The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 301: A Good Beating

Cindy's POV:

Three carriages laden with gifts rolled grandly toward the Silverpeak Pack's territory.

Though most of the clan now resided in estates within the capital, tradition dictated that homecoming meant returning to the place that symbolized one's roots.

Dean Dross and the others had not left yesterday. They were resting in the newly rebuilt Silverpeak Castle, claiming they wished to inspect the reconstruction—and conveniently wait for our return.

Halfway there, at a narrow mountain pass, the convoy ahead suddenly slowed.

"What's going on?" Adam frowned.

"Your Highness, it looks like someone's blocking the road," Chase leaned out for a look. "Hah, small world. It's Duskfang Pack's convoy."

My heart stirred. I lifted the curtain and glanced outside.

Sure enough, not far ahead, a rather modest procession crawled forward.

It had to be James and Carrie returning to their pack.

They, too, had wed yesterday. By custom, today was their homecoming as well.

But compared to the bright festivity on our side, theirs felt heavy and muted.

James rode at the front on a thin horse.

Even from a distance, I immediately sensed something was wrong.

His posture slouched, utterly lacking the upright bearing he once carried as a general.

As our carriage drew level with him, I couldn't help taking a closer look.

The sight made me suck in a breath.

Was that truly James?

His once sharp, handsome face was mottled with bruises—blue and purple, swelling like overproofed dough.

One eye was so swollen that it was reduced to a slit. His lip was split, covered by a crude medicinal patch. Even the hand gripping the reins was wrapped in thick bandages.

This was no groom. He looked like a loser dragged out of an arena.

"Pfft—"

Beside me, Adam let out a sound that was clearly a suppressed laugh.

I turned to him. His brows were raised, lips curved in undisguised satisfaction, eyes gleaming with the delight of vengeance served.

"Should've kept his mouth shut," Adam muttered under his breath.

James seemed to sense our gaze and turned.

When he saw the royal crest upon the carriage—saw Adam and me seated side by side—rage and humiliation flared in his only good eye.

He glared at Adam as though he could kill him with that look alone.

But he did nothing. He merely dug his heels into the horse and urged it forward, as if fleeing the scene of his disgrace.

Adam calmly lowered the curtain, clearly in even better spirits.

"Better he vents it out," he murmured. "Makes things interesting."

I looked at him, puzzled. "What happened to him? Did Evelyn and Madam Carrie beat him up? Those two she-wolves aren't gentle, but that's going too far."

"No idea." Adam shrugged innocently, feigning ignorance. "Perhaps. Domestic disputes are unpredictable. Maybe he underperformed on his wedding night."

I sighed and shook my head. "That's brutal. His face is so swollen he's barely recognizable. For a former general, that's humiliating."

Adam shot me a glance. "It is brutal. Should I have Chase send him some royal restorative salve tomorrow? After all ... we were comrades once."

I stared at him in disbelief.

Since when was Adam so magnanimous? Sending medicine to a rival?

"Not necessary—" I began to protest, but a spark of realization suddenly flashed in my mind.

I looked at Adam's barely contained grin—and at Chase's trembling shoulders at the reins.

"Adam," I said softly, locking eyes with him. "You had him beaten, didn't you?"

His smile froze for a fraction of a second.

He rubbed his nose, gaze shifting—no denial.

"He was too damn mouthy that day," Adam muttered defensively. "I held back at the plaza. That was already generous. Later ... I just told Chase to find a few bros to 'loosen his bones,' teach him some manners. Who knew Chase would go that hard..."

Watching him look like a guilty husband bracing for scolding, I felt both exasperated and amused.

"Reckless!"

I kept my face stern, brow pinched.

The light dimmed in his eyes at once.

"You're ... worried about him?" His tone turned sharp with jealousy. "He deserved it! You didn't hear the filth he spewed that day in front of everyone. He said you were—"

Adam clenched his jaw, unable to repeat the insult.

Seeing the jealousy and fury tangled in his expression, my heart melted.

This fool had been avenging me.

"I'm not worried about him," I explained gently. "I'm worried about you. Reginald hasn't left yet. He despises private brawls. If word reaches him, do you plan on facing punishment at the academy?"

Adam blinked.

He clearly hadn't expected that.

Then joy exploded across his face like fireworks.

He seized my hand, leaning closer, eyes shining. "You're worried about me? Cindy—you're worried Reginald will punish me?"

"Of course, I am." I arched a brow and shot him a look. "You've never felt Reginald's iron fist. It hurts. If you get beaten up, who do you think will feel worse? Me."

Adam stared at me, grinning like a boy handed candy.

He pulled me into a tight embrace and planted a fierce kiss on my cheek.

"Worth it! Even if I get beaten, it's worth it!"

Up front, Chase let out a loud sigh and flicked the reins.

The carriage wheels carved deep tracks through the snow as we continued toward Silverpeak Pack.

Behind us, James's battered, lonely figure faded gradually into the drifting white.