Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 139: His Word Is Law

**Erika's POV**

I expected him to brush me off. To laugh. To tell me I was just a foolish girl who didn’t know her place.

But instead of the anger I was expecting, something else flashed across Alpha Corvin's face. For a split second, his mask slipped, and I caught a glimpse of something beneath. It was a flicker of unease, a hint of discomfort. But it was gone before I could even process it, replaced by his usual stoic expression.

He didn't say a word. He didn't even glance towards the infirmary where his wife's body lay. He just turned and walked away, leaving me with more questions than answers. And that? That made me more suspicious than ever.

Why wasn't he reacting like a grieving husband? Why was he so calm, so collected? It didn't add up. And that flicker of unease I had seen? That only made me more convinced that something was off. That Alpha Corvin was hiding something.

The guards dragged my mom away, and her cries got fainter as they took her out of the infirmary. It killed me to see her like that, but I knew I had to stay strong. For Elara's sake, if not my own.

I took a deep breath and turned to Elara. She was still on the floor, staring blankly at the spot where her dad had been standing. Her hands were shaking, and her breathing was all ragged. I knelt down beside her and wrapped my arms around her. She didn't push me away; instead, she just collapsed against me, sobbing uncontrollably.

"It's okay," I whispered, trying to sound calmer than I felt. "I'm here." Elara clung to me, her fingers digging into my arms like she was scared I'd disappear too. I held her tighter, letting her cry. I could feel her heart racing, and her body shaking with each sob.

I looked around the infirmary, but everyone was just standing there, frozen. Like they didn't know what to do. I felt a surge of anger, but I pushed it down. I had to stay calm for Elara's sake.

But my mind was already racing. What just happened? Why did Alpha Corvin react like that? And what did it have to do with my mom? I knew I had to figure it out, and fast. But for now, I just held Elara, trying to be there for her.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*

I paced back and forth in my chambers, my mind racing with questions. The Luna's death, my mom's imprisonment, Alpha Corvin's weird reaction... none of it added up. I tried to piece it all together, but it was like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces.

Alpha Corvin had no reason to kill his wife, at least none that I knew of. What could he possibly gain from it? Unless... unless this wasn't about gaining something, but about losing control. What if he killed her because he was angry? But what could he be angry about? The Luna had seemed fine just hours ago, healthy and lively. But clearly, something had been simmering beneath the surface.

I dug my nails into my palms, frustration building up inside me. I needed answers. And I knew just the person to go to. I found myself standing outside Beta Carlo's chambers, my heart pounding in my chest. He was one of the few people who might know something, and I was determined to get the truth out of him.

I knocked once, then twice. No response.

"Carlo," I called, pushing the door open.

He was sitting at his desk, his fingers steepled together, his expression unreadable. His eyes, however, told a different story. They were red-rimmed like he had been crying.

I frowned. "Are you okay?"

Carlo exhaled through his nose, shifting in his seat. "I'm fine."

I raised an eyebrow. "That’s a lie."

His jaw ticked, but he didn’t respond.

I stepped closer. "Carlo—"

"The Luna is dead," he said, cutting me off. "That’s what’s wrong."

I studied him carefully. Something in his tone felt… off. Like there was more to it than just grief.

"You were close with her?" I asked.

Carlo hesitated. "Somewhat."

I let out a short, nervous laugh. "Even you grieve the Luna more than the Alpha does."

His head snapped up. "Don’t say that."

I folded my arms. "Why not? It’s the truth."

Carlo didn’t argue, but his silence said enough.

I took a deep breath. "Do you know my mother has been sent to the dungeons for a crime she didn’t commit?"

His gaze darkened. "I’m aware."

"Then you believe she’s innocent?"

Carlo’s lips pressed into a thin line. "I don’t believe—I know she is."

I narrowed my eyes. "Then convince the Alpha. He’s just looking for someone to blame. Why does it have to be my mother? Why not the person who actually served the drink?"

Carlo let out a long, exhausted sigh. "There’s no convincing him."

I frowned. "What do you mean? You’re his Beta, his second-in-command. If anyone can reason with him, it’s you."

Carlo shook his head. "He’s still the Alpha, Erika. His word is law."

A heavy silence settled between us.

Then I asked the question that had been clawing at my mind.

"Was there something Alpha Corvin was mad at his wife for?"

Carlo’s entire body stiffened. His expression turned sharp. "What are you insinuating?"

I met his gaze. "Isn’t it obvious?"

His jaw clenched. "I think you should leave."

I took a step forward. "Carlo—"

"I said leave."

I flinched at the sudden anger in his voice.

"Why are you pushing me away when I need you?" I demanded.

His eyes flashed. Then, without warning, he stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor.

"Because I say so," he snapped. "Don’t question me. And this will be the last time you bring this matter up."

The finality in his tone sent a shiver down my spine.

Carlo was hiding something.

And I was going to find out what.