Chapter 8
In this chapter, Roana confronts the Lycan King about his request for her to become his contracted Luna, rather than his true mate. She feels a mixture of hurt and humiliation, sensing that he is reluctant to claim her fully. The King explains that being a real Luna would bring unwanted responsibilities and enemies, and that all he currently needs is a contracted Luna for political appearances, especially since the Alpha Council of the Northern Region threatens his throne and is holding someone important hostage to test him.
Roana demands a genuine reason for his request and expresses her fears and insecurities about her worth and appearance. The King challenges her self-deprecating view, telling her that abandonment does not mean unworthiness and encouraging her to prove those who doubt her wrong. His words strike a deep emotional chord, stirring conflicted feelings within Roana as she struggles with her past and her sense of identity.
Despite her initial refusal, the King’s sincere and commanding presence begins to break through her defenses. He reassures her that she is not ugly and that her value is not determined by others’ opinions. As the storm rages outside, he reveals his own discomfort at being near her scent, hinting at a deeper connection between them. The chapter ends with a moment of unexpected intimacy, as he asks to rest near her, captivated by her presence.
Chapter 8
Roana,
The phrase “contracted Luna” hit me like a sharp slap across the face. A brief, tight laugh escaped my lips, more out of disbelief than amusement.
“So, you want me to pretend to be your Luna, not actually be her?” I tilted my head, watching as his silver hair fell carelessly over his eyes. A strange mix of hurt, humiliation, and insult churned inside me—as if he was too ashamed to claim me as his true Luna.
My words froze him in place. He stared at me silently for a few moments before straightening up and releasing his grip on my chin.
“Actual Luna?” he echoed, as if the idea amused him. “Princess Roana, you just said you want freedom. Being the real Luna—or the mate of the Lycan King—would only mean more responsibilities and enemies. Is that something you want p>
I narrowed my eyes, feeling a flicker of defiance. Despite being abandoned by so many, I still sensed there was something deeper, something more tangled beneath the surface.
“I don’t understand, Your Majesty,” I said, sitting down and watching him lean casually against the counter. “Why me? You could find someone strong, beautiful, and obviously devoted to you p>
His brow arched, a hint of challenge in his voice. “You can’t love me p>
I flinched, surprised by the question. “You skipped over the first two options, didn’t you p>
“Well, both those qualities already exist in you. So why bother?” he said flatly.
His words left me speechless. Both options… in me? What exactly did he mean by that?
“Besides,” he added, his tone suddenly cold and distant, “right now, all I need is a contracted Luna. Neither of us is interested in marriage, love, or any of that nonsense.” He shrugged, but there was a hollow edge to his voice, as if he was speaking more to himself than me.
“So, be my contracted Luna p>
“No!” I shook my head firmly. “I need a reason. Why do you need a Luna now? And why me? Is it because of the mate-bond?” A prickling unease crawled over my skin. “I don’t like lies. So please, give me a real reason why I should accept p>
My words seemed to catch him off guard. He shoved his hands deep into his pockets and stared at me with an empty, unreadable expression.
“The Alpha Council of the Northern Region has been eyeing my throne for years—long before I even took it,” he said quietly. “Right now, they’re holding someone very important to me hostage. They’re using her to test whether I’ll take a Luna or not p>
So, someone else was already caught in this dangerous game. He needed a replacement—someone to protect his throne, and probably the Southern Region as well.
“Given our situation, you’re clearly not interested in power or falling for me. But considering what Alexander and your parents have done these past weeks, it seems they’re determined to bring you back p>
I flinched at that. If this was true, then my parents would stop at nothing to control me.
“I won’t take you away or disrupt your new life,” he assured me. “But I need you as my Luna when I attend important meetings with international packs p>
“Wait—wait a minute! People will mock you for having someone like me by your side. You’re not blind. Look at me. This would be humiliating and p>
“Stop belittling yourself,” he cut in sharply, his voice suddenly cold and commanding. “I’ve been hearing this constant self-deprecation since the beginning p>
“Self-deprecation?” I snapped back, feeling a surge of anger. “This is my reality, Your Majesty. My identity. Ever since I understood who I was, I’ve known my worth. And I refuse to ignore it. I am fat, ugly, and pathetic. I know that. But I won’t put myself in a position where people will laugh at me. And if they do, I’ll tear them apart p>
“Do you really think being with me will put you in that position?” His eyes darkened with irritation.
I crossed my arms defiantly. “Won’t I? Why should I sacrifice my peace of mind just to be a contracted Luna? I’ll pass p>
“Even knowing the region is under threat from others p>
I fell silent. No words came.
