The Alpha's Betrayal Rise Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 7 The First Reclaim ( 16 Finished As I toss and turn on the bed , I tell myself to wait , to be patient . But the mother in me is restless . The moon - amber is gleaming on the bedside table , urging me to use it . I think of Rowan and his words : Hold on to that one word . Mama . That's the truth . The rest is shadow . I'm holding onto just that . My love for my children . And it is this love that drags me out of bed in the middle of the night and towards the nursery . The guards outside glare at me before their gaze drops on the moon - amber , then something seems to flicker in their eyes before they part , allowing me to pass . I don't waste time , knowing the crystal can only break through glamour for a few seconds . Inside , the nursery is dark , lit only by the dying embers in the hearth . Milk and lavender cling to the air . The moon - amber is clutched tight in my palm . I can't find Finn , but Ivy's there . She stirs in her bed , her soft dark curls spread across the pillow . My heart hammers as I kneel beside her and press the warm crystal against her chest . For a second , the air shimmers . The veil cracks . Her tiny lashes flutter , and she blinks at me . " Mama ? " The word breaks me open . I gather her close , tears spilling before I can stop them . " Yes , my baby . It's me . I'm here . " Her small hands clutch my dress , her little nose burrows into my neck . The scent of my blood runs through her - my blood , my child . But before I can hold her longer , the glamour slams back . Ivy stiffens in my arms . Her face twists in confusion , then fear . " Let me go , " she whispers . " You're not my mama . Mama Izel said- " The door bursts open . Kade fills the threshold , tall and cold , eyes burning . Behind him , the guards bear cruel looks on their faces , the earlier confusion wiped away . " What are you doing here ? " His voice cracks like a whip . I rise slowly , still holding Ivy . " She knew me , Kade . For a moment , she knew me . Can't you see what's happening ? Are you so blind ? " " You disobeyed me . " He crosses the room , plucks Ivy from my arms as if I'm nothing . Our daughter clings to him , whimpering . " Kade- " 1/3 21:32 Wed , Oct 15 Chapter 7 The First Reclaim A 16 Finished His glare silences me . He strokes Ivy's hair , but his words cut like steel . " You frighten her . You do not belong here . " " She is mine , " I whisper . " My child . " " She belongs where she feels safe . " His jaw tightens . " And that is not with you ." He turns on his heel and carries Ivy out . I follow into the corridor . Izel waits there , silk robe gleaming in the torchlight . When Kade places Ivy in her arms , her smile is sweet and triumphant . " Mama's here , " she coos , rocking Ivy close . Kade doesn't look at me when he barks . " Stay away , Freya . That is an order ." Izel starts to walk away with Ivy , but I fall at Kade's feet , stopping him . " Kade ... please . Do you remember when Finn was born ? You held him all night because I was too weak to move . Do you remember Ivy's first steps ? She ran straight to you , and you laughed like you'd never known sorrow . " For a moment , his expression flickers . I reach for it , desperate . " I was there . Beside you . Through every winter , every battle , every night loving you , caring for you . I was your wife . Your Luna . I gave up everything , sacrificed it all so I could do my duty to our pack - to you . Doesn't any of that matter ? Do you not care at all ? " His hand twitches at his side , and for a moment I'm sure he's reaching for me . But then Izel interrupts , still holding Ivy in her arms , " You're wasting your time , my love ." Kade's eyes flick to her , and when they return to me , they resemble ice . " The past is gone . Stop clinging to it ." The softness in me burns away at the cold cruelty in his voice . I straighten my spine , getting to my feet , every shred of warmth gone from me . " You can strip me of the title . You can lock away my crown . But you will not take my children from me , Kade . " His jaw clenches . " You have no choice , Freya . " " I do , " I tell him . " At the Blood - Moon Conclave , I will seek Silver Severance ." His face hardens , but I don't flinch . Not this time . " You cannot ," he says . 2/3 21:32 Wed , Oct 15 Chapter 7 The First Reclaim ( 115 ) Finished I walk past him , back into the shadows of my chamber , clutching the moon - amber . The stone still pulses faintly warm , like a promise . Send Gifts " I will . " 19 R 3/3