Chapter 16 : She Looked Like a Luna Chapter 16 : She Looked Like a Luna ( Alexanders POV ) I stood at Scarletts border , my jaw tight and my patience slipping fast . For an hour , I had been trying to teach her . The link through our minds was cold and empty Jason had tried too , his tone apologetic when his efforts failed . Shes completely blocked us out , Alpha . His voice echoed past my frustration . Tve even tried her personal number . I knew that already Jason had repeated it five times like it would change something . My hands fisted at my sides as I resisted the urge to lash out . Mason , my woll , bristled beneath my skin . He hated being ignored . And so did Shes probably already on her way to the mansion without you , Jason offered tentatively , like he didnt believe it himself but wanted to calm my spiraling frustration . I growled , not interested in guessing games . Part of me wanted to storm across Scarletts borders , break her damn shields , and force her to listen . She didnt block me before , not like this . Jason shifted on his feet , uneasy at my lack of response . Maybe you should contact Luna Victoria ? A sharp breath left me . I hated feeling cornered , hated knowing Jason was right even more . My mother would know where Scarlett was . She always did . With reluctance curling in my stomach , I reached out through the pack link . My voice was was harder than I meant , Anger bled into my my tone immediately . Victoria responded quickly , her presence sharp , commanding , and impatient . Yes , Alexander ? I didnt waste time . Has Searlett left for the mansion ? She has , Victoria answered smoothly , as if my question annoyed her . You should be here already , waiting for her . Not throwing tantrums outside her borders . I bit back an angry retort . Scarletts been uncooperative lately- Uncooperative ? Victoria interrupted , her tone chilling . You call her independence uncooperative ? Perhaps youve forgotten she has no reason to answer to you anymore , not after your antics with Grace . Grace isnt part of this ! i snapped before I could stop myself . Victoria was quick , precise , and sharp as always . Do not lie to me , Alexander . Youve spent every night beside your precious Grace , leaving Scarlett to be humilated in front of the Council . You didnt even deny the rumors at the pack courts last week , did you ? This alliance is more complicated- Its complicated because you made it complicated , Victoria hissed . Her voice carried the weight of years of experience as Luna , Fix it . Apologize to Scarlett properly . Sever your ties with Grace formally , for good . Mason growled in protest , but Victoria pressed harder , refusing to let me speak . The Northern Territory Council is watching closely she continued , her tone dripping with authority . Your position as heir is slipping , Alexander There was no bluff in her words . She had always been blunt with me , especially when it came to decisions about the pack . Victoria didnt stop there . Scarlett is the Councils favored candidate for Luna , and you know why . That emerald eyed wolf of hers is rare , powerful and a symbol of unity . You are being judged , and youre failing Her words hit like a blow straight to the gut . My fists clenched until my nails bit into my skin . My wolf Mason paced wildly inside me . Do not make me interfere more directly she added with a finality I couldnt argue with . She severed the link without waiting for my response I let out a rough breath and headed for my car . Anger burned under my skin as I drove toward the Amber Mansion , the weight of my mothers words heavy on my shoulders . By the time I arrived , the tension in me had festered into something nearly unbearable . The ancestral mansion loomed ahead , grand and unyielding as always . Its tall pillars and sprawling walls stood as a reminder of the Amber Packs long history . For generations , this place had witnessed the rise of Chapter 1 She Looked Like a Luna leaders , but today , it felt more like a trap … The moment I stepped inside , I heard the sound of voices my mothers warm yet commanding tone , followed by Scarletts quieter response . I walked toward the main hall , and the sight stopped me cold . At the top of the grand staircase stood Victoria , practically glowing with satisfaction . Beside her was Scarlett , her emerald eyes striking even from a distance , her posture firm and unbothered . But what caught my attention was the choker around her neck . Silver infused diamonds gleamed in the light , and the moonstone centerpiece seemed alive against Scarletts skin . It was an ancient symbol a ceremonial piece meant only for the future Luns of the Amber Pack It suits you perfectly , Victoria said , straightening the choker around Scarletts neck with the care of a mother doting on her daughter . As if it were always meant for you . Scarlett didnt respond right away , though I could tell by the slight tension in her shoulders that she wasnt completely comfortable . Luna Victoria , she said after a moment , her voice respectful but cold , this is unnecessary . Nonsense , Victoria replied smoothly , dismissing Scarletts resistance entirely . You are to be the next Luna . This is your rightful place . I swallowed hard , my jaw locking as I watched them descend the staircase . Victoria had threaded her arm through Scarletts , a calculated move to present unity and grace . Mason stirred violently within me at the sight of Scarlett like that . There was something primal about the way the choker rested against her throat- possessive instinct that I couldnt shake . But then Graces face flashed in my mind . Weak , her body racked with silver poisoning . The guilt hit me as hard as the instinct to claim Scarlett had . As they reached the main hall both women turned toward me . Scarletts gaze locked onto mine in seconds , sharp and unyielding . Her emerald eyes glinted dangerously , and for a fleeting moment , I saw her wolf Cora rise beneath her skin , meeting Masons energy head on . The room crackled with tension . Victorias sharp voice broke through before either of us could speak . Alexander , how wonderful of you to finally join us . Her tone was polite , but the dig was deliberate . Everything was deliberate with Victoria . Her grip on Scarletts arm tightened , her smile widening as if to taunt me Do you approve of the choker ? she asked , tilting her head toward the ceremonial necklace . Its the perfect symbol for our future Luna , dont you think ? Despite myself , I couldnt tear my eyes away from the choker . The moonstone faintly ly reflected the light , and Scarletts skin was framed perfectly by the ancient design . Mason growled low in my mind . It felt right seeing Scarlett like this like a Luna. But Graces faint cries filled my ears again . Guilt twisted in my stomach like a knife . Scarletts lip curled into the faintest smirk , her eyes sparking with something dangerously close to mockery . She could feel my conflict , I was sure of Victoria , of course , noticed it too . Her eyes glinted sharply as she tightened her grip on Scarletts arm . She had orchestrated this moment . Everything about it was a calculated move designed to force my hand . But I couldnt react . Not when the weight of guilt and responsibility chained me so tightly . The Council will be pleased , Victoria said with a pointed smile . Theyve been asking about the marking ceremony preparations . Isnt that right , Alexander ? Scarletts smirk vanished at the mention of the ceremony . Her expression hardened into one of cold defiance , though she remained silent . I clenched my fists until my nails bit into my palms . The intensity in Scarletts gaze , the heavy weight of Victorias manipulations , and the shadow of Graces lingering pain crashed over me like a tidal wave . I was drowning , trapped between the weight of tradition , guilt , and the undeniable pull Scarlett seemed to have on me . 2/3 Chapter 16 5. Looked Like a Luna In the room . My mothers calculated maneuvering hadnt escaped me , but for once , I felt Mason growled , restless and unsettled by the quiet tension in powerless to undo the mess surrounding me Mother , I said finally , my voice lower than I intended . A word ? Victorias smile only widened . Of course , she said smoothly . Tight after Scarlett and I finish discussing the traditional Luna ceremonies . Her meaning was clear Scarlett was her priority now . I was only the means to an end I watched them walk toward the private dining area , Scarletts steps measured and her aura unreadable even as the ceremonial choker glinted around her neck . My breath felt heavier , and my y steps faltered for a moment . Tradition , Expectations . Grace Scarlett . They all swirled relentlessly in my mind . threatening to consume me whole . As jealousy clawed at me , guilt gnawed deeper , and frustration mounted , all I could do was watch . Watch as Scarlett grew farther and farther away from my reach even while standing in the same room . Despite my loyalty to Grace , despite my tangled loyalties and feelings , I couldnt deny one thing . Scarlett wore the choker like she was born for it . Cora pulsed beneath her calm surface , radiating strength in a way the Council would recognize instantly She looked powerful . She looked untouchable . She looked like a Luna . And for just a moment , I hated how right it felt seeing her like that . 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