The Forgotten Luna by Cassandra M

LADESSA.

"Do you have a red mark on your back?" King Essak asked the moment he stopped in front of me. He asked in a low voice as if he didn't want anyone to hear.

I saw many guards approaching and dispersing the crowd around us until it was just Kael and me with the Alpha King. I didn't see Alpha Draco anymore.

"Do you have a red mark on your back?" The King repeated his question, snapping me back to the present.

Then, a surge of strong current rippled through my body, and I knew he had used his King's command. I made the mistake of looking back into his eyes. I thought he would never use it on me.

Only the Alpha King had this power, and from what I heard, he had never even used this to get any criminals to admit their crimes. He would leave judgment to his Court. But I had no idea why he was using this on such a trivial matter. Why was he asking me too many questions?

"I do..." I answered in almost a whisper as I dropped my gaze to the floor.

I had no choice; lying could cause me to bleed severely until the King stopped the punishment or until I died.

"Take her!" He said to the man beside him. "And follow me."

My whole body trembled as Kael placed his arm across me and slightly pushed me back. "I'm coming with her."

"No." The King stopped walking. "I only need her."

"She is the reason I wanted an audience with you, King Essak."

The King slowly turned around and stepped toward us. He stopped just a few inches from Kael. "You lied to me, Alpha Kael. Tell me again, what is her name? The loud woman was not lying. Am I right?" Kael swallowed hard but didn't reply.

"You have two choices: let her come with me, or I will throw you out of this banquet, and you will never know what fate she will get within the four walls of my palace."

am not leaving

of here!" King Essak pointed toward

with him. I'll be okay." I

I ran after King Essak. "Alpha King! I beg you!" The moment he turned around, I dropped onto my knees

throw Kael out

kneel to me or anyone!" He roared that I thought I had turned deaf. He grabbed my arm and pulled me up harshly,

behind him as he stared at Kael, who

stomach with the long baton he

go to him, but the King pulled me again. I faced him with a tear rolling down my cheeks.

not want anyone disturbing the peace of my

is a peaceful man, my King. He will never hurt

make any scene,

stop hurting

in a loud

head up. I didn't want Kael to see me crying, or

you..." mumbled

King before I turned to look at Kael again, who was still on his knees, his hands on

eyes met, and it was getting harder to

the worry in his expression. I couldn't blame him-this was our first time apart

protecting her." His voice was broken, far from the Kael who always knew what to say or

not harm

moment he tilted his head up, he looked at me. "I will

on my lips,

guards held