Share

Chapter 5

Author: Mercedes-001
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-27 19:01:18

Zara's pov

The rest of the flight passed in a blur, my thoughts consumed by the frozen bank account. I couldn’t relax, couldn’t enjoy the fleeting sense of calm that Adrian’s company had offered. I kept replaying the notification in my mind, the words administrative action echoing like a warning bell. Someone had deliberately blocked my access to the money I needed to survive here.

I fought the urge to open my phone again, to check for any updates, but I couldn’t afford to let my guard down. There were too many unanswered questions. Who had the power to freeze my account? And why now, of all times?

As the plane began its descent, I made a mental list of people who might be involved. Ryker was an obvious suspect—he was always protective of me, but his need for control had pushed him to do some dangerous things in the past. Then there was Mia, whose relationship with me had become more strained with each passing year. But no matter how hard I tried to think it through, there was one name I kept coming back to: Damien.

The thought made my stomach churn. He’d always been kind, gentle, everything I could have asked for in a partner. But there was something about him that felt too perfect—like he had something to hide. Could he be the one behind this? Had he found out about my plans to leave, to start fresh? Was this his way of keeping me from running away from the past we shared?

I shook my head, trying to rid myself of the suspicion gnawing at me. I couldn’t jump to conclusions. But I couldn’t ignore the feeling in my gut, either.

The plane finally touched down, and the world outside seemed so much more real now. The noise, the hustle, the thrumming energy of a city that never slowed down—it was overwhelming. As I stood to gather my things, Adrian gave me a light, friendly nudge.

“Hey, if you need a ride or something, I’ve got you covered,” he offered, his green eyes warm with kindness.

I hesitated for just a second before nodding. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

Adrian helped me with my bags as we exited the terminal and made our way to his car. The city’s skyline stretched out before me, gleaming in the evening light. A new beginning, sure, but at what cost?

As we drove through the unfamiliar streets, my mind couldn’t stop racing. Who was behind this? I knew I had to find out quickly. Every minute wasted meant I was losing precious ground.

Adrian seemed to sense my unease and tried to keep the conversation light, chatting about the city and its hidden gems, trying to pull me out of my spiral. I appreciated his effort, but my thoughts were miles away.

When we finally pulled up to my new apartment, I gave Adrian a quick smile. “Thanks again. I’ll be fine from here.”

He raised an eyebrow, his smile still easy. “If you say so. But don’t hesitate to reach out, alright?”

I nodded, though a part of me wanted to tell him everything. But I didn’t trust anyone just yet. Not until I figured out who was really behind this.

As I entered my new place, the weight of the situation settled heavily on my shoulders. Alone in this strange city, with only a few belongings and a dwindling bank account, I felt more isolated than ever. But one thing was certain: I wasn’t going to let whoever did this win. Not without a fight.

Tomorrow, I would start my search. And I wouldn’t stop until I uncovered the truth.

Related chapters

  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 6

    Zara's POV The apartment was cold, the kind of cold that sank into your bones. It wasn’t just the temperature it was the silence, the emptiness. I dropped my bag by the door and looked around. The single room was small, with a creaky bed shoved against one wall and a kitchen that could barely fit one person. It wasn’t much, but it was mine for now. I sank onto the mattress and pulled out my phone again, hoping against hope that the bank notification had somehow been a mistake. It hadn’t. The account was still frozen, the message still glaring back at me like a taunt. My fingers itched to call the bank, but I knew better than to risk it. If the wrong person was behind this, contacting the bank might alert them to my exact location. I needed a plan, but my thoughts were jumbled, and exhaustion clawed at me. A knock on the door snapped me out of my spiral. I froze. “Zara?” a familiar voice called. “It’s Adrian. Just wanted to make sure you’re okay.” Relief washed over me as I

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13
  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 7

    Zara's pov Adrian didn’t let go of my hand as we slipped out of the alley, keeping a brisk but unhurried pace as we headed back toward my apartment. My heart was still racing, but I forced myself to breathe slowly, trying to stay calm. “We need a plan,” Adrian said, his voice steady but firm. “If this guy or whoever’s behind this is following you, you can’t just wait around for them to make their next move.” I nodded, my mind already working through the possibilities. “I need to find out who froze my account. That’s where this started.” Adrian hesitated. “That could be risky. If it’s connected to someone who doesn’t want you here…” “I don’t have a choice,” I interrupted. “That account is all I have. Without it, I’m stuck.” He frowned, clearly weighing the risks, but eventually nodded. “Okay. But we’re not doing this alone.” “Who else would help?” I asked, scepticism colouring my tone. Adrian smirked. “You’d be surprised. I know a guy who’s good with… digital problems.”

