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The Stand-In Luna
The Stand-In Luna
Penulis: Deborah Myers

•Chapter 1•

Penulis: Deborah Myers
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-03-28 10:19:24

Ashley

The day everything changed for the worse started like any other morning. As the strongest warrior of the Moonlit Silver Pack, I led my team through the northwest border, with my muscles tense and my senses sharp.

I was doing all of this not because I wanted to, but because even if Jace and I weren’t officially mates yet, I had already stepped into the role of Luna.

Also because, deep down, I did it for him. Always for him.

My team and I pushed through the woods, but in a flash, they were gone. So quickly that I didn't even notice when all I could sense around me was the quiet, eerie air of the forest.

My heart pounded in my chest as I spun around, looking for them. But all I could find were more trees, grass and earth. No bodies. No faces.

A tree branch crunched nearby, and I frantically turned to the source of the noise, ready to fight if the situation required it. But what I saw instead turned my blood ice cold.

Five—no—six Rogues emerged from the trees, their grins sharper than my fighting blades. Even though dawn was already breaking, their presence made it feel like darkness still owned the skies and the forest.

Inside my mouth, my tongue went dry. I couldn't move my limbs, which felt unusually sluggish. Worst of all, I couldn't sense the presence of my wolf, Amy, inside my mind.

I was on my own, and something was horribly wrong.

“This one belongs to the Alpha, does she not?” One sneered, eyes glinting with malice. “We can use her to get our leader back.”

“It’s no wonder he wants her.” Another leered, his gaze raking over my body. “She’s got one hell of a body.”

Disgust crawled under my skin, but I made a stony face. I refused to give them the satisfaction of a reaction.

Rogues were usually chaotic, but not these. They had a plan and a leader. Last month, Jace had nearly killed him. Now, the bastard rotted in our dungeon, awaiting judgement. But unfortunately rogues weren't the type to let things go just like that.

They moved closer to me, cutting off all chances of escaping. “Mind-link your mate,” one ordered, getting close enough to press a knife against my throat. He reeked of dirt and sweat. “Tell him to let our leader go, or I’ll start carving into this pretty, soft skin of yours.”

My mind raced. If I could give Jace a rough location, my team could track me.

“Jace,” I reached for our link, voice steady despite the fear gnawing at my gut. “There’s an emergency. I've been cornered at the Northwest border—”

His response cut deeper than the blade pressed on my neck.

“Contact later.”

Two words. Two seconds.

I had been dismissed; tossed aside once again.

Too many times, I had heard those words. Every time he was with Carina, he was unreachable. But this time—I wasn’t asking for a date. I wasn’t asking for his time.

I was begging for my life, staring at death right in the eyes and expecting him to show up to save me.

“Did he agree?” One of the Rogues narrowed his eyes.

I maintained eye-contact, trying to buy time. “He… hasn’t replied yet.”

A muscle ticked in his jaw. “An Alpha ignoring his mate? Now that's a new one I haven't heard before. Stop fucking around or things are going to get ugly.”

Before I could respond, his foot came down hard on me, forcing me to the ground.

A sickening crack echoed through the forest. Fire shot through my entire body so violently that I clenched my teeth, choking back a scream.

I expected someone to come to my rescue. To save me from this terrible situation, but as time went on, so did the realisation of my hopelessness grow. Minutes stretched into an hour. Still, silence. No rescue. No Jace.

My initial frustration turned to rage.

The Rogues grew restless, and so they blindfolded me, and dragged me somewhere else, despite my attempts to get free. I couldn't tap into my wolf, so transforming wasn't even possible. Plus, I was already outnumbered.

I lost track of time and direction. But the Rogues weren’t satisfied.

“Fucking bitch! She’s wasting our time!” One of the Rogues growled, and then the blows started.

Fists slammed into my ribs, my stomach, my limbs. I curled in on myself to shield myself from the onslaught but my pain only grew..

“Jace.” Weakly, I reached out again. “Please. It hurts.”

