper . Jax inclines his head and takes position . I kneel at the bed . The amber warms , then burns in my hand . I press it gently against Finn's chest . Its glow spreads like moonlight , catching on the seams of the quilt . The stench of almond and blood wafts to me - Izel's glamour . A second later , it cracks . Finn's eyes snap open . " Mama ? " My throat closes . " Yes , love . It's me . " He sits up , clutching my sleeve , tears spilling fast . " I knew it ! I - I told Ivy once , but then it was gone . Why did you leave ? " " I never left , " I whisper fiercely , pulling him close . " Izel made you forget . But I am your mother . " His small body trembles . " She said you weren't safe . " " She lies . Listen- " I tug the folded cloth from beneath my cloth . " This will help . Keep it near . When things feel wrong , smell for me . You'll know . Okay , sweetheart ? " I slip it deep into the seam of his pillow . His eyes follow , wide and wet . The amber dims . Sixty seconds almost spent . " Don't go ," he pleads , voice cracking . " I won't . Not truly . Remember me , Finn ." And then it slams back . Blood and almonds . His gaze clouds , the haze returning . His hands drop . He jerks from my touch . " You're not safe ! " he cries , scrambling back on the bed . " Mama Izel says- " 3/5 21:34 Wed , Oct 15 Chapter 14 Sixty Seconds Of Truth The door creaks . Jax's hand flies to his blade . " Someone's coming . " 1 freeze . Izel . #Finished I recognise her scent now , and quickly hide behind a folding screen in the dark corner . " Beta Jax , what are you doing here ? " Jax's voice is clear . " I'm here by command to protect the Alpha's heir . " " Kade worries too much , " I hear her comment . She sweeps in , wearing her pale silver dress that trails the floor behind . Her gaze cuts across the room . She strides to Finn's bed and strokes his hair . " Darling , did you wake ? " He blinks at her , dazed . " Mama ? " " Yes . " Her smile curves sweet for him , then her eyes flick over the nursery . She lingers on the dark corners . I don't breathe . At last , she seems satisfied . She turns back to Finn , her sweetness dissolving . " You're restless again . " Her tone hardens . " I've told you not to call for shadows in the night . You'll make me cross . Kids truly become more annoying as they grow up ! " Finn flinches . " I - I wasn't- " She grips his chin , tilting his face to hers . " If you make me angry , you'll be sorry . Do you understand ? " He nods quickly , eyes wide . Her smile returns , sugar laced with venom . " Good boy . " She pats his cheek , then tucks him down hard beneath the quilt . " Now sleep . No more nonsense . " At last , she glides out , leaving the door ajar . I wait until Finn is breathing softly again . Reaching over to him , I run my hand over his hair . My sweet boy . How dare she threaten him ? My blood is boiling with anger , but there's nothing I can do right now . I'm helpless , and I hate it . 4/5 21:34 Wed , Oct 15 Chapter 14 Sixty Seconds of Truths Jax walks in and exhales . " Too close . " inished My jaw clenches . " I will make her suffer . " I tell him , hands closing into fists . " I want you to tell Kade to get Ivy back here in the nursery . Convince him - I don't care how . I don't want my daughter sleeping curled up next to that witch ! You will make sure she never gets a moment alone with my kids , Beta Jax . Is that clear ? " Jax nods dutifully . " Your wish is my command , Luna Freya . " Send Gifts 5/5