Chapter 16 Chapter 16 81 55 vouchers " I told you ... didn't I ? " Alpha Collin Black hissed . " We cannot do this now ! " He held his wife's arm trying to pull her away from the tent . " We are currently- " " I merely want to see my daughter , " Genevieve hissed . The rain had not let up . It beat mercilessly against the northern canopy , drumming down the leaves in a constant rhythm like the war drums of the gods themselves . The forest floor had turned to mud , a thick , sucking quagmire that clung to every step , swallowing boots whole and making the very act of standing feel like defiance . Rainwater streamed through the trenches , carving shallow rivers that ran slick with ash and blood . The wind carried the tang of iron and wet bark , and overhead , lightning spiderwebbed across the sky like a warning from the heavens . Yet none of that stopped Luna Genevieve . She stood just outside the central war tent , cloak soaked through , raindrops catching in her black hair like a crown of cold fire . Her head was bowed in the perfect image of maternal grief , and her hands trembled as she clutched them before her chest . She didn't flinch when thunder cracked above her . Celeste stood beside her , pale and trembling , arms folded over her soaked gown . Every now and then she glanced toward the soldiers passing nearby , ensuring their eyes stayed on them . She pressed closer to her mother , like a daughter seeking comfort . It was all part of the performance . Genevieve dropped to her knees in the mud . " My Lord Cassian , " she called , loud enough for every ear within shouting distance to hear . Her voice wavered , practiced to perfection . " Please ... I beg of you . Let a mother see her daughter . " The words echoed . Heads turned . Curious whispers rippled through the ranks . The sight of the proud Luna , on her knees , soaked , voice breaking , was a scene crafted for witnesses . And Genevieve knew it . She could already feel their gazes on her like a thousand invisible hands . The weight of attention pressed in , and she smiled to herself . Let them watch . Let them believe . Behind her , Alpha Collin gritted his teeth . " Genevieve , stop this , " he hissed under his breath , gripping her shoulder . " We have bigger things to deal with , our patrols are stretched thin , the 11:05 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 16 Genevieve stiffened . " How dare you- " 0 : 81 55 vouchers " I dare because I bled tonight , " Rio snarled . " Because my people bled . And you , standing here , stirring panic , sowing doubt , insinuating that my Lord , the Prince of the North , has harmed your daughter ? Are you trying to distract us ? Because if you are ... that sounds a lot like treason . " For a moment , the only sound was the rain pounding harder against the tent , and the distant roar of thunder rolling across the mountains . Genevieve's jaw ticked . She had not expected this level of pushback . Rio was clearly sharper than she anticipated . Still , she wouldn't retreat . " I don't care about politics , " she said , raising her chin . " I only want to see my daughter ! " " You want to be seen wanting to see her ," Rio snapped back . " Don't pretend otherwise . " " You- " For a split second , Genevieve appeared stunned , lips parting in mock disbelief . But inside , satisfaction bloomed . This was exactly what she wanted . The more resistance they threw at her , the easier it would be to twist the story , make them all believe Lord Cassian had something to hide ... something violent . " If she's hurt ... if she's ... gone ... we have the right to know ," Celeste said suddenly , her voice cracking just enough to sound real . " At the very least , let our physicians examine her . She's still the Alpha's daughter . Please ... I'm begging you . " Rio stepped forward , boots squelching in the mud , his presence like a drawn blade . " Enough . Leave . We don't have time for this circus ." " Luna . Celeste , " Alpha Collin snapped through gritted teeth . He had seen enough . With one swift motion , he grabbed Genevieve by the elbow , dragging her back without ceremony . " Return to my tent . Now . " Genevieve hissed in protest , trying to yank free , but he didn't loosen his grip . " And you too , " he growled at Celeste , eyes sharp with warning . However , just as they turned to leave , the flap of Cassian's tent rustled open . Physician Mendez stepped out , rain beading along his shoulders , his expression cold as he eyed them . " The Lord is willing to see you now ," he said calmly , eyes sweeping over each of them . " Please , Come in . " 11:05 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 16 outer ridge was breached just hours ago . This is not the time for theatrics . " 55 vouchers Genevieve didn't even look at him . " This isn't theatrics , " she said sweetly . " I am a mother , Collin . How do you want me to deal with this , huh ? " " I warned you about this- " The flap of the tent snapped open , and a towering figure stepped out , drenched in rain but solid as a wall of stone . Lieutenant Rio walked out . " Step back , " Rio said coolly , his hand resting on the hilt of his blade . " The Lord is occupied ." Genevieve didn't rise . She lifted her face toward Rio , her tears indistinguishable from the rain . " Please , " she whispered , her voice cracking . " I only want to see my daughter . I want to know she's alive ." " You're here to cause a distraction , " Rio replied sharply . " That's all this is ." The words cut through the gathering crowd like a knife . Celeste stiffened beside her mother , her fingers twitching . " That's not true , " she said weakly . Rio's gaze shifted . " Is it not ? Because where I stand , my brothers and sisters lie gutted in that tent . My Lord hasn't slept . My comrades haven't stopped bleeding . " He took a step forward , the mud squelching under his boots . " And here you are , making a spectacle . Kneeling like a widow before a grave when your daughter isn't even confirmed dead ." Genevieve's eyes narrowed . " Then let me see her , she challenged . " If she's alive , if you truly have nothing to hide , why refuse a mother her right to see her child ? " Rio didn't flinch . " Because you've forfeited that right the moment you let your daughter marry to the lord , " he said coldly . " She is one of us now . Now quit your nonsense , stop planting doubt and undermining the Lord's commands or don't blame me for being ruthless ! " " What are you hiding , then ? " Genevieve snapped , rising slowly . " Is she too injured to be seen ? Or perhaps ... already dead ? Did Lord Cassian harm my daughter on their wedding night ? " Gasps rose from nearby soldiers . Genevieve smiled inwardly . Yes . This was her purpose all along . She wanted to use everyone to pressure Cassian into letting her see Atasha . Celeste looked between them , then lowered her head , as if barely holding herself together . " Mother , " she whispered , the perfect picture of a grieving sister . " Please ... " Rio's lip curled . " What I want to know , Luna , " he said , voice dangerously soft . " Is whether the Nightfall Pack is working with the enemy . Because that would explain a lot . " 11:05 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 17 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!