Nothing.

Instead, what I received was a stabbing pain in my skull, followed by an emptiness in my mind.

He had blocked our link.

Blocking a mate bond was unnatural. It should’ve hurt him, too.

Did he even feel it?

“I don't think he's coming,” one Rogue muttered. “It’s been too long. Either he ignored this bitch, or we made a mistake.”

Footsteps approached. A scoff followed. “Intel from the pack says he’s too busy with some other woman. Fuck, we grabbed the wrong girl, comrades.”

Unified laughter. Another kick to my ribs. I barely felt it at this point because I was so numb and tired.

“Poor little mate. Even your Alpha doesn’t give a damn whether you live or die.”

That was when something inside me snapped. The taunts faded. The pain dulled. All I could hear was the furious, guttural growl rising from within me.

Amy, finally awake from her slumber, rose within me, and filled up my bones and flesh with her presence. With her rage.

I closed my eyes, and allowed her to take over.

In the darkness, I thought about what I used to consider the happiest moment of my life. The moment Jace had asked me to be his mate. His Luna.

But . . . Even that memory was tainted with the truth.

I was about to respond, reaching for his hand and ready to throw myself into his arms—

Then his phone rang.

He sighed, glancing at the screen.

“Carina? ” His expression tightened. “I’ll be right there.”

Without another word, he turned and walked away.

The warmth in my chest vanished. My outstretched hand fell to my side.

Again. I was left alone.

“Ashley.”

I woke to the sound of my name on Jace’s tongue. Once, it brought me so much joy, but now . . .

I tried to move, but pain wrapped around me like a vice. A groan left my lips.

“Ashley, are you okay?” Hands cradled my face, golden eyes filled with something that almost looked like concern watched me from above.

Disoriented, I blinked up at him. Something didn't . . . feel right.

Then I realized—

I couldn’t feel Amy.

It wasn't the exhaustion or the pain. I genuinely couldn't feel her presence, not even the calm string that usually remained while she lay dormant.

Something about this absence felt permanent.

Terror seized my chest. “Amy…” My voice cracked. “Why can’t . . . Why can't I feel her?”

Jace averted his gaze.

Dread curled like ice in my stomach.

“She was strong,” he said carefully. “Before we found you, she fought off the Rogues. But you were both badly injured. She… she didn’t make it.”

I stiffened. The words didn’t register at first.

Impossible. “She’s not gone.” I shook my head, heart slamming against my ribs. “She can’t be.” I denied it, but I could feel the emptiness in my bones like a cancer.

I had lost my wolf.

Jace reached for me. “Ashley, I—”

Even through the excruciating pain, I flinched. The pain was more welcome than his touch. “Were you even looking for me?” My voice trembled, fury and heartbreak tangling in my throat. “Or were you with Carina again?”

Silence.

A hollow laugh slipped past my lips. “What was it this time? Did she have a paper cut? Did she need you to open a jar?”

He flinched. “She had a fever. I had to go stay with her. But she’s fine now. You've always been strong. I never thought—I didn't think something like this would happen.”

Strong.

Right. Strong enough to survive. Strong enough to endure. Strong enough to be left behind.

I searched his face for regret. For anything real.

“I’m sorry I was late,” he said, still unable to meet my eyes. Even his voice held no shred of regret. He was trying his best, but I could smell his insincerity.

And that was enough push for me to make the next decision.

“I'm not doing this anymore, Jace.” Ice cold. Just like how my insides felt.

He lifted his head, eyes a little wide. “What?”

“Reject me this instant. This sham of a relationship ends here.”

