Rejected Luna Returns with Secret Twins (Lysandra) novel Chapter 164

Chapter 164

“I’m sorry, Lysandra,” his voice crackled through the speaker. Even Lunaris Essence cannot heal this affliction. This goes beyond medicine, Beyond science.”

After ending the call, I slumped into the chair beside Alaric’s bed, watching the shallow rise and fall of his chest. What had I done? Had my choices really brought this upon him?

Two weeks later, I sat at my desk in the Ravencroft Enterprises headquarters, staring blankly at spreadsheets that no longer made sense. Since Alaric’s collapse, our company had been hemorrhaging projects. Key clients had pulled out, citing concerns about leadership stability. Three senior executives had tendered their resignations just this morning.

Our entire pack was suffering. Cases of mysterious illness had begun appearing throughout our territory–nothing as severe as Alaric’s condition, but enough to spread fear and uncertainty.

My assistant knocked timidly on my door. “Ms. Ravencroft? Your 4 o’clock canceled. Again.”

I nodded dully, barely registering the information. Another client lost. Another nail in our pack’s coffin.

“Thank you, Serena,” I managed, turning back to my computer.

“If I may, Ms. Ravencroft…” she hesitated.

“What is it?”

“People are talking. About Alpha Alaric. About… what’s happening to our pack. They’re saying it’s some kind of curse.”

I closed my eyes briefly. “People always talk, Serena. Focus on what we can control.”

After she left, I gathered my things. Nothing more I could accomplish today. My mind was too fractured, split between worry for Alaric, concern for the pack, and the growing dread that Maelor’s words kept feeding.

The drive back to Ravencroft Manor felt longer than usual, the weight of responsibility pressing down on me with each passing mile. With Alaric incapacitated, much of the pack’s leadership had fallen to me–a role I’d never wanted and felt woefully unprepared for.

As I pulled into the long driveway, two small figures darted out from the manor’s entrance. Despite everything, warmth bloomed in my chest at the sight of my children running toward me.

“Mommy!” Lyra called, reaching me first and flinging her arms around my waist.

Orion followed more sedately, though his eyes lit up when I opened my arms to include him in the embrace.

“My little moonbeams,” I murmured, breathing in their familiar scents. No matter how dire things became, they remained my anchor.

Inside, the manor was quieter than usual. My parents sat in the living room, their faces drawn with worry. Alaric reclined in an armchair, much thinner than he’d been two weeks ago, his once–vibrant energy now a pale shadow.

“Ric, how are you feeling?” I asked, crossing to kiss his forehead.

He attempted a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m sorry you have to handle everything alone. All those responsibilities…”

“Don’t worry about that,” I insisted, perching on the armrest beside him. “As long as my brother is okay, I’m fine with anything.”

“What if I die soon?” he asked abruptly, his voice hollow.

Ric, please. Stop talking like that,” I begged, my throat tightening.

1/3

04

“She’s right, my mother interjected sharply. “Why punish us with such morbid talk? Your parents are still alive, able to see their family-

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, though the undercurrent of tension remained. I noticed Kieran sitting quietly in the corner. Since his confession and subsequent rejection, things had been awkward between us, but we’d managed to rebuild some semblance of friendship. When our eyes met, he offered a warm smile that I returned gratefully.

I was preparing for bed when it happened. The sound of fists pounding against the manor’s main door echoed through the halls, urgent and demanding. Wrapping a robe around myself, I rushed downstairs just as Alaric emerged from his room, leaning heavily on our father.

The front door burst open before anyone could reach it. Three Moonshade warriors stumbled in, their expressions wild with panic.

“Alpha!” One of them spotted Alaric and rushed forward. “Silverblood Pack is approaching our borders with over five hundred warriors! Alpha Tristan has declared war against us!”

The world tilted beneath my feet. I staggered backward, bracing mys

Tristan has declared war.

against the wall as the words crashed over me like ice water.

My heart thundered in my chest, each beat a painful reminder of what this meant. War between packs wasn’t like human conflicts–it was brutal, primal, fought to submission or death. Alpha families were primary targets.

Rage burned through my shock, leaving à hollow ache in its wake. After everything we’d been through–the marriage, the children, our complicated history–he’d chosen this path. Blood and violence. Death and destruction.

“Betrayer,” I whispered, unable to face my family, knowing this was all because of me. Because of us.

Alaric straightened, summoning what little strength he had left. “Declare war back before they reach our borders,” he commanded, his voice suddenly strong. “Tell everyone to prepare. We meet them in the forest. I’ll go with you.”

“Alpha, you’re ill-” one warrior began.

“I’m still your Alpha,” Alaric cut him off. “Kieran, notify all Gamma level members to prepare for war.”

Kieran nodded grimly, already heading for the door.

“Mom, Dad, stay at the manor,” Alaric continued. “And don’t let Lyss leave. I won’t lose her to this fight. I need to know that even if I die, someone remains to take my place.”

“Ric, please let me come with you,” I pleaded, stepping forward.

“No, Lyss. I can’t. You must stay safe.” The finality in his voice broke my heart.