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13
  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 8

    The air outside the bar was cold as Adrian and I walked back to my apartment. I could feel his frustration radiating off him like heat, his silence louder than words. “You don’t have to be this angry for me,” I said quietly, breaking the stillness. Adrian stopped mid-step and turned to face me. “Zara, this isn’t just about you. People like Ryker—they think they can do whatever they want because they’ve always gotten away with it. It makes my blood boil.” I offered a small smile, touched by his loyalty. “Still, it’s my fight.” “It’s our fight now,” he corrected firmly. His words made my chest tighten, a mix of gratitude and guilt swirling inside me. I didn’t want to drag him into the mess that was my life, but Adrian had already chosen his side. By the time we reached my apartment, the sun had set, casting the city in shades of grey. Adrian walked me to my door, lingering as if he didn’t want to leave. “I’ll stay close tonight,” he said, leaning against the doorframe. “Ju

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13
  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 9

    Zara's pov Adrian’s gaze was steady as he sat across from me at the small kitchen table, his hands folded in front of him. His green eyes glimmered with determination, but there was an unspoken promise he didn’t dare voice yet. “Zara,” he began, his voice low but resolute, “I want you to come with me to my pack.” I blinked, startled by the offer. “What?” He leaned forward slightly, his presence commanding yet comforting. “My pack is strong, loyal, and far from the mess Ryker has dragged you into. You could start over there—live like the queen you’re meant to be. No fear, no running, just freedom.” His words hung in the air, tempting and sweet. For a moment, I let myself imagine it: a life surrounded by wolves who would respect and protect me, a place where I could reconnect with the part of myself I’d been forced to suppress for so long. But then the memories surged back—the rejection, the pain, the severed bond with my wolf when Ryker had cast me aside like I was nothing.

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13
  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 10

    Ryker's pov The crackling of the fire in my office did little to warm the icy pit of regret in my chest. I stared at the reports scattered across my desk, each piece of information unraveling the web of lies I’d been blind to for far too long. Mia. Her name left a bitter taste in my mouth now. I’d believed her, trusted her, even let her whispers cloud my judgment about Zara. For years, Mia had portrayed herself as the perfect candidate for Luna—strong, supportive, and everything a pack could want in a leader. But now, piece by piece, the truth was revealing itself, and it was far uglier than I could have imagined. The first red flag had come from one of my top scouts. Mia had been patrolling the pack lands, loudly declaring herself as the Luna—my Luna. She even started giving orders to omegas, reshuffling responsibilities, and taking liberties only the Luna was entitled to. When I confronted her about it, she brushed it off with her usual charm. "I was only trying to help,

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13
  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 11

    Mia's pov The pack house was quiet as I walked through its grand halls, my heels clicking softly against the polished wooden floors. The portraits of past Alphas lined the walls, each one staring down with an air of authority. Soon, my portrait would join them. The thought sent a thrill down my spine. For years, I had played the role of the sweet, innocent girl. The fragile one. The healer. The one who was never a threat. And it had worked beautifully. Zara, with her irritating self-righteousness, had always been too predictable. She wanted to save everyone, to be loved and adored. But me? I didn’t need their love, I wanted their respect. Their fear. And now, I was so close to having it. It hadn’t been hard to sway Ryker to my side. His guilt over Zara’s supposed betrayal had made him weak, his anger blinding him to the truth. A few carefully planted lies, a few strategic tears, and he believed every word I said. “She always wanted to be Luna,” I had whispered to him, my voice t

    Last Updated : 2024-12-16
  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 12

    Zara’s POV: The air was cold as I stepped out of the dance studio, the sound of my footsteps echoing against the pavement. The city had an eerie stillness at this hour, the hum of distant traffic the only sign of life. It had been a long day, and my body ached in ways I hadn’t thought possible before. Adjusting my coat around my growing belly, I clutched my bag tightly and headed toward the bus stop. A faint sense of unease prickled at the back of my neck, but I pushed it aside. The city was unfamiliar, but so far, nothing terrible had happened here. You’re just tired, Zara, I told myself. But the unease didn’t fade. Halfway down the street, I realized I hadn’t seen a single other person. The quiet had shifted into something unnatural, and every instinct I had screamed at me to get to safety. My wolf, if she were still with me, would have been growling by now, warning me of danger. But the absence of her presence left me vulnerable and exposed. As I turned the corner, I caught si