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  • The Stand-In Luna   •Chapter 2•

    Ashley I repeated my words without hesitation. "I want us to break up. Please. Reject me." My voice trembled, and sounded raw even to my own ears. The pain in my heart was pouring out of me like a flood.Jace's expression darkened. His jaw tightened, fingers twitching at his sides like he was holding himself from doing something dangerous. "No." His voice was low, a growl laced with finality. "Don’t even think about it." The Alpha Command slammed into me like invisible chains, locking my body in place. I couldn't even get a full breath out because of how heavy the words were. "I already told the elders about our mate bonding ceremony and have prepared to invite all the neighboring packs. Soon, you'll be the pack’s Luna. No one else can take that place." His voice left no room for argument. His grip on my wrists tightened, his warmth searing against my skin."I know I wasn’t enough before, I know I haven't always been here, where I belong," he murmured, almost desperate. "Bu

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28
  • The Stand-In Luna   •Chapter 3•

    Ashley The joy of Jace's earlier proposal felt like nothing but a cruel joke. "What about my arm?" My voice trembled, but I refused to back down. "This happened because I was trying to stop her from getting hurt.” Jace’s gaze flickered to the blood pooling at my feet. For a moment, he hesitated. Then, releasing Carina, he rushed to my side. His hands cradled my injured arm with a gentleness that made my chest tighten. "I’m . . . sorry, my dear." His voice softened, full of regret. "I’m just so used to worrying about Carina. I didn't mean to lash out at you." Carina shot me a glare of pure resentment before storming out. But Jace didn’t chase after her—he was waiting for my response. Once, his apology would have reassured me. But now, I was just tired. Tired of being an afterthought. Tired of always being overlooked and neglected. "I know you and Carina have nothing going on, but you needed to hear the things she said to me before you got here." I met his gaze, searching for an

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28
  • The Stand-In Luna   •Chapter 4•

    Ashley I couldn't get away from the door fast enough, before I was grabbed and dragged into the hall. With a single jab to my back, I was forced to my knees before the Elders, Jace and the prisoner. I tried to fight it off but I wasn’t strong enough. Elder Joseph was quick to speak. “Kill her. We can’t risk this getting out. Keeping her around at this point is more of a risk.” He got up from his seat and came over to me. His cold eyes watched me like a hawk, assessing my every move. I was completely helpless—my limbs bound, my mouth gagged. He knelt down and pressed his hands into my throat, with the clear intent of ending my life. Panic surged within me as I struggled for breath. My eyes started to roll back into my head and the edges of my vision started to darken. All I could think about was how Jace, who I had trusted, was watching while I was getting strangled to death. “I agree. She’s just an orphan. She’s already served her purpose,” another elder chimed. “Getting rid of

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28
  • The Stand-In Luna   •Chapter 5•

    AshleyLike an iron cage, the Mating Ceremony loomed over me, its grandeur only emphasizing my impending fate and doom. The entire pack had gathered, elders and warriors alike, along with visiting wolves from other packs. The air buzzed with an anxious energy, a stark contrast to the suffocating dread rising in my chest like a wave.Inside the dressing chamber where I waited to be called upon, I fastened the intricate waist chain around my ceremonial gown, the weight of my expensive cloak pressing on my shoulders. Outside, four high-ranking warriors stood guard. Four. As if I were a high-value prisoner rather than a former warrior stripped of my wolf and status.Carina stormed in, her expression twisted with malice. Her gaze flickered over my attire, and jealousy darkened her eyes. She dressed so much like me that at first glance, it was hard to tell who the real Luna was."Do you feel proud of yourself?” she sneered, stepping closer. "Better not get too overconfident, because I'll m

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28

Bab terbaru

  • The Stand-In Luna   •Chapter 5•

    AshleyLike an iron cage, the Mating Ceremony loomed over me, its grandeur only emphasizing my impending fate and doom. The entire pack had gathered, elders and warriors alike, along with visiting wolves from other packs. The air buzzed with an anxious energy, a stark contrast to the suffocating dread rising in my chest like a wave.Inside the dressing chamber where I waited to be called upon, I fastened the intricate waist chain around my ceremonial gown, the weight of my expensive cloak pressing on my shoulders. Outside, four high-ranking warriors stood guard. Four. As if I were a high-value prisoner rather than a former warrior stripped of my wolf and status.Carina stormed in, her expression twisted with malice. Her gaze flickered over my attire, and jealousy darkened her eyes. She dressed so much like me that at first glance, it was hard to tell who the real Luna was."Do you feel proud of yourself?” she sneered, stepping closer. "Better not get too overconfident, because I'll m

