The Stolen Mate and the Moon Goddess’s Trial Chapter 05

The Stolen Mate and the Moon Goddess’s Trial Chapter 05 The Moon Goddess’s Trial

The soft voice of the Moon Goddess reverberated in my mind as I lay crumpled on the floor and choked on my own blood.

Kyle’s leather boot still pressed heavy on the back of my hand. The hard heel ground over my finger bones, sending searing pain shooting through every limb.

At the same moment, the Moon Goddess’s voice sounded again, mild yet carrying an unshakable authority.

“Lila, my poor girl. Your heart burns with a fierce desire for justice. Will you accept my trial? I shall grant you all aid you need to claim what you are owed.”

A wild, bitter laugh burst out of me as I spilled blood. Tears streamed down my face. My chest felt as if it were being torn open from within.

Kyle lifted his boot off my hand, staring down at me warily.

He said, “Asher, come quick. Lila has lost her mind.”

Asher replied coldly, “Fine. If she’s insane, just send her to a psychiatric hospital. Well, things would be simpler if she were dead.”

I clenched my fists tight at his words, my nails sinking deep into blood-soaked palms.

Every loss I had suffered would be reclaimed by my own hands.

I reached out, curling my fingers around the tiny glowing crystal bead at my side, and roared the answer deep in my soul, “Yes!”

My gaze fell first on Kyle, the man who had beaten and slandered me moments before.

He screamed, “Lila, how dare you glare at me like that?”

Kyle raised his fist, ready to strike again, only to be pulled back by Quinn.

She bent down slowly, dabbing the flecks of blood splattered across her gown with a silk handkerchief, her smile dripping with hatred.

“Lila, if you had just behaved from the beginning, you would never have ended up in this mess.

“You’ve stained the gown Asher gave me. What are we supposed to do about that?”

I coughed up another mouthful of blood and let out a cold laugh.

“Watch your words, Quinn. I am your elder sister.”

Quinn’s pleasant expression twisted instantly, her eyes sharpening with malice.

She retorted, “Oh? Are you threatening me? Everyone here sees you as a worthless outcast now.”

I smiled coldly at her, clutching the crystal bead firmly in my palm, and murmured, “That will change very soon.”

Her smile froze rigid on her face.

Asher hurried over to smooth things over.

“Lila, stop this nonsense, will you?

“You’re at Quinn’s welcome party. Apologize to her at once.”

He stretched out a hand to pull me to my feet, but I flinched away immediately.

I could not bear a single touch from a man who made me sick.

“You mean, I should apologize to the woman that stole my mate and my years of research?”

Kyle raised his palm to strike me and yet hesitated mid-motion.

The nobles all whispered among themselves, staring at me as if I were a freak put on display for their amusement.

Asher said through his gritted teeth, “You must be insane. I’ll take you to a psychiatric hospital.”

He grabbed my wrist roughly, trying to drag me toward the exit.

I planted my feet firm, motionless.

“Don’t touch me. You’re filthy,” I demanded.

At my words, Dad snatched a wine bottle off the table and hurled it straight at my head. I twisted aside to dodge it. The glass shattered violently against the stone wall.

I said calmly, “Dad, you once swore you’d drive me out of Black Rock Pack, right?

“I won’t make you do it. I’ll leave of my own free will.

“Make sure to erase my name from Black Rock Pack’s registry.”

I ripped my arm free of Asher’s grasp and marched toward the door.

Bitter insults chased me every step of the way.

Dad said, “Lila! Step out that door, and you can never set foot in this territory again!”

Mom cursed, “You ungrateful wretch! Don’t let me see you again!”

Asher said, “A shameless woman like you is truly filthy!”

Quinn shouted excitedly, “Go, Lila. I’ll take good care of Asher for you.”

I paused briefly, glancing up at the fancy decorations in the hall used to celebrate Quinn’s

return.

My voice was quiet, yet every word cut sharp and clear.

“The paperwork to dissolve my bond with Asher will be delivered to Black Rock Pack tomorrow. I’ll bring it myself.”