Rejected Luna Returns with Secret Twins (Lysandra) novel Chapter 165

Chapter 165

1 turned away from Kieran, my stomach twisting into knots as his words echoed in my mind. I shouldn’t care if he lives or dies, I thought savagely. So why is there this sickening pull? This unwanted concern?

Rage pulsed through me in violent waves, yet beneath it lurked something else–a feeling I refused to name. How dare Tristan déclare war against us? Against my brother? My hands trembled as I clenched them into fists.

“This can’t be happening,” I whispered, more to myself than anyone else.

When he’d made those threats after the disastrous alliance meeting, I never imagined he’d actually follow through. Humiliation was one thing all–out war was another. Not even Tristan would risk so many lives over wounded pride… or so I’d thought.

Through the manor windows, I watched Alaric drag himself toward the front gates, pale and determined, with Kieran supporting his weight. Pack officials flanked them, faces grim beneath the moonlight. My brother’s shoulders slumped with each step, his illness clearly sapping what little strength he had left.

“You can’t shift like this,” I called after him, voice cracking. “Ric, please!”

He turned back, his eyes finding mine across the distance. For a moment, I thought he might waver, but then his jaw set with that familiar stubbornness.

“Lock the gates once we’re out,” he commanded the guards. “No one enters or leaves until I give the order.”

My father wrapped an arm around my mother’s shaking shoulders. “It’ll be alright,” he murmured, but uncertainty laced his words.

The massive iron gates slammed shut with a finality that made my heart lurch. I moved to the window, pressing my palm against the cool glass as I watched them disappear into the night.

“Come away from the window, Lyss,” my father said gently.

I didn’t move. “He’s the father of my children,” I said, the words tasting bitter “And he’s leading soldiers to kill my brother.”

“He won’t succeed,” my father replied with forced confidence.

I turned at last, meeting his eyes. “You don’t know Tristan like I do.”

The sound of my footsteps seemed too loud in the hallway as I made my way to the twins‘ bedroom. Whatever decision I made tonight, I needed to see them first.

Light spilled from beneath their door–they were still awake despite the late hour. I took a steadying breath and pushed the door open.

Orion spotted me immediately, launching himself across the room. His small fingers clutched my shirt with desperate strength, his face twisted

with fear.

“Mommy,” he sobbed, burying his face against my stomach. “Something bad is happening! We heard the guards talking.”

Lyra scrambled off her bed, tears already forming in her eyes as she joined her brother in clinging to me.

“Everyone’s scared, she whispered, her voice trembling. “Why are they fighting, Mommy?”

I kneeled down, stroking Lyra’s hair while trying to look braver than I felt. “I’ll be back soon, I promise. Uncle Alaric needs me.”

Orion’s tiny body trembled against mine as he clung tighter. “What if the bad people hurt you? I saw them in my dream! They were coming for

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No one can hurt Mommy, I assured him, frying to keep my voice steady.

Then I’ll go with you! Orion declared, his face suddenly fierce despite the tears staining his cheeks. “I can help! I’m strong took

“No! I want to go too!” Lyra wailed, her distress escalating. “Don’t leave me here alone!*

I tried to disentangle myself from their desperate grips, but Orion only clung harder, his fingers digging into my arms with surprising strength. Lyra’s crying grew more frantic, her small body heaving with sobs.

“Please, please don’t go, Mommy,” she begged, her words breaking between hiccups. “What if you don’t come back? Like the wolf mommy in the story who never came home to her babies?”

I swallowed hard against the lump in my throat. “I will always come back to you. Always.”

Orion shook his head violently, his grip tightening. “If you go, I go too!”

“Children, I tried reasoning with them, “your mother needs to-

“No!” Orion shouted, his face flushed with emotion. “You can’t go!”

I glanced between their tear–streaked faces, suddenly struck by an idea. “Wait,” I said, wiping Lyra’s cheeks gently. “I want to show you something. Something special.”

Their crying paused momentarily, curiosity peeking through their distress.

“Can you keep a secret?” I asked, moving to close and lock the bedroom door.