The Forgotten Luna (Adessa)

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.

Maybe he was impressed with how I 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 although I received invitations from him, I only attended his event once.

It was also a Moonlight Ball, to which bachelor Alphas and 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 as my Luna.

I didn't receive an invitation this year, but because I knew Rasmus had a friend who worked at the King's Palace, I seized the opportunity and asked him to request one for Adessa and myself.

It was the easiest way to meet the King and have him remember me as the young man he inducted himself as an Alpha. Hopefully, he will listen to me again and hear Adessa's case firsthand.

It was a great risk, but I was hoping the pleasant exchange and our mutual respect for each other would help her.

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

Her housemaid opened the door, but she was still awake and was standing in the foyer. I went to her and dropped my duffel bag onto the floor before I kissed her cheek.

"I'm glad you came back safely. Your wife was worried the whole time, although she tried not to show it." She told me as she hugged me.

I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my mouth. "How is she?"

"She went to bed two hours ago, so she's probably asleep now."

"I was told at the border no one came here, so I assume everything was calm."

"Yes, it was a

a calm

day." She ruffled my hair as she spoke. "You look tired. Rasmus told me you plan to leave tomorrow after lunch. Are you sure you can drive more? You've

been driving non-stop for many days

now." .

I could see the concern in her eyes-the same eyes as my mother.

"It's safer for her to reach the North early, as I'm sure they're concentrating here in the South, searching for her. I'll take a long vacation once everything is resolved."

She nodded her head. "I understand. Have you eaten anything? Should I ask someone to prepare something for you?"

I shook my head. I had no appetite and wanted to see Adessa already. I wanted to check on her and make sure she was safe.

"Go to bed then. Sleep well.

Tomorrow is another long day for

you." She hugged me before I picked up my bag and went toward the stairs was already halfway when I stopped and looked back at

"Aunt Aria, what room is she in?" I asked.

her.

"Where do you think I'd place your wife? Of course, she's in your room." She paused her conversation with the helpers to answer me, a teasing smile on her face.

I had a guest room specifically for me, although I stayed at Rasmus' packhouse most of the time when I visited here.

"Gotcha!" I chuckled before continuing on my way up.

I slowed down from walking once I reached the corridor toward my room. I took a deep breath before turning the knob. She didn't lock the door, which was not good when it came to safety.

I pushed it open and peeked inside.

Only one lamp was on, and it was on

the other side of the bed. Even the curtains were drawn closed, so the whole room was dimmed, and could only see a silhouette of someone in the bed under the

blanket.

I locked the door and stood at the foot of the bed, looking at her. She had the blanket up to her head and her back to me. I couldn't see anything, but I knew it was her because I could smell her. Instead of going to bed, I went to the bathroom and took a shower, recounting the events of these past few days and the big risk I would be taking in taking her to the North.

Would I be strong enough to protect her? Or am I driving her into more danger?