RISE OF THE HEALER LUNA

5

Serena’s POV:

Liam stared at me like he had just swallowed a stone.

I stared back, and then slowly, I smirked.

My smirk was a reminder that I was no longer the fragile Luna he discarded.

Around me, the hall exploded.

“Please save my son!”

“My mate is dying!”

“I beg you, Serena!”

People rushed forward… some grabbed my hands, some dropped to their knees, and some cried like the world was ending.

Honestly?

If I didn’t know better, I would think I had just become a goddess. Their desperation wrapped around me like worship, and for the first time, I felt the intoxication of power.

“Please, please, please!”

Their voices piled up on each other until I couldn’t even hear myself think.

“Okay, okay!” I said, raising my hands. “Everyone, calm down!”

Nobody listened as they got louder and more desperate.

I opened my mouth to speak again when suddenly…

BOOM.

The air shifted, and I felt it before I heard it.

A heavy pressure rolled through the hall, and everyone froze… even the loudest voices died instantly as Adrian stepped forward. His eyes were calm, but his presence was overwhelming.

His entrance made even Liam flinch slightly, his shoulders tightening, showing he wasn’t used to being upstaged. Watching Liam falter under Adrian’s shadow sent a thrill through me—justice wrapped in silence.

“Enough,” he said quietly.

That was all.

Silence swallowed the hall, and I turned to him and smiled. Then I leaned forward and kissed his cheek. The simple kiss was a move meant to burn Liam’s pride.

“Thanks,” I whispered.

His lips twitched slightly, and I felt Liam’s anger without even looking at him. And honestly? It felt amazing.

Liam’s fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tight, but he stayed silent, trying to maintain his control as Alpha. I savored the way he was cracking.

I turned back to the people.

“Listen,” I said gently. “I understand your fear. I understand your pain. But you all need to breathe first.”

They watched me like I was their last hope.

“The cure is not magic,” I continued. “It takes time. It takes rare materials. And it costs a lot to make.”

Some faces fell, and some looked scared again.

“But,” I added quickly, “relax. I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere.”

The hall breathed out together. Then I slowly turned my head, and my eyes met Liam’s.

“Well,” I said lightly, “except if your Alpha doesn’t want that.”

The hall froze again as every head turned toward Liam.

He swallowed hard, and for a second, he looked like he wanted to say no. But he didn’t. His jaw tightened, and he forced a smile that looked painful.

“Of course,” he said stiffly. “Serena will stay.”

He remained firm in his stance like a leader who wanted the best for his people.

The hall went into cheers, but he wasn’t done yet.

“She’ll be given a comfortable apartment,” he continued, “with the best materials and everything she needs to continue her work.”

The people clapped, and some cried again.

I smiled politely, then I looked past him at Cassandra.

Her smile was stiff, and her eyes were sharp. I held her gaze for a second longer than necessary, then I turned away.

Adrian walked beside me as we left the hall. I didn’t look back, but I could feel Liam’s eyes burning holes in my back—and Cassandra’s too.

**

The visitors’ estate was quiet when we got inside… too quiet.

Adrian shut the door behind us, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. Then he exhaled slowly.

“That was intense,” he said.

I dropped onto the couch dramatically.

“You think?” I said.

He sat across from me, his elbows resting on his knees as his eyes studied my face.

“Serena,” he said.

“Yes?”

“I need to ask you something.”

I raised a brow.

“Sounds serious.”

“It is.”

I sighed and leaned back.

“Okay, Alpha Adrian Blackwood,” I teased. “Ask.”

He didn’t smile, and that made me sit up straighter.

“Are you doing this just to hurt Liam?” he asked.

I blinked.

“And?” he added quietly. “Are you using me for that?”

For a moment, I wanted to joke, but something in his eyes stopped me.

“I’m not using you,” I said quickly.

He watched me closely.

“And Liam?” he asked.

I opened my mouth, then I closed it, because the truth was…

I didn’t know how to answer that. So outwardly, I smiled.

“I came back for my roots,” I said lightly, “and my work.”

He didn’t look convinced. Inside my chest, something twisted because deep down…

I knew the truth. I wasn’t just here to help. I wasn’t just here for roots. I was here to make Liam and Cassandra feel what I felt three years ago: pain, shame, helplessness, and yeah… revenge.

Revenge tasted bitter, but it was the only flavor that kept me alive.

I wasn’t proud of that, but I wasn’t sorry either.

Adrian studied me for a long moment, then he leaned back.

“Just make sure you don’t lose yourself,” he said quietly, and I smiled.

“Don’t worry,” I said. “I already lost myself once. I won’t do it again.”

He nodded slowly.

A knock interrupted us, and I frowned.

“Who’s that?” I asked.

Before Adrian could answer, the door opened, and Cassandra walked in with guards… not waiting to be let in.

“Good evening,” she said sweetly. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

I crossed my arms.

“You are,” I said calmly.

Her smile didn’t fade. She walked in like she owned the place while the guards stayed by the door.

Adrian stood beside me, and Cassandra clasped her hands together.

“I just wanted to welcome you properly,” she said.

“That already happened,” I replied.

She laughed softly.

“Oh, come on. We barely talked.”

She glanced at Adrian.

“Alpha Adrian,” she said politely. “Your presence is… impressive.”

Adrian didn’t respond, and I almost laughed as Cassandra turned back to me.

“So,” she said lightly, “how are you settling in?”

“Fine,” I said.

She nodded like she cared. Then she sighed dramatically.

“To be honest,” she continued, “I’m worried.”

I tilted my head.

“About what?”

“The cure,” she said.

I stared at her.

“Doesn’t something that strong have side effects?” she asked gently. “I mean, miracles always come with consequences, don’t they?”

I smiled.

“No,” I said. “It’s tested. It’s safe.”

Her eyes sharpened slightly.

“But what if something goes wrong?” she pressed. “People could die.”

“They were already dying,” I replied.

Her lips tightened, then she leaned closer.

“And what do you really want, Serena?” she asked softly.

I blinked as her voice dropped.

“Why did you suddenly come back with this cure?” she asked. “Is it really just kindness?”

The sweetness in her voice disappeared, and her eyes turned cold, but I smiled back.

“Why?” I asked. “Are you scared?”

She stiffened for a second, then she smiled again.

“I’m just cautious,” she said.

I leaned forward slightly.

“Don’t worry,” I whispered. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

Her eyes flashed, and she straightened.

“Well,” she said lightly, “I just wanted to check in.”

She turned toward the door, then paused.

“Oh,” she added over her shoulder, “I’m watching you, Serena.”

“I am delighted to be watched,” I threw back at her with sarcasm.

Then she walked out with her guards… the door closed, and silence filled the room.

I exhaled slowly as Adrian looked at me.

“Interesting guest,” he said.

I laughed.

“You have no idea.”

The next morning, I woke up alone. The bed beside me was empty, and for a second, I frowned. Then I heard it… growls coming from the workout room. Adrian was training.

I stretched lazily and got up. I freshened up, brushed my hair, washed my face, and then I walked toward the kitchen.

I was halfway there when—

BANG!

Someone knocked loudly on the door like the world was ending.

I opened it to see a maid standing outside. Her face was pale, and her hands were shaking.

“Luna Serena,” she panted.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

She swallowed hard.

“You need to come to the pack house…!” she said.