Chapter 28
The chapter opens with the protagonist seated at a desk, facing Lorenzo, who nervously questions the decision to bring Roana to an important Ocean Region meeting. Lorenzo suggests Carolyn might be a better choice, but the protagonist firmly asserts her authority, insisting that Roana is the rightful Luna and that the decision is final. She emphasizes that being Luna requires strength, insight, loyalty, and the ability to fight alongside the Alpha—qualities Carolyn lacks despite her household management skills.
As the tense conversation ends, a soldier arrives with critical intelligence: a secret passage near the mansion has been discovered, and although no Rogues have been detected there yet, five Rogues infiltrated the mansion earlier in the day. The protagonist reacts swiftly, ordering increased security measures to guard every entrance and corridor to prevent any further intrusion, showing her sharp, calculating leadership.
The chapter concludes with news that Roana has left the mansion on horseback and is heading toward the Rogues’ passage, prompting the protagonist to order soldiers to shadow her closely to ensure her safety. The protagonist reflects on Roana’s changed demeanor—her once confident spark replaced by a cold, determined resolve—as she follows their plan precisely, signaling a significant shift in Roana’s character and the gravity of the situation.
Chapter 28
I sank back into my chair, the smooth surface of the polished desk pressing firmly against my palms. Beside me, Lorenzo stood rigidly, the papers he held trembling faintly in his grasp. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a soft glow across the room, but it felt insignificant compared to the heavy tension radiating from him.
“Your Majesty, the Ocean Region’s meeting is approaching,” he began, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other.
His fingers nervously fumbled through the stack of documents as he placed them on the desk, the sharp tapping of the papers echoing in the otherwise still room. “Are you seriously considering bringing Roana to that meeting? Honestly, I believe Carolyn would be a far better choice p>
He stopped abruptly, swallowing hard, his eyes darting to mine and then quickly away. “We don’t know what might happen if you actually attend such a crucial gathering with her p>
I felt my knuckles grow white as I gripped the pen before me. Slowly and deliberately, I leaned forward, fixing my gaze on him like a trap. His hesitation, the subtle tremor in his voice—it all felt like a direct challenge I was not about to entertain.
“What exactly are you implying, Lorenzo?” My tone was calm, but beneath the surface lay a sharp edge, a steel resolve. “Are you questioning my decision to appoint her as my Luna p>
He recoiled slightly, almost imperceptibly, his hand brushing against his chest as if to steady himself. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, clearly struggling to find the right words under the weight of my stare.
“No! Absolutely not,” he finally said, voice tight and bordering on pleading. His shoulders were tense, and the faint tapping of his shoe against the floor betrayed the anxiety coiled inside him. “I would never question your judgment, Your Majesty. But… we can’t ignore the possibility that she might not be the right person to stand beside you p>
I leaned back once more, letting the pen spin lazily between my fingers, though my eyes never left him. A faint crease appeared between my brows—not from anger, but from the sheer effort of watching him squirm under my scrutiny.
“I feel your mindset is limiting, Lorenzo,” I said, letting the words hang in the air, sharp enough to make him flinch. “It is my prerogative to decide who is worthy to stand by my side. I have chosen her. That decision is final. There will be no further discussion on this matter p>
He stiffened visibly, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. A bead of sweat formed at his temple. His lips parted as if to speak, then pressed shut again, realizing the futility. My gaze held him completely captive; the silent weight of it left no room for argument.
“And about Carolyn,” I continued, leaning forward, hands clasped tightly on the desk. “She is not fit for the role of Luna, regardless of how skilled she is at managing the household. Being Luna demands far more than that—strength, insight, intuition, loyalty, and, of course, the ability to fight alongside the Alpha. These are qualities that cannot be learned overnight or feigned. If she cannot embody them, she has no place beside me p>
He pressed his lips into a thin line of reluctant acceptance. He knew it was true. We had tried to mold Carolyn into a replacement for her sister, but Carolyn lacked the courage to fight, to face cruelty, and most importantly, the willingness to shed blood.
I set the pen down firmly, my eyes softening just enough for him to catch the quiet, predatory satisfaction that came from knowing I was unchallenged. “Roana will accompany me to the meeting,” I declared, my voice dropping slightly, intimate and possessive. “Send the finest fashion designers to her. She will have everything she needs today. Nothing less p>
He nodded stiffly, as if releasing a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding since entering the room. “Yes, Your Majesty,” he said quietly, almost reverently. Turning to leave, I allowed my gaze to follow him to the door before returning to the papers scattered on the desk.
