The Forgotten Luna by Cassandra M

Chapter 45

KAEL.

I left the territory after lunch. But before that, I met my staff at the Central Hall. I informed them I would be out of the territory for the next two weeks, and Alpha Rasmus would take charge of the pack in my absence.

I could see they had questions about why Rasmus was needed, so before anyone could ask, I told them there was serious going on in the pack that needed a decision from an Alpha. They didn't argue anymore or question that.

But then someone asked about Adessa and what I knew about what happened to her. I was itching to tell them I would stand by their former Luna and support her, but I kept my opinion to myself. I reminded them that I would not entertain any more questions about her as her case was ongoing.

It looked like I was turning my back on her. But it didn't matter to me. It was enough that Adessa knew I was on her side.

The last thing I wanted was for news to spread that I was defending her. The person handling her case might assume I was hiding her and include me in the investigation.

I didn't want to be the center of their attention or for them to track my whereabouts, especially considering that I was planning to take Adessa to the Alpha King's Palace. This journey by car would take several days because it was not safe for her to take public transportation.

It was already midnight when I entered the border of Hallowed Crest Territory. The area I was passing by was peaceful, and it appeared there was no disturbance today, or they would have informed me at the entrance. Adessa was probably sleeping already.

I was on the phone with Rasmus an hour ago, and he informed me that he was able to secure me an invite to the King's Moonlight Ball next week and add a plus one for me. I didn't receive the full details of the name or information he provided for Adessa, as the connection was not stable earlier.

We would meet before breakfast and discuss all the last-minute instructions I needed to give him for my pack and details for my trip to the North, where the Alpha King resided.

I was fortunate to remember that Miranda told me a couple of weeks ago that the Alpha King was throwing another ball, and she wanted to attend. She pleaded with me to contact the palace so I could request an invite. She wanted me to take Desiree and her, but I ignored her as my mind was occupied with Adessa.

Getting an invite from the King was hard, and I was fortunate to receive some. Those invitations started coming after I raised my case to him about the rules on the age of an Alpha, which disqualified me from taking over this pack after my father's death. Fortunately, he accepted my request for a meeting, allowing me two days of his time to discuss my capabilities as the Alpha despite being a year younger than the minimum age required.

handled my time with him, or he saw something in me that made him decide to grant me my pack before the two days were over. But

unmated women of high society were invited for a chance to find their fated mates-a rarity in this world. After attending it once, I declined other Moonlight Balls because I was already fixated on taking Desiree

this year, but because I knew Rasmus had a friend who worked at the King's Palace,

me as the young man he inducted

risk, but I was hoping the pleasant exchange and our mutual respect for each other would

were not expecting you tonight," Aunt Aria said as I

door, but she was still awake and was standing in the foyer. I went to her and dropped my duffel bag onto the floor

time, although she tried not

smile that tugged at my mouth.

went to bed two hours ago, so she's probably

one came here,

"Yes, it was a

a calm

"You look tired. Rasmus told me you plan to leave tomorrow after lunch. Are you

non-stop for

now." .

concern in her eyes-the same

concentrating here in the

anything? Should I ask someone to prepare

I had no appetite and wanted to see Adessa

to bed then.

is another long day

hugged me before I picked up my bag and went toward the stairs was already halfway when I stopped and looked