Chapter 17 Chapter 17 81 55 vouchers " Lord Cassian please let me- " Genevieve's voice faltered , her next words swallowed by the thick , metallic scent of blood that hit her the moment she stepped inside . The sight froze her mid - step . Atasha was lying not too far from the center of the tent , half - wrapped in a blanket that looked more like it belonged on a battlefield than a bed . Her eyes were closed , her skin pale , but her chest rose and fell steadily . Her blond hair was damp with sweat , clinging to her forehead , and a faint flicker of warmth from a nearby brazier danced over her features . Alive . She's alive !? Celeste gasped softly beside her . " She's ... here ? " Genevieve's gaze darted from the bloodied towels in the basin to the faint traces of crimson staining the edge of the blanket near Atasha's ribs . Something clenched in her stomach . Obviously , it was not grief , guilt or confusion . It was frustration . She should've been dead . She expected Atasha to die from that attack ! How is she even here ? But before she could gather her next performance , a slow , unbothered voice cut through the tension . " You look disappointed , Luna , " Lord Cassian's voice echoed . " As you can see ... " Lord Cassian didn't rise . He was seated at a field table a few paces away , one leg crossed over the other , a porcelain teacup in his hand as though they were gathered for a leisurely evening chat rather than in a war tent soaked in blood and smoke . " My wife is resting . She's alive . And well enough . " His steel - gray eyes lifted to meet Genevieve's directly , though his tone remained polite . " I trust that satisfies your curiosity , Luna . " For a moment , no one moved . Then , Alpha Collin took a small , stiff step forward . He placed a fist to his chest and gave a shallow bow . " Thank you , my Lord ," he said . " For protecting her . Seeing her like this ... is enough to satisfy my wife's curiosity ." Cassian placed the teacup down with a soft clink , folding his hands on the table . " It is this lord's duty , " he replied coolly . " She is my consort . My responsibility . " Then the tone shifted . " Although ... what this lord does not understand , " he continued , voice still smooth but sharper now . " Is why the Luna would insist on barging into this tent when his lieutenant had already informed her that the consort was resting . His eyes narrowed just slightly . " Does the Luna not trust this lord's word ? " he asked . " Or perhaps , she does not trust this lord's men either ? " 11:05 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 17 81 55 vouchers Genevieve's throat dried . Again , her gaze drifted towards the pale Atasha . She tried to understand how was she able to live after that attack ! Then it hit her ! Someone must be protecting Atasha ! When Cassian left , she instructed all guards to leave that part of the mansion as well . But what if someone , one of Cassian's people , stayed ? Yes , that must be it . That was the only explanation she could think of . Cassian leaned forward slightly, elbows on the table . His next words dropped like stones into water . " And if the Luna does not trust this lord ... " Genevieve immediately looked at Cassian . She clenched her teeth and listened to Cassian's next words . This man is twisting everything ! He's clearly using this incident to his advantage . It seems that she had underestimated him ! " Then what , precisely , is stopping this lord from riding out tonight and taking his soldiers with him ? " Cassian said . The silence that followed was suffocating . Genevieve opened her mouth to answer , but the moment she did , she felt it . A wave of pressure , cold , crushing , and violent , flooded the space like an invisible storm . Killing intent . It rolled off Cassian in thick , suffocating waves , so potent it made the flame in the lanterns stutter . The ground itself seemed to pulse beneath their feet . Genevieve took an involuntary step back , her hands trembling despite herself . Celeste staggered , her knees nearly buckling as she gasped . Alpha Collin , sensing it first , acted on instinct . He stepped in front of his wife and daughter , shielding them with his body . " Lord Cassian- " he started , but the full brunt of the pressure hit him like a battering ram . " My Lord ! " Blood spurted from his mouth . He staggered , knees giving way , and collapsed to one side with a grunt , clutching his chest . His eyes wide with shock , pain flashing through them . " Damn it- " " Alpha ! " Celeste cried , dropping beside him in panic . " Father ! " Genevieve didn't move , and even if she wanted to , she couldn't . Cassian had not stood . He hadn't even raised his voice . And yet it felt as though the tent itself bowed to his will . " That , " he said coldly , gaze flicking down to Collin . " Is what happens when you insult this lord in his own camp ." 11:05 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 17 ... : 81 55 vouchers He stood at last , like a blade being drawn from its sheath . His presence filled the room . " I don't care for theatrics , Luna , " he said as he descended the few steps toward them . " This isn't a southern parlor where your tears dictate decisions . This is war . And I don't tolerate manipulation while my soldiers bleed outside this tent . " Genevieve straightened slowly , every inch of her spine locked tight with composure , even as her heart pounded in her chest . " I was only worried for my daughter's safety ." Cassian's smirk was cold . " Your worry is duly noted . Now take it elsewhere before I decide to bury it with the rest of tonight's dead . " " My - My Lord- " Celeste stepped forward , her voice shaking but still audible . She moved to shield her father . " I know you hate being disrespected , but please ... please understand . We only wanted to see my sister . Atasha - Atasha is- " " Princess , " Cassian cut in , his voice sharp enough to slice flesh . Celeste blinked , her wide eyes almost looked too innocent . " P - Pardon ? " His eyes locked onto hers , and in that moment , the room seemed to darken around him . " The girl you dare call Atasha ," he said . " Is my princess consort . Mine ." He stepped closer . Celeste instinctively backed up . " And yet here you are , tossing her name around like it belongs to you , " he continued , his tone dipped in disdain . " Tell me , little girl , is it arrogance ... or stupidity that makes you forget your place ? " He tilted his head , mock curiosity glinting in his eyes . " Or perhaps you believe you stand above this lord's authority ? A pampered child from a dying pack has the right to speak so casually of royalty ? " Celeste's lips trembled . " I ... I meant no- " " Silence , " he hissed . " Before I forget that you are still a guest in my camp , and not just another problem to be dealt with . " He turned then , gaze sweeping over the three of them . " You came here seeking answers , so allow me to offer one . The next time any of you dares to question this lord again , you won't be leaving upright ." Cassian's wicked smile returned . " And I promise you , no one will mourn you . As everyone who might care will die before you do . " 11:05 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 18 Chapter 18 : 81 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!