Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 234: A Terrible Mistake

Tiana's POV

They didn’t even let me argue or ask questions. The guards surrounded me quickly before I could protest, two riding in front of my horse, two behind, and one walking beside me close enough to grab me if I so much as flinched. I wasn’t being treated like a guest from an ally pack or even a visiting commander. I was being watched like a threat.

The road into Silverfang had changed since the last time I’d seen it. There were more guard posts and barriers. I gripped the reins tighter, my gloved hands starting to sweat from something that had nothing to do with the sun.

The town came into view slowly, rising over the hill like a memory I didn’t want to relive. The tall stone walls were even taller now. The iron gates looked sharper. The crest above the entrance, the silver wolf baring its teeth in mid-howl still sat proudly in place. I hated that symbol. It felt like it was watching me.

I swallowed hard.

They took me past the first guard stations, then along a narrow road that led straight into the middle of the compound.

I was led into a large circular courtyard, the sound of hooves on stone echoed off the walls. Once we were inside, the guards dismounted without a word and gave me a short, sharp look.

It was clear I was supposed to get down too.

I obeyed, my boots hitting the stone ground with a dull, solid sound.

“He’s waiting for you inside,” one of the guards said. “Speak only if spoken to.”

I nodded once. My mouth was dry. My tongue felt heavy like it didn’t belong in my mouth anymore.

They led me through a wide hallway, and the air inside was cool and smelled of pinewood and metal. But for some reason, there was the scent of dried blood.

Old blood. It was buried in the stone, in the walls, soaked deep into the foundation of the Silverfang stronghold.

And then I saw Corvin. My heart paused for a second too long. He was facing away from us, speaking quietly to a younger man. Something flashed through my head from Erika's memories.

The man was Carlo, her mate who had betrayed her. I sucked in a sharp breath and chose to focus my eyes on Alpha Corvin.

He wore a long black coat that brushed against the floor when he moved, making him look like a shadow come to life.

His eyes met mine instantly as if he had been expecting me all along. His face didn’t change at first.

He looked different than I remembered. Older. Harder. The smug confidence he once wore like a second skin was gone. He looked even more dangerous without it.

“What’s this?” he asked.

Wow, I was reduced to a "what".

“Talia Rook,” one of the guards said. “Commander from Shadowclaw. She was traveling toward the eastern border.”

Corvin took a slow step forward, eyes scanning me from head to toe. He didn’t blink or smile. "You’re far from home,” he said. “Shadowclaw doesn’t usually send commanders out alone. Roman didn't let me know you were coming."

“I’m on leave,” I replied. “I’m visiting someone. It’s personal. Not an official pack business. That’s why I’m traveling alone.”

He walked toward me slowly, stopping just short of where I stood. His gaze narrowed.

“You smell like something dead.”

“I passed through Hollow Marsh.”

He tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing.

“I recognize that scent,” he said under his breath, almost like he was talking to himself.

My fingers twitched near the hilt of my sword.

Corvin’s eyes dropped to the weapon. He pointed at it with a nod.

“That’s wolfbone leather. Rare. Expensive. Very specific craftsmanship,” he murmured, circling me like a predator. “That grip... It is like someone I know."

I locked eyes with Carlo just then, there was a look of recognition and pain and maybe longing perhaps, in his gaze.

He stopped behind me. I could feel the heat of his breath against my neck.

“You remind me of someone,” he said softly.

“Do I?” I asked, trying not to show my nervousness around him.

There was a long silence and then he spoke again, and his voice was even softer this time.

“Take her to the holding chamber,” he ordered. “Remove all weapons. Don’t let her out of your sight.”

One of the guards stepped forward. “Alpha—”

Corvin raised a hand, and the guard went quiet immediately. He looked at me one last time and then at Carlo, and this time, I could feel it in my bones that he knew. He didn’t just suspect. He knew who I really was.

But he wasn’t ready to say it out loud yet.

My hands twitched again. Every part of me wanted to reach for my blade. But that would’ve been suicide. They’d kill me before I even unsheathed it. So I stood still. I made my voice as calm as I could.

“It’s important that I return before my leave ends,” I said. “If you send a fast enough rider to Alpha Roman, he’ll confirm everything. He knew where I was going. He’ll tell you I’m telling the truth.”

“Even if you are from Shadowclaw,” he said slowly, “something about you feels… wrong.”

That hit me like a slap, but I didn’t show it. I wouldn’t give him that satisfaction.

I stepped forward.

“Locking up a commander from an allied pack doesn’t send a very good message,” I said. “I gave my name. I explained my reason for traveling. I’ve offered proof. I’m not a spy. I’m not a threat. I’m a high-ranking officer doing what I’m allowed to do on leave.”

The guards behind him shifted uncomfortably. I'm sure they were used to no one challenging Roman.

“Alpha Roman will want to know,” I continued. “He’ll want to know why Silverfang imprisoned one of his own without cause. Without evidence. Without a trial. That doesn’t sound like loyalty. That sounds like fear.”

Corvin’s jaw tightened and his lips twitched, but he said nothing.

“Are you threatening me?” he asked finally.

“No,” I replied. “I’m asking you a question. One you should be asking yourself. What happens if I don’t go home? What happens when Roman hears about it?”

As soon as I said those words, it was as though I could tell he had a flashback to something. There was a hint of recognition on his face.

“You’re bold for a commander,” he said.

I tilted my head. “Maybe. But I’m not wrong.”

He didn’t speak right away. His eyes dropped to my hair. His brow lowered, eyes narrowing.

“Your hair…” he said quietly, taking a step closer. “Is that your real color?”

And right then, I realized challenging him was something only Erika had the guts to do.

Shit.