Rise of the Rejected Luna - Chapter 206

Chapter 206: _Lost A Friend.
The battle was over. I showed no mercy to the hunters because they didn’t do the same for my people.

I fought ruthlessly and didn’t think twice as I easily cut through the hunters.

We got to the pack and I saw the grateful looks on the faces of the people. They were clapping and singing praises of how we won the battle.

It made me proud that the people I fought so hard for appreciated my efforts.

Phoebe stiffened beside me, probably shocked by the people’s reactions. I held her hand, hoping that would provide her some comfort.

She looked worn out and exhausted from the battle. Ever since we went to the ancient ones realm, we had grown quite distant, but I’m glad we were back now.

I would use everything in my power to make sure that I made it up to her. I had been torn between my Alpha duties and protecting the pack that I hadn’t paid enough attention to her.

We arrived at the hall meant for our wedding.

Our wedding.

I didn’t think too much of it.

Whether we had a wedding or not, Phoebe was mine. I had decided not to attend the wedding even before Phoebe mentioned it. It was why I readily agreed to her request.

Seeing my mom again was the best gift I could ever receive after the long day I had. Even if she had misbehaved and maltreated Phoebe, she was still my mom. And besides, she already sought forgiveness.

Her warmth and smile, I had missed it all. When she hugged me, I couldn’t deny the happiness that I felt.

The ride to the Alphas mansion was long and silent. I didn’t know what to say and Phoebe kept silent too while I held her hands. I glanced at her, seeing how troubled she looked.

It didn’t make me happy. I had tried to make silly jokes and tease her earlier, just to make her take her mind off what’s happening. I probably looked stupid trying to tease her while she was deep in thought.

We were back in the mansion, Phoebe’s suite precisely. Barely a minute since we entered, Elder Gita walked in, claiming she had urgent matters to discuss.

“It is about Negan.” she finally said.

Negan?

He was gone. I had made the tough decision of leaving him behind because of the pack. I had sacrificed my best friend, maybe the witches would have found us another way to get home if I had pleaded enough.

Elder Gita hesitated, as if her words were too heavy to speak. Then, she said it. “He betrayed us.”

For a moment, I thought I didn’t hear her right.

My mind went blank. I was lost for words, my mind searched for the meaning of word ‘betrayer.’

My body tensed and my face contorted to a frown.

He was a betrayer? Who did he betray?

Elder Gita remained calm as if she hadn’t just dropped a bombshell.

I felt a sharp pain sting my heart, my pulse quickened and my jaw tightened as my mind tried to comprehend what she had just said.

No. Not Negan.

She had to be lying, it had to be a joke.

Negan, my best friend? No…My brother?

He had stood beside me through everything since we were little. We had fought side by side and survived together.

When the weight of my responsibilities became too much, he had carried it with me without hesitation.

He had been my right hand, the one person I had trusted without question.

When the pack hated me, he had worked hard to restore my image.

He had listened to my rants, everyday. He was always there, cheering and supporting me.

And now, she wanted me to believe it had all been a lie?

He had worked tirelessly for me because he wanted to betray the pack?

No, it doesn’t make sense.

I turned to Phoebe, she was staring at me, and the way she looked at me spoke lengths of how she was feeling right now.

I wanted to deny it. I wanted believe that none of this was true.

But I couldn’t.

Because somewhere, deep within me, I had a doubt.

I had trusted him once, believed him, but he slept with my Luna.

Phoebe shook her head violently, taking a step back. She didn’t believe Elder Gita.

Her denial woke my senses. Yes, he slept with her but it was because of the aphrodisiacs in their drinks.

I was a fool for ever doubting him. Negan would never.

I felt my blood boil with fury. The rage from doubting him and from the words that Elder Gita spoke pulsed through my veins.

My jaw tightened and my body shook with fury. I replied her back in anger, but Elder Gita shook her head, obviously unfazed by my anger.

She stared hard at me, her eyes burned with intensity as if warning me to keep my rage in check.

The crazy part of it all was she let me know that she had proof Negan’s betrayal and she actually showed me through a vision.

And then, the vision ended.

I glanced at Phoebe who staggered backward, her face pale as tears welled up her eyes.

My hands trembled and my body went stiff as my mind fought against what I had just seen.

But I had seen it and had heard it. I stood there, not knowing what to do.

No, It wasn’t true.

It couldn’t be true.

Not the friend who had stood by my side. Not the man I had trusted with my life.

His words cut through my heart like a sword.

Just what have I done to make him think of me this way?

Phoebe could be his toy? My Phoebe!

My fists trembled in fury, and I shuddered at the thought.

I knew I hadn’t doubted him for no reason.

Negan had been secretive sometimes. He had disappeared for days at a time without explanation.

Was I blind to his actions? Did I ignore the signs.

I had trusted him and I had mourned him.

I left a part of myself behind in that ritual, grieving the loss of my best friend. I blamed myself for the decision I made only to find out that everything had been a lie.

His words echoed in my mind, he wanted to destroy my pack and my home.

How could I have been so blind?

My rage dissipated, replaced with pain. Raw pain and deep regret.

I turned to Elder Gita, asking her why she has decided to tell us now. Why hadn’t she told me all these while?

She only said the time was right and with that, she turned and walked away just as she came in.

I barely registered the sound of the door closing behind her.

I could still hear Negan’s voice, the times he made me happy. The times he had helped me selflessly.

My breath was shaky as I turned toward the balcony. I gripped the ledge so tightly my knuckles turned white.

I had lost a friend today.

I didn’t know how long I stood there, staring out into the sky.

I had survived wars and fought hunters.

But this betrayal was a wound I wasn’t sure would ever heal.