Moonborn Heir Novel Chapter 23 – I pace back and forth in Rhea’s small quarters, my brow furrowed, arms crossed tightly over my chest.
I feel the weight of Rhea’s eyes on me, her judgment, and it gnaws at my nerves. She leans back against the edge of her bed, arms crossed, waiting, expectant. I can’t tell if she’s ready to lash out or listen.
Finally, I stop and face her, unable to hide the desperation in my eyes. “Rhea…it’s the only way. I have to let Lucian believe the child is his.”
She stares at me, disbelief hardening her gaze. “The only way? You honestly think letting him believe this lie is safe?
That he won’t find out? You’re practically handing him your child, Talia. How could you do that?” My defenses go up instantly, and I cross my arms tighter over my chest. “What choice do I have? This is the only way to keep my baby safe.
If he thinks this child is his, he’ll protect it — he’ll protect us both.” Rhea lets out a bitter laugh, sharp and cutting. “And you trust that?” She shakes her head, her expression a mixture of anger and disappointment.
“Talia, you’re playing with fire. He’s the Alpha of Darkfang, not some fool you can deceive forever. When he finds out — and he will find
out — that child is Kael’s, do you really think he’ll just accept it? You’re risking everything.”
Her voice drops, the bitterness slipping through in every syllable. “You’re not just putting yourself in danger. You’re putting that child’s life on the line.”
I stiffen, glancing away, my resolve wavering under her scrutiny. I never wanted her to know how much doubt gnaws at me every night.
“Rhea…he already knows the child’s destiny.” Her face twists with confusion. “What are you talking about?” My shoulders tense, and I glance down, almost ashamed. “He knows this child is the Moonborn Heir,” I say quietly. “Lunara’s Oracle told Lucian he would play a role in the prophecy.”
Rhea’s expression changes, her face going pale as the words sink in. “You told him?” Her voice trembles with fury, barely contained. “You told him about the prophecy after swearing to me you wouldn’t?” “I didn’t tell him!” I snap back, my frustration breaking through. “He…he already knew.
He believes he has a part to play in this prophecy, Rhea. That’s why he’s so certain the child is his.” Her gaze hardens, anger mixing with confusion as she processes this.
“So you’re just…letting him believe that? Letting him think he’s destined to father the Moonborn Heir? Do you have any idea what will happen when he realizes it’s Kael’s child instead?” She steps closer, her voice low and venomous.
“This isn’t just dangerous, Talia. It’s madness. He’ll feel betrayed. He’ll see that child as a threat.” A pang of fear hits me, and I instinctively press a hand over my stomach, protective and defiant. “I’m doing what I have to, Rhea,” I whisper, struggling to keep my voice steady. “To protect my baby.
Lucian…he’ll be a father to this child. He has to be.” Rhea shakes her head, her gaze steely. “You’re deluding yourself, Talia. Lucian might be playing
along now, but the second he senses any threat to his power…” She lets the thought hang in the air, heavy and foreboding.
“And then where will you be? Where will that child be?” I glare at her, anger bubbling up, fighting back the panic clawing at my insides. “You’re
supposed to be on my side, Rhea.” “On your side?” She scoffs, her voice sharp.
“Maybe I would be, if you weren’t so willing to lie to everyone you supposedly care about.” She takes a step back, crossing her arms, her voice colder than I’ve ever heard it. “You want my support? Then stop living in a fantasy and face the reality of what you’re doing.”
My heart aches, a raw, stinging pain. “Rhea,” I murmur, my voice trembling, “what would you have me do instead?” Her gaze sharpens, cutting through me. “You were crazy to mate with Lucian, Talia. You should’ve kept a low profile, mated with a Beta, and avoided this mess entirely. If you’d done that, no one would care about your child.” She looks at me with an intensity I’ve never seen before, her voice hard and unyielding.
“But no, you had to entangle yourself with an Alpha. Now everything’s complicated, and everyone’s at risk.” Anger flares hotly in my chest. “You’re jealous, aren’t you? That’s what this is really about. You’re jealous that I’ve found someone who would stand by me, protect me, while you’re letting Cade twist your mind with his poison.”
Her eyes narrow, fury sparking in their depths. “Jealous? You think I’m jealous of you?” She takes a step forward, her voice cold and full of disdain. “Maybe I’m just smart enough to see through this delusion of yours. But if you want to throw everything away for him, fine. Go ahead.” She straightens, her voice turning to ice. “Leave.” I stare at her, my heart breaking, my anger mingling with a sense of profound betrayal.
Without another word, I turn on my heel and storm out of her quarters, feeling the weight of the fractured bond between us, the sharp sting of Rhea’s distrust and disdain lingering in the air.
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