Chapter 11: Howl of Luna

VELIN

I couldn't believe my ears.

I stood there, listening from the hallway like a thief in my own palace, trying to confirm what Rowan and his brother were talking about.

Could it be…? No. No way.

Did Rowan go back to her?

It shouldn't be. It mustn’t be!

Because why the hell would he? After everything she’s done? After killing my son?!

Oh no. That witch is dead already. She just doesn’t know it yet.

I’ll show her the difference between a Luna and a wannabe Queen. I’ll make her regret the day she ever stepped foot in this palace. I’ll ruin her life so badly, she’ll have no choice but to walk out of here herself with nothing. And when she does, Rowan will be all mine.

I clenched my fists against my thighs, forcing myself to stay seated. My legs itched to march to Rowan’s chamber, to drag her out by her cursed hair and end her right there. But no, not yet.

I should be patient.

I was in my room, seated like a ticking bomb, waiting for Dorian, my most trusted servant and loyal right hand. He knew how to get things done. He knew how to clean up messes like this without raising dust.

Not long after, one of the guards announced his arrival.

“Your Highness, Elder Dorian is here to see you!”

“Let him in,” I snapped. There was no need for formalities today.

The guards opened the door, and he walked in with his usual calm presence, dressed in his soft sky-blue robe, hands folded together respectfully as he bowed. “Your Highness.”

I managed a smile, dry, but real. Dorian was the only one I could trust in this entire palace. Everyone else either worshipped Rowan or kissed that witch’s feet.

“I’m glad to see you, Dorian. How are your wives and children?” I asked, trying to ease into the conversation. He had two wives and six children, most of them girls, whom he always doted on.

“We’re all fine, by the grace of the Moon Goddess,” he replied, taking the seat I gestured to.

“Good,” I nodded slowly, then leaned in, lowering my voice. “Something is going on between Prince Finnian and Isolde.”

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He looked up, brows raised in shock. “Luna… are you sure about this?”

I nodded. “I didn’t catch them in the act… but I overheard something. Rowan confronted his brother… because he slept with her.”

Dorian blinked. “What?”

“Yes,” I hissed, bitterness crawling up my throat. “Rowan asked him why he would care about her. Why else would he say that unless Finnian had crossed a line?”

“But Isolde is his wife,” Dorian said quietly, trying to sound rational.

I let out a dry laugh. “Don’t remind me.”

It hurts to say it. To admit it. Rowan never truly loved me. He only had eyes for that barren witch. And then added that sly fox of a third wife as if I were nothing but a placeholder.

The witches had ruined everything.

Dorian frowned, digesting the news. “Well, if that’s true, Luna, this is serious. It’s treason. If Prince Finnian is caught, he and Isolde could be executed.”

“Exactly,” I whispered, my voice sharp. “Which is why we need to move carefully.”

He leaned back. “We could investigate quietly. It might even work to our advantage.”

That’s why I liked him. He always saw things the way I did.

“Do it,” I said firmly. “Watch them. Report everything. I want to know where they go, who they see, even if they’re alone together or not.”

He bowed slightly. “Yes, Your Highness. Consider it done.”

A bitter smile touched my lips. I’m going to avenge you, my son. No matter what it takes.

Dorian tilted his head. “Anything else you want me to do?”

I paused. Then it hit me.

“Yes. Trace Felda. She knows something. I’m sure of it. She’s been too quiet lately, and we all know how jealous and sly she is. She won’t let Rowan go that easily.”

Dorian gave a knowing nod. “Then we can use her against Isolde.”

I snapped my fingers. “Exactly.”

But then... I couldn’t stop the tears that suddenly welled up in my eyes. I hated this. I hate being so weak. But the pain was still there, deep and raw.

My sweet boy... My only child.

I had dreamt of him sitting on the Alpha throne, leading the Red Howl Pack into glory. And I, standing tall beside him, basking in power and respect. The mother of the King. The real Queen.

But now... all of it is gone. Wiped out. By that cursed woman.

“Queen Velin?” Dorian’s voice brought me back.

“I miss him,” I said in a hoarse whisper. “I really wanted to see my baby, Dorian.”

“The Moon Goddess will give you another heir,” he said gently. “One who will live. One who will stay with you forever.”

“Will she?” I asked, not expecting an answer. “Will she give me someone like my boy?”

“Yes,” he repeated, as if saying it enough would make it true.

I wiped my tears with the sleeve of my black royal dress. No. I wasn’t done. I would not rest until justice was served, even if Rowan himself refused to see the truth.

If he won’t punish the witch… then I will.

Suddenly, a voice came from outside the room. “Your Highness, the King requests your presence.”

Dorian stood at once, folding his hands. “It’s time for me to take my leave,” he said, bowing.

I nodded. “Yes. I’ll be waiting for your report.”

He left, and after adjusting my dress, I stepped out too. My thoughts were already spinning around what I might face in Rowan’s chambers.

When I got to his doors, the guards bowed. “Your Highness.”

I walked in and stopped short.

Felda.

Why was she here?

What the hell was Rowan thinking, calling us both at the same time?

I heard Felda hiss, clinging to Rowan’s arm like a tick. I ignored his gaze and walked straight towards her, ready to tear her apart.

I raised my hand to touch her, but she shifted back quickly.

“You’ll treat me with respect in this pack,” I growled.

She didn’t back down. “And why would I do that?”

“Because I’m the Luna of this pack!” I snapped. “No matter how many whores Rowan marries!”

“And I’m a Queen in this palace,” she barked back. “And you can’t do anything about it!”

“You’ll be sur...”

“Enough!” Rowan’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “I didn’t call you here to shout at each other!”

I clamped my mouth shut, forcing myself to calm down. She did the same, though her smirk lingered.

“Sit down. Both of you,” Rowan ordered.

I walked stiffly to a chair nearby, while Felda smugly sat beside him, still holding onto his arm like glue.

That bitch.

“I called you both because I want peace in the palace,” Rowan began. “Especially between the two of you. I want you to unite.”

I turned to him like he had grown two horns. Was he serious?

Felda was quicker to respond. “That’s not possible, King Rowan. My senior here would kill me without blinking. I can already smell it from her.”

I laughed dryly, my voice cold. “Did you hear what your so-called wife just said, Rowan? How can a wolfless witch smell anything?”

The words stung her. I saw the rage flash in her eyes. She raised her hand, ready to strike me with a spell, but Rowan was quicker.

He pulled her into his chest and held her tight. “Don’t you dare.”

“Tch. Let her try,” I said, standing tall. “I’m not a

fraid of her.”

And I wasn’t.

I knew how dangerous she could be, but I wasn’t afraid.

I was ready.

More reason why she must be erased from this pack. Soon.