THE LUNA THEY SACRIFICED

CHAPTER SEVEN

..... REJECTION...

(Riven pov)

I felt something twist inside me, an annoyance, nothing more.

I stepped closer to her, crouching slightly so we were eye-level.

“You heard them,” I said coldly. “Your life finally has value.” I could hear her breath hitch.

Tears filled her eyes, but they didn’t fall.

“Not like this,” she whispered. “Please… not like this.”

For a second, something in my chest tightened.

Then Lyra’s voice cut through the moment like poison.

“She’s perfect for it.” I turned and stood up.

Lyra was watching, her arms crossed, a small smile playing on her lips.

“Think about it,” she continued softly. “A weak Luna, a disgraced one full of betrayal, definitely none will question it.” Even our parents spat on her… so?? What is the delay…?

Her eyes flickered to Nyra, then back to me.

“And if it keeps Kael from tearing this pack apart… isn’t it worth it?”

The question dropped heavily and pressed, which attracted silence for some seconds.

The horns sounded again, this time closer and louder. Time was running out of hand…

My wolf paced restlessly, seeking war, blood, and destruction…

Or… A sacrifice, I exhaled slowly.

Then turned back to the elders.

“Prepare her,” I said.

Nyra froze.

The words hit her like a physical blow.

“Riven…” she whispered, shaking her head.

“No… please… I’m carrying your child…”

My jaw clenched; I didn’t bother to look at her.

“I said prepare her,” I repeated coldly.

The guards moved instantly, grabbing her hands and dragging her up.

She cried out, her body too weak to resist.

“Please!” she screamed. “I didn’t betray you! This child is yours! It is a blessing from the divine, I swear!”

Her voice echoed through the courtyard.

But no one moved, no one dared to speak, no

one cared…

“‘Very good…” That made things easier.

I turned away; I didn’t need to hear more. I didn't want to see more. What I did was necessary. That's the right move and best decision, nothing more.

“Alpha!” Another guard ran in.

Even more terrified than the last.

“They’re here,” he choked out. “Bloodwing forces… they’ve reached the gates.”

A deep growl rumbled through my chest.

Finally, I stepped forward; my movement was calm, powerful, and controlled.

“Open the gates,” I commanded.

Gasps echoed behind me.

“Alpha—!”

“Do it.” I commanded

My voice left no room for argument.

The massive gates creaked open slowly, and there he was.

The mighty Kael.

Standing at the front of his army, tall, still, and looking deadly.

His presence alone was enough to suffocate the air.

Behind him… were his warriors clad in dark armor, hundreds of them. They were silent, waiting and watching.

My wolf bristled; obviously this was war, but I would not show weakness.

I stepped forward, meeting him halfway, our gazes locked and clashing…. It's clearly power against power.

“You came,” I said….

His lips didn’t move.

But his voice carried anyway. “I told you I would. " I won't go back on my words…

Silence stretched between us, thick with tension, with histories and unspoken threats.

Then his gaze shifted, past me, toward the courtyard, then finally towards Nyra.

The guards dragged her forward, chains clinking with every step.

She stumbled and fell but was yanked back up.

Blood stained her clothes, her face, and her hands.

Obviously she looked like something already broken, already dead.

Kael's eyes darkened slightly. "Interesting," he chuckled.

I smirked.

"You threatened to take something from me the next time you came here," I said slowly.

His eyes returned to mine, quiet but unreadable.

"I remembered," he stated...

Then I motioned behind me.

"To prevent unnecessary bloodshed, I am giving her to you."

Kael gave a slight frown that quickly faded.

"No, I can't take her.”