Luna's Last Chance

Chapter 4: The Web of Lies.

Aria’s POV

The evening before my formal admission as Luna ought to have been one of excitement and expectation. Rather, it causes discomfort. I scarcely pay attention to the getting ready around me. The lies Lyra has weaved have twisted my ideas, and the mounting fear I experience is nearly physical.

Sitting by myself in my room, I try to slow my pounding heart. My eyes reveal my worry even as my mirror image portrays a face fit for the wedding. The once-exciting chance to be Luna now seems like a terrible joke. Lyra's stories have already spread, and I know Reginald's behind-the-scenes power shapes everything to his benefit.

A gentle knock on my door shocks me from meditating. Kels is it. I open the door and force a grin as he enters. Though he tries to cover it with bravery, his face is marked with worry.

"Aria," he whispers softly, his voice nearly lost in the hush. We must chat.

Naturally, I say, moving aside to let him enter. Closing the door behind him, my heart falls. The way he looks suggests that this will not be a simple talk.

Kels inhales deeply, looking for the appropriate words. "I have been listening to alarming reports. Reports on you. If there is any truth to them, I have to know.

The words strike me like a gut-reversal punch. "What rumors?" I ask, attempting to keep a calm voice.

"About you being unfaithful," Kael adds, staring right back at me. "That you carry the child of another man."

The charge is so ridiculous; it takes time to consider. I get a wave of incredulity and resentment. "That's absurd! I have faithfully followed you exactly. Are you aware of this?

"I want to believe you, Aria," Kael replies with a strained voice. Still, the data is really strong. Reginald has persuaded me that this is a political threat, not only about confidence. Should the pack believe this, it could compromise my Alpha position.

I get a chilly sensation down my spine. The plan by Reginald and Lyra is doing better than I had hoped. Kael, they are lying to you. They have falsified data and coached others to turn against me. You have to cut through their dishonesty.

Kael's face uncertainty against a strong yearning to believe me. "I no longer know what to believe." This is too much all around. I'm looking for evidence. Something would help me to believe you to be speaking the truth.

The sound of rushing feet finds us before I can reply. The door opens, Lyra storms in with a triumphant look. She looks between us, her eyes glittering with delight.

"I see you're having a private chat," she continues, her voice laden with sarcastic sympathy. "It's sad you doubt the truth so quickly."

Lyra, what do you want for? I demand, my voice shaking with rage.

Lyra approaches closely and pulls a paper from her bag. "Verification of your treachery. You might like to see it before the ceremony, I thought. Presumably from the man you have been engaged with, it is a letter.

Kael grabs the paper and runs over its contents. From where I am standing, I cannot see the letter; but, Kael's look suggests that it is having an effect. The letter is loaded with charges and assertions that I have been disloyal.

"No," I answer as I move forward. "This is a faker." Their scheme calls for ruining me.

Kael looks up, conflict filling his gaze. "Aria, this is really important. I have to know why all of this is occurring.

Lyra smiles, relishing the upheaval she has produced. "It's really straightforward, actually. Aria really represents a challenge to the authority of our family. From the beginning, she has been underlining Kael. And right now we have to shield the pack from her dishonesty.

"I am not the one fooling everyone," I object. Lyra and Reginald are using this all as a ruse to keep their hold. Kael, you are being used. They want to be sure you remain beneath their thumb.

Kael looks at Lyra, his face a mask of irritation. Is this correct?

Lyra's manner combines chilly calculating with a sort of faux innocence. "I am simply making sure our pack is stable. Sometimes the greater good calls for making concessions.

The conflict in the room feels stifling. Kael's face is set in a harsh line, and I sense his will hardening. "I have to think," he says with a weighty emotional tone. "I cannot make decisions until I am positive of the truth."

Kael walks out of the room, his feet echoing down the hall. The door shuts behind him, leaving Lyra alone with her contemptful look.

Lyra adds, her voice chilly, "You're losing, Aria." " Nobody will believe you now. You've done it.

"Don't be so sure," I say, voice quivering but firm. "This is not quite finished yet. I shall establish the truth.

Lyra walks off with a last smile, leaving me by myself with ideas. The circumstances have nearly intolerable weight. My head whirls as I consider how to clear my name and reveal Lyra's lies.

Turn when I hear a gentle knock on the door, hoping Kael is returning. Still, it's not him. One of the pack's seniors, a reliable friend of my family.

"Aria," the older man adds, looking worried. "I have knowledge of what is transpiring. I'd be willing to assist. Before the ceremony, we have to figure out the core of this.

I nod, release the washing over me. "Thanks". I need all the assistance available to me.

The older man settles next to me and we start talking about a scheme to find the truth. My thoughts are still fixated on Kael and the unknown of our future as we chat. I am aware of the crucial nature of the next hours. Before it is too late, I must compile proof, expose the lies, and prove my innocence.

Driven once more, I get ready for the conflict ahead. Though the lies and deceptions are closing in, I never let myself be beaten. I shall defend my place, my honor, and my future. The stakes are never lower, hence I am ready to meet whatever comes next.

I can't get rid of the sense that the worst is still to come as the evening rolls on. But with the elder's help and my own will, I will do whatever it takes to expose the truth and take back my pack ranking. The struggle for my future is still under progress.