    Last Updated : 2024-12-16
  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 13

    Zara's pov The quiet hum of the car engine filled the tense silence as Adrian drove us deeper into the forest. My hands rested protectively over my belly, my thoughts spiraling as I tried to make sense of everything. Adrian had been clear earlier: “You’re not safe here, Zara. The human world can’t protect you. But my pack can.” It wasn’t the first time he’d mentioned his pack, the Silver Haven Pack, but now it carried a different weight. Adrian wasn’t just a helpful stranger or a Beta—he was the Alpha. The revelation had stunned me, but after everything that had happened, it somehow didn’t feel entirely out of place. Still, the idea of throwing myself and my unborn child into another pack’s hands filled me with apprehension. Packs weren’t safe, not for someone like me. I’d learned that the hard way. “Are you sure about this?” I asked, breaking the tense silence. Adrian glanced at me, his jaw tight. “Yes. My pack will protect you, Zara. No one will hurt you there. Not while I’m t

    Last Updated : 2024-12-16

Latest chapter

  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 74

    Zara’s POV The moment Arcturus vanished, a strange silence filled the room. The weight of his words lingered in the air, pressing down on me like an unseen force. "When the time comes… you must be the one to end her." Mia. My own sister. My greatest enemy. I exhaled sharply, trying to steady my breathing. Ryker was watching me, his golden eyes unreadable. “Are you okay?” he finally asked. I wanted to say yes. I wanted to pretend that the knowledge of my fate didn’t shake me to my core. But I was shaken. Because deep down, I knew the truth. Mia wasn’t just going to fall. She was going to take everything with her if I didn’t stop her first. The eerie silence didn’t last long. Because a second later, a deafening boom shattered the air. The walls trembled. The glass windows cracked. Ryker and I exchanged a sharp look before sprinting toward the door. Outside, chaos had erupted. The night sky was painted red with flames. Smoke billowed from the western side of the pac

  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 73

    Zara’s POV The banner with Mia’s threat still hung at the entrance of the Crescent Moon Pack’s territory, a constant reminder that she wasn’t done. She wanted my son. She was willing to burn everything down to get him. But she would fail. Because I wouldn’t let her win. And she had underestimated one thing—my son wasn’t just any child. He was being protected by forces she could never understand. The moon was high in the sky when I finally allowed myself to rest. The pack had doubled their patrols, warriors were stationed at every corner, and Ryker had personally ensured the borders were sealed. Still, sleep didn’t come easily. I turned in bed, staring at the ceiling, listening to Ryker’s steady breathing beside me. The weight of the pack, the war that was coming, the fear of what Mia might do next—it all pressed down on me. I exhaled, closing my eyes, trying to force myself into sleep. Then, suddenly— A shift in the air. The temperature in the room dropped. And I felt

  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 72

    Zara’s POV The pack meeting was over, but the air still crackled with tension. I had done what needed to be done. I had told them the truth about my son, shut down their doubts, and made it clear that no one would question me again. But despite my victory, I couldn’t shake the unease settling in my bones. This wasn’t over, Not by a long shot. I barely made it halfway back to my house before I heard footsteps behind me. I sighed. “What do you want, Ryker?” He fell into step beside me, hands in his pockets, green eyes sharp. “You didn’t hesitate, did you?” I glanced at him. “Why would I?” He scoffed. “Most people would have softened the blow. Given the time to process.” “I’m not most people, Ryker,” I said simply. His lips quirked up slightly. “No, you’re not.” We walked in silence for a few moments before he spoke again. “I meant what I said back there, Zara. I won’t push you to tell me where he is.” I studied him carefully, searching for any deception. But all I saw was…

  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 71

    Zara’s POV For too long, I had lived in the shadows of my past—haunted by memories I couldn’t grasp, by an emptiness I couldn’t explain. But now, I remembered. I knew the truth about his whereabouts. I had a son. And no one—not Mia, not the pack, not even Ryker—could change that. My son was safe, hidden away where no one could reach him. And now, it was time to let the pack know the truth. Without fear. Without regret. “Call for a pack meeting,” I said firmly. Ryker’s head snapped up from where he sat at his desk. His eyes flickered with something between surprise and suspicion. “Why?” I crossed my arms. “I have something to say.” He leaned forward, studying me carefully. “Zara, if this is about—” “It’s not up for discussion, Ryker.” My voice was steady and controlled. “Call the meeting.” There was a long pause. Then, slowly, he nodded. “Fine,” he said. “We’ll meet in the clearing at sundown.” I turned to leave, but his voice stopped me. “You’re different,” he murmur

