Chapter 8 - The Return to the Capital
The journey back to Nightfall was conducted under a heavy, suffocating silence. Cassian rode beside Elara’s carriage, refusing to leave her side, his protective aura shielding her from the curious glances of his soldiers. When they finally crossed into the capital courtyard, the news spread like wildfire. Queen Isolda stepped out onto the grand marble steps, draped in silver silk, a triumphant smile on her lips—which vanished the moment she saw Elara stepping down from the carriage.
“What is the meaning of this?” Isolda shrieked, pointing a trembling finger at Elara. “Why is this traitorous whore in the royal courtyard?”
Cassian ascended the steps slowly. Every step he took sounded like a death knell. When he reached her, he did not raise his voice; his whisper carried across the silent, packed courtyard.
“Strip off the Luna chain,” Cassian commanded.
Isolda gasped. “Cassian? What are you saying? I am your lawful queen!”
“You are a forger, a traitor, and a liar,” Cassian roared, grabbing her wrist and ripping the silver chain from her neck with a single jerk. Isolda stumbled, weeping as Grand Judge Allaric was immediately seized by the royal guards behind her. “For five years, you kept my true mate from me. For five years, you hid my children.”
May you like
The courtyard erupted into chaos. Children? Whispers echoed off the stone walls.
Cassian turned to Elara, his eyes shining with unshed tears as he dropped to one knee before her in front of the entire pack—an Alpha King bowing to his true Luna. “Elara. If there is any mercy left in your heart... forgive me.”
