His Abandoned Luna Chapter 159

|| Lilac's POV ||

The celebration hummed around me, laughter and clinking glasses grating against my frayed nerves. Torchlight flickered across the garden, casting long shadows that seemed to twist like living things. My fingers clenched around my wine glass hard enough to shatter it.

Ezra had helped Elias to a seat, the picture of gracious victory. My little brother—my sweet, reckless brother—was smiling as if he hadn't just dismantled a seasoned warrior in front of the entire kingdom.

"Sorry, I hope you won't take it personally," Ezra said, handing Elias a cloth for his bleeding lip.

My vision tinted red.

I strode forward, my silk skirts whispering against the grass like a blade being drawn.

"Why? Why would you challenge him during the Ceremony?" The words tore from my throat before I could stop it.

Ezra blinked at me. "Come on, Lilac. It was a good spar!"

"Shut up," I snapped, never taking my eyes off Elias.

He looked up at me, his too-blue eyes wide with feigned innocence. The bruises on his face were already fading—werewolf healing at work. It made me want to hit him again.

"You were supposed to be training him," I hissed, low enough that only he could hear. "Helping him. Not trying to humiliate him in front of the entire court."

Elias stood slowly, towering over me. "I never meant to disrespect him."

Liar. The word burned on my tongue. "Then why challenge him at all?"

"To spare him from the weight of war," he said, pressing a hand to his heart like some tragic hero. "He's just a boy, Lilac."

My nails bit into my palms. "Is that what this was about? My Beta lineage?"

His expression darkened. "Never. I can't believe you'd accuse me after all I've done for you."

The gall of it stole my breath.

Before I could retort, my father's voice rang across the garden.

"Thank you all for gathering here tonight!"

Dad stood at the center of the terrace, a crystal glass of amber whiskey in hand. The torchlight caught the silver streaks in his hair, making him look every inch the retired general—regal, untouchable.

"We witnessed quite the spectacle earlier," he continued, raising his glass toward Ezra. "My son has proven himself worthy of the Beta title. But more than that—he’s proven the strength of our bloodline."

The crowd erupted in applause. I didn’t clap. My skin prickled with unease.

I retreated to the shadows, grabbing a glass of wine from a passing servant. The bitter tang of it grounded me—barely.

Then the reporters descended.

"Mr. Blackwood," one called out, a sleek woman with a voice like poisoned honey. "Rumors say your daughter was kidnapped recently. Is there any truth to that?"

My glass froze halfway to my lips.

Coco.

I found her instantly, standing beside Kael, her lips curved in a serpent’s smile.

So this is her play.

Another reporter, a man with a hawkish nose, chimed in. "We also heard she was... touched improperly during the attack."

The wine turned to acid in my mouth.

Then—Elias.

Somehow, he’d maneuvered himself beside my father, close enough to be included in the conversation. When had he moved?

"You’re her mate, correct?" the reporter pressed. "What do you say to these allegations?"

Elias straightened, the picture of noble outrage. "She did encounter an attack in the woods."

You bastard. My fingers tightened around the glass.

"There were so many of them, and the—"

"I’m thankful Elias was with her," Dad cut in smoothly, his voice like steel wrapped in velvet. "But let me clarify—my daughter was never kidnapped. She was always home, always safe. And her mate is a classified warrior. It would be impossible for anyone to harm her under his watch. Isn’t that right, Elias?"

The trap snapped shut.

Elias’ jaw twitched. "That’s right. No one can harm her when I’m around."

Checkmate.

Dad’s smile was razor-sharp. "Since you’re all aware Lilac has found her soulmate, let me share another joyous announcement. We’ll be holding their mating ceremony soon. Invitations will follow."

My glass slipped from my fingers, shattering on the stone.

Mating ceremony?

My gaze flew to Alaric—and my stomach dropped.

He was smirking.

As if sensing my stare, he raised his glass in a mocking toast, his eyes glinting with something dark. Amused.

What the hell are you all planning?

Coco appeared at my elbow like a phantom, her cloying jasmine perfume making my stomach roil. "Congratulations." Her fingers brushed my arm, cold as a grave. "Though one wonders... will your mate still want you after those nasty rumors?"

I turned slowly, deliberately. "You planted those stories."

She examined her perfectly manicured nails. "I have no idea what you mean."

"You knew about the kidnapping because you orchestrated it." My voice dropped to a growl, my human teeth aching for the sharpness of my wolf's fangs. Only if Runa were around. I swear I would have pinned her here. "Those rogues answered to you."

Her laugh tinkled like breaking glass. "Prove it."

Then she was gone, melting into the crowd like smoke, leaving me standing amidst the shards of my shattered glass with blood on my hands and a terrible certainty taking root in my chest. The entire game had changed.