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.

made him decide to grant me my pack before

chance to find their fated mates-a rarity in this world. After attending it once, I declined other Moonlight Balls because

invitation this year, but because I knew Rasmus had a friend who worked at

the King and have him remember me as the young man he inducted himself as

risk, but I was hoping the pleasant exchange

not expecting you tonight," Aunt Aria said as I entered her home. "I thought you'd arrive

was still awake and was standing in the foyer. I went to

time, although she tried not to show it." She

tugged at my mouth. "How

bed two hours ago, so

the border no one

"Yes, it was a

a calm

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

non-stop for

now." .

concern in her eyes-the same

they're concentrating here in the South, searching for her. I'll take

nodded her head. "I understand. Have you eaten anything? Should

see Adessa already. I wanted to check on her and make

bed

another

picked up my bag and went toward the stairs was already halfway when