  • The Stand-In Luna   •Chapter 4•

    Ashley I couldn't get away from the door fast enough, before I was grabbed and dragged into the hall. With a single jab to my back, I was forced to my knees before the Elders, Jace and the prisoner. I tried to fight it off but I wasn’t strong enough. Elder Joseph was quick to speak. “Kill her. We can’t risk this getting out. Keeping her around at this point is more of a risk.” He got up from his seat and came over to me. His cold eyes watched me like a hawk, assessing my every move. I was completely helpless—my limbs bound, my mouth gagged. He knelt down and pressed his hands into my throat, with the clear intent of ending my life. Panic surged within me as I struggled for breath. My eyes started to roll back into my head and the edges of my vision started to darken. All I could think about was how Jace, who I had trusted, was watching while I was getting strangled to death. “I agree. She’s just an orphan. She’s already served her purpose,” another elder chimed. “Getting rid of

  • The Stand-In Luna   •Chapter 3•

    Ashley The joy of Jace's earlier proposal felt like nothing but a cruel joke. "What about my arm?" My voice trembled, but I refused to back down. "This happened because I was trying to stop her from getting hurt.” Jace’s gaze flickered to the blood pooling at my feet. For a moment, he hesitated. Then, releasing Carina, he rushed to my side. His hands cradled my injured arm with a gentleness that made my chest tighten. "I’m . . . sorry, my dear." His voice softened, full of regret. "I’m just so used to worrying about Carina. I didn't mean to lash out at you." Carina shot me a glare of pure resentment before storming out. But Jace didn’t chase after her—he was waiting for my response. Once, his apology would have reassured me. But now, I was just tired. Tired of being an afterthought. Tired of always being overlooked and neglected. "I know you and Carina have nothing going on, but you needed to hear the things she said to me before you got here." I met his gaze, searching for an

  • The Stand-In Luna   •Chapter 2•

    Ashley I repeated my words without hesitation. "I want us to break up. Please. Reject me." My voice trembled, and sounded raw even to my own ears. The pain in my heart was pouring out of me like a flood.Jace's expression darkened. His jaw tightened, fingers twitching at his sides like he was holding himself from doing something dangerous. "No." His voice was low, a growl laced with finality. "Don’t even think about it." The Alpha Command slammed into me like invisible chains, locking my body in place. I couldn't even get a full breath out because of how heavy the words were. "I already told the elders about our mate bonding ceremony and have prepared to invite all the neighboring packs. Soon, you'll be the pack’s Luna. No one else can take that place." His voice left no room for argument. His grip on my wrists tightened, his warmth searing against my skin."I know I wasn’t enough before, I know I haven't always been here, where I belong," he murmured, almost desperate. "Bu

  • The Stand-In Luna   •Chapter 1•

    Ashley The day everything changed for the worse started like any other morning. As the strongest warrior of the Moonlit Silver Pack, I led my team through the northwest border, with my muscles tense and my senses sharp. I was doing all of this not because I wanted to, but because even if Jace and I weren’t officially mates yet, I had already stepped into the role of Luna. Also because, deep down, I did it for him. Always for him. My team and I pushed through the woods, but in a flash, they were gone. So quickly that I didn't even notice when all I could sense around me was the quiet, eerie air of the forest. My heart pounded in my chest as I spun around, looking for them. But all I could find were more trees, grass and earth. No bodies. No faces. A tree branch crunched nearby, and I frantically turned to the source of the noise, ready to fight if the situation required it. But what I saw instead turned my blood ice cold. Five—no—six Rogues emerged from the trees, their grins

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