Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 181: The Moment Of Truth

**Tiana's POV**

There was a long, uncomfortable silence. It felt like nobody was breathing. Then, Alpha Roman sat up straight, his back stiff and his eyes fixed on me. For the first time, he sounded like he actually cared about what I had to say.

"What do you want in the palace?" he repeated, looking right at me. His voice was deep and commanding, but there was a hint of curiosity in it.

I looked back at him, trying not to show how nervous I was. My heart was racing, and my palms were sweaty. I hoped I wouldn't slip up and say something wrong. The nobles around me started to get interested, leaning in to hear what I had to say. They were all watching me, their eyes fixed on me like hawks.

I could feel their eyes on me, like tiny pinches on my skin. It made me shiver. Theo just sat there, his arms crossed, not saying a word. His face was like a blank piece of paper. He wasn't giving anything away. Layla sat next to him, looking perfect as always. Her hair was sleek and shiny, and her dress was immaculate. But she was interested, I could tell. She had a little wrinkle between her eyebrows, and her eyes were sparkling with curiosity.

Peter was a different story. He was already getting angry, his jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed. He looked like he was ready to pounce on me at any second. His hands were curled into fists, and his face was red with rage. I tried not to look at him, but I could feel his eyes on me, boring into my skin.

I took a deep breath and began my story. If I could just convince them, I might have a chance. "I want to fight," I said, my voice steady.

The room was quiet, but I could feel the weight of their attention pressing down on me. Alpha Roman studied me, his eyes narrowed, waiting for me to continue. I stood up straight, trying to look braver than I felt.

"After the rogue attacks, I realized something," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I had no way to protect myself. I watched people I loved die, and I could do nothing but run." I felt a lump form in my throat as I remembered that terrible day. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my emotions in check.

"I don't ever want to be that helpless again," I said, my voice cracking with emotion. Something flickered in Alpha Roman's gaze. It looked like approval, but I couldn't be sure.

Peter cut in, his voice dripping with skepticism. "You say you wish to fight," he said, his eyes narrowing. "Yet you stand here, dressed for servitude, not battle." He sneered at me, his lip curling up.

I turned to him, meeting his gaze. "Because I was desperate," I admitted. "I knew a servant selection would get me inside these walls. I thought that if I could prove myself here if I could show I was capable, maybe—just maybe—I'd get the chance to train." I looked at Alpha Roman, hoping against hope that he would believe me.

I let my words hang in the air, letting them sink in. I could feel Theo's gaze on me, heavy and assessing, but I didn't look at him. It was Alpha Roman who finally broke the silence.

"And why should I believe that's your only reason?" he asked, his voice low and even.

I hesitated, then took a careful step forward. "Because I know about the rogues," I said softly. A ripple went through the room. It was subtle, but I saw the way Peter's eyes flicked to Roman, the way Layla shifted in her seat. Theo's expression remained unreadable, but I knew I had his full attention now.

Roman's face was carved from stone. "What exactly do you think you know?" he asked, his voice neutral.

I took a deep breath. "It was all kept quiet, but people talked. I know about the rash. The one caused by the new rogue species. The soldiers who died at the border during those attacks..." I let my voice drop. "My best friend was one of them."

That wasn't entirely a lie. As Tiana, I had known soldiers who fought in those battles. Some of them had died. I had seen the truth with my own eyes, even if I wasn't part of the official reports.

Roman's fingers drummed against the armrest of his chair. A small, thoughtful movement. "And what do you hope to gain from this knowledge?" he asked.

I looked him straight in the eye. "I just want to survive," I said. "If I have to become stronger to do that, then I will."

Another silence fell over the room, heavy and oppressive. The nobles exchanged glances, some whispering to each other. I kept my face neutral, but inside, I was a mess. My heart was racing, and my palms were sweaty. This was it. The moment of truth. Either they believed me, or they didn't.

Then, finally, Roman leaned forward, his eyes locked on mine. "You want to prove yourself?" he asked, his voice calm and thoughtful.

I nodded, trying to keep my cool. "Yes."

Roman's lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smile. It was more like a challenge. "Then you will challenge my Beta to a duel," he said, his voice dripping with anticipation.

My heart skipped a beat. A duel? With Peter? I had expected a test, but this? This was something else entirely. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my nerves in check. I had come this far. I wasn't going to back down now.

"If it pleases you, Your Majesty," I said with a small bow. "And it will be an honor,” I said, turning to look at Peter and suddenly noticing there was a lost longing look of sadness in his eyes...

But then, I soon forgot it because of the strange electricity that seemed to connect our bodies even without touch.