The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 158

Chapter 158

-Ava’s POV-

“She lost the baby.”

That was the sentence I had braced myself for, the cruel inevitability lingering in the back of my mind. But what Isabella said next shattered that expectation but still I didn’t know if hee words made it any better.”

“There was a major complication that night… but the baby survived.” Her voice trembled slightly, her expression a mix of relief and uncertainty. “Crystal healed strangely fast, faster than even a normal werewolf should. But…” She hesitated, her eyes flickering away for a moment, like she was searching for the right words. “The news is that there’s a possibility it’s not over. I don’t really understand all the medical terms, but apparently, the baby was affected by the fall. The impact—it… it wasn’t without consequences.”

I closed my eyes, the wave of guilt that had been building since returned hitting me full force. My chest tightened, and my hands clenched into fists on my lap. It felt like no matter what I did, chaos and harm followed in my wake.

Isabella must have noticed the shift in my energy because she reached out, her warm hand wrapping around mine. “Lilian,” she said softly, her grip firm yet comforting, like she was trying to tether me to the moment. “Everyone saw that it was an accident. No one blames you for what happened that night. And with the news that the Alpha King had gone missing, whatever happened at the ball was instantly overshadowed. You know how things get in the moment–people focus on the next big thing. I’m sure by now it’s already forgotten by most of the realm.”

Her fingers tightened around mine, as though she were afraid I might disappear again if she didn’t hold on. “But you-“Her voice broke, and I could feel the raw emotion behind it. “I was so worried, Lilian. I was scared out of my mind. I didn’t know what to think. Two months–two,whole months, and no one could find you. No one knew where you were.”

I placed my free hand on top of hers, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I’m sorry, Bels. I don’t know how any of this happened. Everything just feels… unreal. Like a bad dream I can’t wake up from.” My voice cracked, and I looked down, unable to meet her eyes. “I didn’t mean to worry you.”

She managed a small, shaky smile, though her lips quivered slightly. “You’re here now. That’s what matters.” Her voice. softened, soothing the tension that had settled over me like a heavy cloak. “But you should get some rest. It’s almost one in the morning.”

I shook my head. “I can’t sleep, Bels. Not when I don’t understand what’s going on–or even how to process any of this. What happened while I was gone? Was there another attack? Did anyone try to take the throne?” My voice sped up, the questions tumbling out like water from a broken dam. “I need answers. And honestly…” I let out a bitter laugh. “I need a drink. I’m not sure I can take any more of this sober.”

Isabella let out a surprised chuckle, her shoulders relaxing slightly for the first time since she hugged me in the woods, “I didn’t think you’d actually say that.” She tilted her head, a mischievous glint appearing in her eyes. “Come on, then. Let’s go raid Grayson’s bar.”

I stood, the thought of a drink suddenly more appealing than anything else. But before I could take a step, Isabella’s gaze flickered up and down my frame, her nose scrunching slightly.

1

me. “I was trying to be polite, but… you

down at myself. I was still wearing the oversized shirt Grayson had taken from the hunters, its fabric now wrinkled and smeared with dirt and grime from everything

point,” I muttered, rubbing the back of my

her arms. “I’ll wait

don’t have to wait. I can meet you down

yet. I’ll listen for the shower running and

gravity of the situation, I couldn’t help but

ດ

months,” she shot back, her

I turned toward the bathroom, shaking my head.

with a soft thud, and turned on the shower. The sound of the water

I finally stepped under the water, the heat was almost scalding, but it was exactly what I needed. I let it wash over me, scrubbing away the dirt, the sweat, anti some of the tension that had been building since the moment I got back here. But no amount of hot water could scrub

months of my life, just… gone. No explanation. No answers. Only fragments of memories that didn’t make sense and

I thought about Crystal and her baby. Even though I despised Crystal and even though Isabella had said it wasn’t my fault, I couldn’t shake the

it on. It was long

her phone. She glanced up as I

better?” she

“Marginally,” I admitted.

and stood, gesturing for me to follow

at this hour, its usual hustle and bustle replaced with an almost oppressive silence.

of whiskey