  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 70

    Zara's pov The air in the room shifted, thickening like the moment before a storm. I felt it before I saw him—a strange, pulsing energy that made the hairs on my arms rise. The dim candlelight flickered wildly, shadows stretching unnaturally along the walls. Then he appeared. A tall, lean figure cloaked in white was standing in the doorway as if he had materialized from thin air. His presence was overwhelming, radiating an aura of raw power that sent a shiver down my spine. His long white hair cascaded over his shoulders, his silver eyes piercing into mine with an intensity that made it impossible to look away. I clutched the baby tighter to my chest, my heartbeat hammering in my ears. He stirred in my arms, but he didn’t cry. It was as if even he could sense the weight of the presence before us. “Who are you?” I demanded my voice firm despite the fear coiling in my gut. The man took a single step forward, his gaze never wavering. “My name is Arcturus,” he said, his voice deep a

  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 69

    Zara’s POV The words were carved into the wooden training dummies like a message from the dead. ZARA HIDES A SON. WHAT ELSE IS SHE HIDING? I stood there, frozen, as the pack murmured around me. My heartbeat pounded so hard in my chest that I felt like I couldn’t breathe. A son? My son? It wasn’t the first time I had felt this ache—this emptiness inside me, like something was missing, like a piece of me had been stolen. Because it had. The memory was gone. Ripped from my mind like a page torn from a book. But my heart knew. Somewhere, deep in my soul, I had always known. I had a son, and I had lost him. “Zara?” Ryker’s voice cut through my thoughts. His hand was on my arm, grounding me. “Are you okay?” I wasn’t. I could barely hear him over the pounding in my skull, the whispers of something just out of reach, something that I should have remembered but couldn’t. I turned to him, my throat dry. “Who wrote this?” His jaw clenched, his fury barely rest

  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 68

    Mia’s POV Darkness suited me, I thrived in it. While my dear sister basked in the light of her so-called redemption, I worked in the shadows, planting the seeds of her destruction. She didn’t see it coming. None of them did. But soon… they would. It had only been three days since I sent the anonymous letter, but already, I could hear the whispers spreading through the Crescent Moon Pack. Doubt.,Suspicion and Fear among the pack members. The pack had welcomed Zara back, but deep down, their trust in her was fragile. They had turned on her once—why wouldn’t they do it again? I sat at the edge of the forest, hidden from sight, watching as a group of elders gathered outside the packhouse. Their faces were lined with concern, their voices hushed. “She came back different,” one of them muttered. Another nodded. “She survived too much. And she never speaks of where she was or how she became so powerful.” “And that power,” a third elder whispered, “it’s unnatural.” I grinned, Pe

  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 67

    Mia’s POV Hatred wasn’t just an emotion for me—it was the very essence of my existence. It had been my constant companion, whispering in my ears since childhood, fueling the fire that burned inside me. Zara had taken everything from me. Our sibling’s love. The respect of our pack. The admiration of our people. Even Ryker, the Alpha who should have been mine. No matter what I did, no matter how carefully I laid my plans, she always found a way to survive. But this time… This time, I wouldn’t just break her. I would erase her. I sat in the dimly lit chamber of my hidden hideout, my fingers tapping against the wooden table, the rhythmic sound echoing through the silence. The scent of burning wax from a nearby candle filled the air, but even its warmth did nothing to cool the rage boiling inside me. I had done everything right. I had framed Zara for treason, turned the pack against her, and even manipulated Ryker into rejecting her. She had been exiled, thrown into the cold,

  • The Exiled Luna    Chapter 66

    Ryker’s POV The scent of Zara’s blood still lingered in the air. It clung to my skin, burned into my memory like a curse I would never escape. I sat in my office, my fists clenched so tightly my knuckles turned white. The rage inside me simmered, barely contained, and no matter how many deep breaths I took, it refused to settle. Mia had dared to touch my mate. She had dared to spill Zara’s blood right under my nose, and I had let it happen. I slammed my fist against the desk, the wood splintering under my strength. This was my faul all of it. If I hadn’t been so blind, if I hadn’t believed Mia’s lies all those years ago, Zara would have never been cast out. She would have never been forced to fight for her life, never had to build herself back up from nothing. And now, even when she had come back, even after I had sworn to protect her, I had failed her again. Mia was a sickness, a poison that had embedded itself deep in our pack, and I had been too much of a fool to see it

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status