“I don’t know,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “All I want is a life where I’m not constantly abandoned just because I’m not beautiful enough. I used to dream of being someone’s forever. But now, I realize it was just wishful thinking.” I took a shaky breath. “Please reject me. Maybe find your second-chance mate, Your Majesty. We don’t belong p>
Before I could finish, my heart skipped a beat and my body stiffened as his cold hands gently cupped my cheeks.
“Roana Milestones,” he breathed my name like a spell, leaning in closer. “You’re wrong p>
“Wrong?” I echoed, confusion knotting inside me.
“Yes.” His red eyes locked onto mine, burning like molten rubies. “Everyone in this world has been abandoned—not because they aren’t worthy, but because those people failed to see their worth p>
My eyes widened, his hands warm against my skin like flickering flames. But it was his words that echoed loudest: worth.
“Don’t believe you’re undeserving of the best just because others couldn’t recognize your value. Your parents and Alexander think you’re less because you’re not beautiful. Then prove them wrong. Show them you are more than a doormat p>
I couldn’t tear my gaze away from him. His words were intoxicating, sinking deep into my soul. Prove them wrong? Prove my worth? Could I really?
Tears spilled down my cheeks. I wasn’t sure what to make of him—the Lycan King, ruthless and determined to get what he wanted. Yet his words felt less like manipulation and more like a strange kind of healing. My heart, my wolf, trembled under the weight of those empty yet strangely comforting declarations.
“Why are you so desperate to make me obey you, Your Majesty? You don’t have to waste your precious time on me p>
“Well, isn’t it my choice how I spend my time?” He smirked, brushing my tears away with his thumb. “Think about it, Roana. Life is short—but it’s worth something when you know what you want p>
He released my cheeks and gave me a rare, genuine smile. “I’ll return tomorrow. By then, I expect your answer. Whatever you decide, I will respect it. But remember this—you are not ugly. Not in the slightest p>
My eyes widened, and my knees weakened. Not ugly? How could he say that with such conviction?
I pressed my lips together and nodded quietly. Who would have thought the Lycan King, who despised weakness, would one day tell me I wasn’t ugly? Life truly was ironic.
“Anyway,” he said, glancing toward the rain-streaked window, “it’s time for me to go p>
“What?” I whispered, alarmed. “It’s still storming outside. You shouldn’t p>
“It’s hard to stay here.” His eyes darkened, shadowed by something deeper.
“Wh-what? Are you uncomfortable? I cleaned everything earlier!” I glanced around the immaculate room, desperation in my voice.
“Well, it’s hard to stay in my mate’s scent. It’s been driving me crazy.” His voice dropped low, rich and dangerous.
I flinched, heat rushing to my face. His mate? How could he say that so casually?
“You still shouldn’t go out in this weather. I’ll try to block my scent to p>
“Don’t.” His grin broadened. “Instead, may I take a nap here? Your scent is—” He leaned closer to my ear, his breath warm against my skin, “seductively soothing p>
The chapter closes on a poignant moment of vulnerability and raw honesty between Roana and the Lycan King. Their conversation peels back layers of pain, self-doubt, and the harsh judgments they both carry, revealing a fragile hope beneath the surface. The King’s insistence that Roana is worthy and not defined by others’ cruelty offers a tender challenge to her long-held beliefs, planting the seed for her to reclaim her sense of self-worth. Despite the storm outside, an intimate connection begins to kindle, marked by his unexpected softness and her hesitant openness.
In this quiet, charged exchange, the themes of acceptance, identity, and courage intertwine, underscoring the complexity of their bond. Roana’s struggle with her self-image and desire for freedom clashes with the King’s pragmatic need for alliance, yet their dialogue hints at a deeper understanding and mutual respect that could grow into something profound. The chapter leaves us suspended in this delicate balance of power and affection, anticipating how Roana will navigate the choice before her—with the promise that she is not alone in her fight for belonging and love.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the complex and fragile dynamic between Roana and the Lycan King, as the weight of their unexpected bond begins to press heavily on both of them. The tension between Roana’s fierce desire for independence and the King’s relentless need for a contracted Luna will likely intensify, revealing more layers of vulnerability beneath their guarded exteriors. As Roana grapples with her own self-worth and the implications of accepting such a role, readers can expect moments charged with raw emotion and unspoken truths.
Meanwhile, the looming threat from the Alpha Council and the mysterious hostage situation will continue to cast a shadow over their fragile alliance, hinting at political intrigue and dangerous power plays that could shatter the tentative trust forming between them. The King’s cryptic motivations and his rare displays of tenderness toward Roana suggest that their relationship may evolve in unexpected ways, challenging both characters to confront their fears and redefine what it means to belong and to be valued. The storm outside mirrors the turmoil within, setting the stage for a chapter filled with tension, revelations, and perhaps a glimpse of hope amid the darkness.
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.