Rejected Luna Returns with Secret Twins (Lysandra) novel Chapter 50

Enough, Tristan, Fenris’s voice carried unexpected strength for his weakened state. Have you forgotten it was I who asked her to stay?

1 shifted uncomfortably, hating being the cause of tension between father and son. “Fenria, Isolde, if my presence creates problems, I can find alternative arrangements.”

“You’ll do no such thing.‘ Isolde said firmly. “This is our home, not just Tristan’s territory.”

“Don’t misunderstand, Tristan leaned back, feigning casualness though the blood–red rim around his irises betrayed his agitation. I couldn’t care less where she stays. I merely find it interesting how easily you trust a… deserter.”

“Mind your words, son, Fenris warned, voice lowering dangerously. “You will show basic courtesy in my presence, at minimum.

“Don’t worry about my son’s rudeness,” Isolde told me gently but firmly. ‘He’s always been this way. Who would know better than you?”

A bitter smile touched my lips. “You’re right about that, Isolde.”

“Indeed,” Tristan’s voice cooled further. “We know each other quite well. Pity you’ve been taken in by her innocent act.

The mounting tension became unbearable. I rose, smoothing my dress with deliberate calm. “Fenris, Isolde, thank you for dinner. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll retire for the night.”

I nodded to them both, pointedly ignoring Tristan as I left the room. Once in the hallway, I exhaled slowly, shoulders slumping with relief at escaping the charged atmosphere.

“Just one week,” I whispered to myself. “I can handle this.”

Back in my suite, I pulled out my phone to call the twins. Their faces appeared on screen, Orion’s small features scrunched in a frown while Lyra peered hopefully from behind him.

“Mommy!” Lyra called, pushing forward.

Orion crossed his arms. “You lied to us. You said you’d be back tomorrow. But Grandpa told us you’re staying away for a whole week.”

My heart clenched. ‘Orion, my little moonbeam, don’t be angry with me. I want to come home, but someone needs my help.”

“I don’t care,” he declared, his jaw set in that stubborn way that reminded me so painfully of his father. “You promised.*

“I know, baby. I’m sorry.” I leaned closer to the screen. “Look at me.”

His steel–blue eyes–Tristan’s eyes–reluctantly met mine.

“It’s just a few days. I’ll be home before you know it. I promise.”

After soothing their disappointment and extracting promises to behave for their grandparents, I ended the call, collapsing onto the bed with exhaustion.

Sleep eluded me despite my exhaustion. Around midnight, thirst drove me from bed. I slipped into the hallway, trying to remember the way to the kitchen.

A young maid appeared around the corner, startling/when she saw me. “Miss! Can I help you?”

“Just looking for some water,” I explained.

“Let me bring it to your room,” she offered. “It’s not proper for you to wander alone at night.

I nodded my thanks and turned back toward my suite. The fine hairs on the back of my neck suddenly stood on end. Something–someone–watched from the shadows.

I turned slowly, heart hammering against my ribs. At the far end of the corridor, barely visible in the darkness, stood a tall figure. Moonlight caught his eyes,

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Chapter 50