Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 381: The Marked One

Nova's POV

The weight of betrayal still pressed heavily on my chest as I left the council chamber.

My hands trembled at my sides, the urge to destroy something coursing through me.

Liora's face haunted my mind her laughter, her kindness, the way she had brought light to every room she entered.

Now, that light was gone, extinguished by Rowena's greed and fear.

I couldn't even look at Killian. His silence, his complicity, felt like another dagger in the back.

Drystan hadn't spoken since we left. His rage was simmering, barely contained, but I knew it would erupt soon.

We had to keep moving. If we stopped now, the weight of our anger and grief would bury us.

"Where to now?" I asked quietly as Drystan and I stepped into the night.

He didn't answer at first, his jaw tight, his gaze fixed on the dark forest ahead.

Finally, he said, "We need answers. If Rowena's betrayal is the beginning of this, the Rogue King is the end. And I know someone who might know how to end him."

"The marked man," I said, understanding instantly.

Drystan nodded. "Liora mentioned him in her journal. He's the only lead we have."

The journey back to where Liora and I used to live was long and tense. We moved quickly, our senses sharp, knowing that rogue patrols could appear at any moment.

The forest was quiet, the kind of quiet that made your wolf restless.

Drystan led the way, his movements precise and deliberate. I stayed close, my fingers brushing against the hilt of my blade.

Emberwood ruins was still fresh in my mind, and I wouldn't let my guard down

the center

from the chimney, the only sign of life in

is it," Drystan said, his voice

still here?" I asked, scanning the

stubborn to leave. If anyone knows

door. The sound echoed in the quiet clearing, and for a

man with a

gaze

up here," the man said, his voice

help, Gavril,"

the doorframe, crossing his arms. "And

said, stepping forward. "And if he gets what he wants, none

narrowing slightly. "You're Nova," he said. "Liora's

wolf stir, a mixture of pain

me once, asking questions about the Rogue King. Smart girl. Too

"Then you know what happened

he said bluntly. "And I know

arm, silently urging him to focus. "What do you know about the Amulet?"

the hut was cramped and dimly lit, the air

Amulet," Gavril began, lowering himself into a worn chair, "was created centuries ago by a rogue Almega who wanted to break the bond between Alphas and their Packs He believed it would free wolves from what he called 'oppressive hierarchies.' Instead, it destroyed

asked, leaning

said. "But it

and doubts, until it consumes its

"Then why does the Rogue King want

control it," Gavril replied, "He believes it'll give him the strength to overthrow every Pack in the region. And maybe

chill through me.

it was watching us, waiting for the