The Rejected Luna's Secret Heirs

Chapter 9: The Aftermath

Silence stretched over the blood-stained courtyard as my words hung heavy in the air. Lucian stood motionless, his eyes locked on me as if seeing a ghost.

"Ayla..." he began, his voice breaking. "I didn't know. If I had known who you were—"

"If you had known, you would have kept me for my power, not because you valued me," I interrupted coldly, sheathing my daggers completely. "That makes it worse, Lucian. A true Alpha honors his mate regardless of her rank."

Before Lucian could respond, the heavy wooden doors of the main hall unlocked, and Caelan emerged, holding Leo and Lyra safely by their hands. Seeing the battlefield cleared, and the rogue leader bound in chains, the twins let out excited gasps.

"Mommy! You beat them all!" Leo cheered, running forward to wrap his arms around my waist.

Lyra hugged my leg tightly, peering up at me with wide, shining eyes. "You were so fast, Mommy! Like a golden flash!"

I melted instantly, crouching down to kiss both of their foreheads. "I told you to stay inside, but I'm glad you're safe."

Lucian stepped closer, his gaze completely absorbed by the two children. "Ayla... they need to know the truth. They are blood of the Crescent Pack. They deserve their birthright."

"They have a birthright," Caelan said smoothly, stepping up beside me and placing a protective hand on my shoulder. "They are the heirs to the Nightshade Alliance. They don't need a pack that is discarded by their mother."

Lucian's eyes flashed crimson as he glared at Caelan. "This is between me and my mate!"

"Former mate," I corrected, standing up to meet Lucian's gaze with unwavering steel. "The contract stands, Alpha Lucian. You will sign the alliance terms, yield access to the silver mines, and we will secure your borders. But my children and I belong to no one."

Lucian looked at the signed treaty on the stone table nearby, then at me and the twins. A profound look of defeat settled into his features. Slowly, he picked up the pen.