Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 118: My Choice

**Erika's POV**

“No,” I blurted out, lying quickly to hide the blush threatening to spread across my face. My eyes darted nervously in all directions apart from him because suddenly I was shy in front of him. Why I was shy, I had no idea.

“You ready for this?” he asked, his voice low and steady. He tilted his head to the left a little and raised his eyebrows.

I nodded, a grin tugging at the corners of my lips. “Always ready.”

He mounted his horse with ease, and I followed suit, swinging myself onto my mare. We rode out of the stables and into the open field, the cool night air brushing against my skin. The ground was soft beneath us, and the stars above seemed to twinkle as we moved farther away from the pack’s territory.

“Alright,” Carlo said, pulling slightly ahead. “We’ll start simple. Just a little sparring. But don’t get too comfortable—it’s not going to be easy.”

I could already feel the adrenaline starting to pump through my veins. This was it. The moment I’d been waiting for. Sparring on horseback was nothing like anything I’d done before, and I was determined to show him what I could do.

He turned toward me, and with a sharp motion, urged his horse into a gallop, charging straight at me. I gritted my teeth and pushed my mare forward, the sound of hooves thundering against the ground.

We met in the middle of the field, and I swung my staff at him, the impact sending a jolt through my arms. He blocked it with his own weapon, and we began circling each other, our horses moving in sync. The speed, the challenge—it was incredible. My heart raced, my focus sharpening with every second.

With each strike, I felt myself loosening up, the tension from earlier slipping away. This was what I’d been missing—something that made me feel alive, something that gave me purpose.

After a few more exchanges, I managed to land a blow to his shoulder, knocking him back slightly. I grinned, the rush of victory surging through me.

“Gotcha!” I called out.

Carlo laughed, a deep, genuine sound that made my heart skip a beat. “You’ve got some skills,” he said, his eyes glinting with approval.

We slowed our horses, both of us breathing hard, and I couldn’t stop smiling. This was exactly what I needed. I wasn’t just learning to fight—I was starting to enjoy it. And for the first time, I felt like I was gaining some control over this chaotic new life of mine.

“Well, I’d say you’ve earned a break,” Carlo said with a wink. “But don’t get too comfortable—we’ve got more training ahead.”

I nodded, already looking forward to the next round. But for now, I was content. For the first time since everything had changed, I felt like I could do this.

And maybe, just maybe, I could learn to control whatever strange power was growing inside me.

But I wasn’t going to let myself get too comfortable. Not yet.

The night air was cool against my skin as I guided my horse into a slower trot than before beside Carlo’s. The sparring session had left my muscles pleasantly sore, but my mind was anything but settled.

There was something I needed to ask. Something that had been nagging at me since the Alpha first took an interest in me.

I stole a glance at Carlo. He looked calm, relaxed even, as he adjusted his grip on the reins. He always seemed so sure of himself, so steady. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to all of this than he was letting on.

I took a deep breath. “Carlo, can I ask you something?”

He glanced at me, one brow lifting. “Of course.”

I hesitated for a second, then just went for it. “Why exactly was the Alpha interested in training me? Because from what I can see, it doesn’t look like he wants me to join the army. So why all of this? What does he stand to gain?"

Carlo’s jaw tightened slightly. “Because he sees that you have potential.”

I scoffed. “And by potential, you mean the magic I supposedly have?”

He exhaled, his grip tightening on the reins. “Well… yes.”

I stared at him, frustration bubbling beneath my skin. “So why is the Alpha so interested? Shouldn’t this be my choice? If I want to explore whatever power I have buried inside me, shouldn’t that be up to me? Why is he involved?”

Carlo didn’t answer. His silence spoke louder than words.

I clenched my jaw. “This is because it’ll benefit him isn’t it?”

Carlo’s shoulders tensed, but he only shrugged. “Everybody who has a skill, any kind of talent—the Alpha is glad to have them use it for him. Whatever it could be for the pack."

I laughed dryly. “And what if I don’t want to?”

He turned his head toward me, his expression unreadable. “Everyone has a choice, Erika. But I’d advise you to take this seriously. This could help our pack.”

I stared at him, searching his face. “What exactly do you think this magic is? And why is the Alpha so interested in it?”

Carlo’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I genuinely don’t know.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You don’t know, or you don’t want to tell me?”

His gaze met mine, steady and unwavering. “I’m being serious, Erika. I would never lie to your face.”

Something about the way he said it made my chest tighten.

Silence stretched between us as we rode back toward the packhouse.

When we finally reached it, he escorted me to my room and at the entrance, he held me suddenly. His hands were warm, and firm as they gripped my waist. For a second too long, neither of us moved.

I wanted to say something but before I could speak, he stepped closer.

And then, without hesitation, he pressed his lips to mine.