I Am The Luna

ZAIA. I stare at him trying to process everything he has just told me. My mind and emotions are wreaking havoc within me. How is this possible?

How could Mom do this?

How could she lie to me like this?

Annette is Mom’s sister?

I’m conflicted, but it’s clear he is not lying. There is so much to take in, including the fact that Annalise and I are not sisters but cousins. It’s our moms who are half-sisters, something even Mom doesn’t know.

This is a mess. First, I learn I have a brother, then I learn Dad had a brother, followed by me learning that Annalise is not my sister and that Annette is Mom’s sister.

That’s… confusing. But more than that is the fact that Mom cheated. I am unable to process how she always portrayed herself as the one being cheated on.

She genuinely looked the part too… I had seen her sadness and her struggle so many times. It’s not possible, I mean I believe Dad but is there a possibility it’s a lie? A misconception or maybe even a trick?

I’ve seen the raw pain Mom’s been in…. the sadness at the fact Annette stole her mate. That can’t be faked, can it?

Only a terrifyingly good actress could put up such an act for so many years. There’s got to be more to it!

She told me when I was old enough that it had broken her, realising Dad had cheated on her and wanted to be with his mistress. Why would she do that and break down into tears?

“Dad…” I say softly, we’ve never been close until the last few years, and even now I feel we are still becoming closer.

I don’t know if he’d appreciate my concern, but right now, I can’t hide the pain I feel for him. I love him and I want him to know I will always be here for him. “Look at me.”

He looks up from where he had his head hanging, and I smile gently. “Things will be alright…” I promise. Will it?

How do you recover from betrayal after betrayal?

“Of course.” He replies, reminding me of his usual self. My father is strong, that I know.

her. Is there a high chance that maybe… maybe it wasn’t her? Of course I won’t mention the truth

“No, it was definitely her, I saw her clearly, unless there is a woman

see…

Adam being brought to light.” He says

“I understand…”

must be revealed… but until all this mess with the Blood Born and these attacks is sorted

it. You are not going to prison father,” I say, a sudden thought occurring to me. “I have a plan …I can do this

I question her about it. If there’s even a ray of hope that maybe, just maybe, something is untrue in this entire situation – something that was

of Mom, I want to see her reaction when I show it to her.

you want, and if that’s what you need to do

that you cheated… you never denied it and I always blamed you for that… but to learn that it was not you

change, Zaia. Are you certain you want to do this now?” he asks. “I don’t want it to cause issues between

“No, I want the truth… If you allow me

me will not leave this room, but I am also warmed by his words in defence of Mom. How can your views and respect

think over it before he nods slowly, frowning. “Very well,” he

looks tired, and I know he needs a

to it than just business rivalry, but he’s been through enough today. That can

let’s go

need to go home, Annette and I have already argued.” He says

away and

strong for me. It’s my turn to carry the weight for those whom I

I take the reports the guards had written up. Gaspard observes me for a

to Dad’s mansion first. I make sure Dad enters the mansion with Gordon, who is on duty, anyway. Only when the door shuts, do I tell the driver to take me home. One of my guards

files in my hand, I flip through them. Annette has gone as far as to threaten

out if there are others she’s blackmailed or abused… A.

just need to have more solid backing. Mom’s family knew about the Blood Born, which means there’s a chance

never knew she was her sister … is it

massage my temples, and I lean back against the leather seat, mulling over everything Dad had said. Adam…

Mom and Annette’s history…

When the car halts outside the house, I get out. Maybe I need a

towards the dark path that curls around the side of the house, and

didn’t shift because it is so, so painful… I felt like I was going

the door and head to Valerie’s room. Jai is fast asleep on the armchair beside the bed, his head on the bed, as he holds her hand loosely. I