Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 134: The Weight Of Debt

**Erika’s POV**

As I walked out of the Constellation Room, the cool night air hit my skin, but it didn't do much to calm the weird feeling inside me. My hands were shaking a bit, and my mind was still reeling from everything that had just happened. The stars, the intense pressure, and the way Alpha Corvin had stared at me - like he was trying to figure out something he was scared of.

It was all still swirling around in my head. I took a deep breath and pressed my hand to my chest, trying to calm myself down as I made my way through the halls. I really needed to find Carlo. This strange, uneasy feeling wouldn't go away, and it was like a weight was pressing down on my ribs. I couldn't even explain it, but I knew I needed him.

I finally found Carlo by the stream, sitting on a smooth rock under the soft glow of the moon. He had his back to me, and his dark hair was messy from the wind. The sound of the water flowing and the leaves rustling in the breeze filled the quiet space around us. It was peaceful, but my mind was still racing. I felt a little better seeing Carlo, though. He always knew how to make me feel more at ease. I approached him quietly, not wanting to startle him. As I got closer, I could see the outline of his face in the moonlight, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I was glad I had found him. Now, I just hoped he could help me figure out what was going on with me.

“Carlo.”

He turned, and for a moment, the usual warmth in his eyes softened the storm raging inside me.

“Erika?” His brow furrowed slightly as he took me in. “What’s wrong?”

I sat beside him, pulling my knees up to my chest. “I—” I hesitated, staring at the water, then sighed. “I went to the Constellation Room.”

He stiffened. It was small, barely noticeable, but I saw it.

“With Alpha Corvin?” His voice was careful.

I nodded.

Silence stretched between us, the kind that made my stomach churn. He didn’t say anything, but I could feel his tension.

I told him everything. About the strange pull of the room, the way the stars had moved and every other detail. He listened without interrupting with his jaw clenched.

And still, he said nothing.

A quiet sigh slipped past my lips. I knew him well enough to recognize that something was wrong.

“You don’t like that I went there, do you?” I asked.

He exhaled slowly. “It’s not that.”

“Then what is it?”

A muscle in his jaw twitched. “I just… worry.”

I reached for his hand without thinking, intertwining my fingers with his.

“I’m fine,” I murmured.

He didn’t respond, just pulled me closer until I was leaning against his chest, his chin resting lightly against my hair. The world felt quieter like this, with his arms around me, the sound of the stream flowing beside us.

We stayed like that for a while.

The moment should have felt safe. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was watching us.

Then, the scent of someone washed over me.

Carlo tensed.

I looked up just as a shadow fell over us.

Alpha Corvin.

His expression was unreadable, his gaze flickering between the two of us.

And then, just as smoothly as he appeared, his attention landed on Carlo.

“I need to speak with you.” His voice was calm, and composed, but there was no mistaking it for anything less than an order. He also seemed to be avoiding my gaze.

Carlo stiffened beside me.

I turned to look at him, but he was already moving, already pulling away.

My chest tightened.

“You’re leaving?” I asked quietly.

He met my gaze and hesitated.

Then, with a sigh, he nodded. “I have to.”

I didn’t realize how much I had wanted him to stay until I felt the disappointment sink in.

But I forced myself to let go.

**Carlo's POV**

As I walked with Alpha Corvin to his chambers, the silence between us was deafening. I could feel the tension building up inside me. I tried to shake it off, but it only seemed to get heavier with each step. I had no idea what he wanted to talk to me about, but my instincts were telling me that this wasn't just going to be a casual conversation. Something was off, and I could sense it.

When we finally reached his chambers, Alpha Corvin stopped and turned to face me. He was looking like there was something unspoken hanging in the balance. I could feel his gaze on me like he was trying to read my thoughts. I met his eyes, trying to appear calm and composed, but inside, I was a mess of nerves and anticipation.

Then, he spoke, his voice low and even, but with a hint of something underlying that made my heart skip a beat. I leaned in slightly, my ears straining to Catch his words, my mind racing with possibilities. What did he want to talk to me about? Was it about Erika? Or was it something else entirely? I had no idea, but I was about to find out.

“Do you remember when I asked you a question three years ago?”

I blinked. “You’ve asked me quite a lot of questions in my lifetime, Your Majesty.”

His lips curled slightly, but there was no humor in it. “I asked you about your loyalty.”

And suddenly, I remembered.

My stomach twisted, but I forced my expression to remain neutral.

“Yes,” I said carefully. “I remember. And I told you my loyalty lies with you.”

Alpha Corvin nodded slowly, his piercing gaze never leaving mine. “Does that still hold?”

I felt something tighten in my chest.

I knew where this was going.

And I didn’t like it.

But I had no choice.

“Of course, Your Majesty,” I said, my voice steady.

He tilted his head slightly. “So, you will still choose me? You will choose me above every person, including your mate?”

I froze.

My mind raced, and for the first time in years, I hesitated.

I thought of Erika. Of her warmth, her presence, the way I had just held her by the stream.

And then I thought of everything Alpha Corvin had done for me. The weight of the debt I owed him. The life I had because of him.

I swallowed.

“Yes.”

The word tasted like ash.

“I would always choose you over anyone.” My voice was quieter now, but the words still felt heavy.

Even if it is my mate.

The second I said it, I knew I would regret it.

But it was already too late.