Page 161 of Crystal Luna

The question caught her off guard. Was it really necessary? “You think they’re in danger?”

“I don’t trust that rogue to keep his mouth shut. They might use it against us.”

“I’ll do it, if Axel agrees.”

“Of course I do, Luna. Though I would suggest we sit down and discuss who you’d be most comfortable with.”

“Okay, but I’m not picky. You know your warriors—I’ll trust your judgement. I am luna after all—they’ll be forced to behave no matter what.”

Axel’s lips curled up to a grin. “Yes, you are.”

“But I do appreciate your offer. You’re very likeable.”

His cheeks blushed faintly while his grin widened into a bright smile. “Thank you, Luna.”

Asher crossed his arms, throwing himself back in his chair in a playful pout. “I can’t believe the first warrior gets a compliment and her mates don’t.

“I haven’t killed you yet, and you’re allowed to cuddle with me. I think that’s compliment enough.” Velora didn’t miss the way Asher blushed as she threw him a wink.

Isaiah redirected the conversation, much to Axel’s relief. “How about you and Axel meet tomorrow to see who is a good fit?”

Everyone agreed and Velora waited patiently for Axel to leave before retreating to her bed.

Chapter Forty

Isaiah

Ash headed to bed soon after but instead of following Vel, he retreated to his own bedroom, shutting the door behind him.

Isaiah on the other hand couldn’t sleep, thoughts of Ely raging in his mind. It was easy to keep busy during the day to distract himself but nighttime brought forth those thoughts he’d desperately been trying to avoid by working through until morning.

When the clock struck midnight, he became fed up. He pushed himself out of the chair, tied on his boots, and walked right out the front door.

Each footstep felt like he was dragging himself through thick, oozing sludge, but with Vel’s encouraging words in the back of his mind he kept moving. His heart fought him but maybe Vel was right—maybe he needed closure.

Ely was kept in a sanctuary near the river’s bank, not far from where they held all their celebrations. It was a small stone cottage used to give loved ones private space to say their farewells.

But inches away from the door, he stopped. It was as if an invisible wall kept him from crossing the threshold. He couldn’t even make his hand move to touch the doorknob.

What was he doing there anyway?

What would talking to a corpse even do?

Suddenly, warmth wrapped around Isaiah from behind and a soft hand settled on his lower back. Vel appeared next to him, reaching around to push the door open. The candlelight from inside illuminated the otherwise dark space, intensifying the warmth and encapsulating Isaiah in an odd sense of security.

Silently, Vel gave him a gentle shove, guiding him through the open doorway. He took a shaky breath with each step towards Ely’s body. A black silk sheet covered his body, shielding them from the damage that lied beneath. The men who recovered him—including Luka—had insisted that no one else witness what they had. Even they suffered from nightmares because of it. They said everyone should remember Ely as he was—not as he ended.

Isaiah took another step before he realised that Vel was no longer next to him. He looked back to see her casually leaning against the doorway with her head bowed. She wasn’t showing her respect—she was hiding her face from Isaiah.

He stood beside his best friend, his heart heavy with grief. Was Ely still his best friend? The last interaction they had would say otherwise. Isaiah had cursed him, stripped him of his title then thrown him so forcefully across the entryway that Ely walked away with a few cracked ribs.

Even after Vel told them not to take his title, Ash had been the one to speak to him. Isaiah had been far too hurt to look him in the eyes. Not only that—he was ashamed. How had he not seen it over the years? He’d never been deceived in such a way.

A small voice in the back of his mind grew louder: he was drunk. It was once, while he was drunk. Sure, he’d bullied Vel over the years as well—but so had Isaiah and Ash. Excusing what he did with alcohol was wrong, Isaiah knew that. But since Ely had taken on the role of beta—especially when Vel returned—he’d been nothing but respectful.

Fuck, Ely!! Why? Why the fuck did you have to do that?

Even after everything, he loved Ely like a brother. But it was hard to admit because he was betraying his mate by doing so.