The silence was broken by the soft echo of boots approaching. One of my soldiers, young but alert, saluted crisply. “Your Majesty,” he said, his voice steady though I caught a subtle tremor beneath, “we have discovered a secret passage near the mansion. We have been monitoring it, but so far no Rogues have been detected in the vicinity p>
I narrowed my eyes, pressing my lips together thoughtfully. Raising a hand, I brushed a stray lock of hair from my forehead, considering the information carefully.
“Good. Keep a close watch on it. Any slightest movement—I want immediate notification. Nothing escapes my notice, not even the faintest shadow p>
The soldier hesitated, then spoke again, his tone urgent. “Your Majesty… there is another matter. Earlier today, five Rogues infiltrated the mansion. They may attempt an attack soon. We are coordinating patrols, but I thought you should be informed immediately p>
A subtle tension tightened my jaw, a flicker of irritation bubbling beneath the surface. I closed my eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply to steady myself. When I opened them, they were sharp, cold, and calculating.
“Five Rogues,” I repeated quietly, tasting the word. “How did they get in? Were they captured p>
“No, Your Majesty! But judging by the footprints disappearing around the mansion, it seems to be about five individuals p>
Turning back to the soldier, I issued orders without hesitation. “Reinforce the perimeter. All entrances and exits must be secured. Every guard in position. I want every corridor under surveillance. No one enters or leaves without my knowledge p>
He stiffened, saluted crisply, and then retreated, his boots echoing down the polished hallways. I remained at the balcony a moment longer, eyes tracing the possible routes the Rogues might take, calculating every scenario. My fingers clenched briefly before relaxing.
But what if they had already entered the mansion? No—it was impossible now. I had already doubled the security measures.
I silently hoped Carolyn would remain safe.
“Your Majesty—!” A sharp knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.
“Yes, come in,” I called, returning my attention to the desk.
“Your Majesty, we received information that Miss Roana left the mansion this morning. She took her horse with her,” the soldier reported.
“It’s fine. She is only riding her horse p>
“She is actually heading toward the Rogues’ passage. It could be dangerous if she encounters any. We don’t know what kind of Rogues we might face!” His voice was tense, fingers trembling slightly, and his eyes barely met mine.
“Then send two soldiers to shadow her. Do not let her get too close. We cannot afford to lose her now,” I ordered, leaning back into my chair.
“I will dispatch our men immediately!” He saluted before leaving the room. I exhaled deeply.
Roana had been following our plan exactly as agreed. She no longer spoke or acted like she once did. The confident spark in her eyes had faded, replaced by a coldness that was both unsettling and resolute.
The chapter closes on a tense yet resolute note, capturing the weight of leadership and the complexities of trust. The protagonist’s unwavering decision to stand by Roana speaks to themes of loyalty, strength, and the burdens of command. Lorenzo’s hesitation and the soldier’s urgent warnings underscore the fragile balance between caution and courage in a world fraught with unseen dangers. The emotional undercurrent reveals a leader who is both commanding and deeply aware of the risks that lie ahead.
In this moment of quiet determination, the fading spark in Roana’s eyes hints at the sacrifices made for duty and the transformation required to face an uncertain future. The looming threat of the Rogues adds a layer of suspense, emphasizing vigilance and the need for unity. Ultimately, the chapter reflects the resilience needed to protect what matters most, even when shadows gather close and the path forward remains shrouded in doubt.
The next chapter promises to deepen the tension as Roana’s journey toward the secret passage unfolds, shadowed closely by the soldiers assigned to protect her. There’s an undercurrent of unease as the possibility of an encounter with the Rogues looms large, threatening to disrupt carefully laid plans. The emotional stakes rise as the quiet transformation in Roana becomes more apparent, hinting at internal struggles that may soon surface.
Meanwhile, the looming threat of infiltration within the mansion keeps the atmosphere charged with suspense. The protagonist’s steely resolve to maintain control in the face of danger will be tested, and the delicate balance of power and trust among those closest to her may shift in unexpected ways. Readers can anticipate moments of quiet intensity and subtle revelations that will deepen the complexity of alliances and rivalries alike.
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.