Page 37 of Chasing Luna

“Isabela, you handled yourself quite maturely this time. I’m impressed, child,” my grandmother states, spinning me around slowly to look for any injuries.

“I’m fine, Queen Mother.” She eyes me up and down once more before turning her attention to my sister.

“And you, Grayson.” She taps Gregory on the shoulder, and he gives her a slight bow. “I do not take kindly to strangers in my home, and you were no exception. Though this time, an expression of gratitude is in order.” She stands tall and firm before continuing. “Thank you,” she expresses and Gregory shakes his head in response.

“It was my honor to fight for you, Queen Mother.”

“Katarina, you fought splendidly. As expected from the guardian of the pack,” she compliments my sister, smiling wide.

“Thank you, Queen Mother. I was just acting out of responsibility.”

“Hush, now. Do not downplay your abilities. You are a truly gifted child.” She pats Katarina on the back.

My sister speaks in a very soft tone, “I really wanted them to see what I was capable of.” Everyone within the vicinity cheers in response. Katarina looks at the floor, slightly abashed. I keep my eyes on her. Once the cheers have stopped, she smirks to herself and I feel my mouth part slightly.

She’s not my sister. I don’t know who this person is anymore.

Chapter Thirty-Six

I can’t believe this is what I have to deal with,I think to myself, faking a calm demeanor to quell the worries of those around me.A grandmother who hates me, a sister who is manipulative, and a pack that’s on the brink of a coup d’état because its members can’t agree on who should rule the family in the future. I step out into the garden, desperate for some fresh air.

Not to mention the enemies we have that seem to only grow stronger in number. Or the fact that my sister’s killer hasn’t been captured yet. Taking deep, slow breaths, I try to calm myself down as I sit on one of the stone benches beside my grandmother’s orchids. Closing my eyes, I let myself drown in my own thoughts.

“How did those wolves get in anyway?” I hear Katarina’s voice coming closer to where I am. “No one can infiltrate the security system we have unless there’s someone on the inside helping them.” I keep my eyes closed, inhaling deeply, trying to detox myself from the smell of blood and guts coming from inside the house. “Isabela.” She stops in front of me.

“Yes, Kat?” I reply, not bothering to open my eyes.

“What are you doing outside? You’re vulnerable here. Come inside.”

“We were already inside the estate earlier when we got attacked.” I crack an eye open. “It’s not safe anywhere, sis. We’ve got lots of angry enemies to deal with.”

She sighs. “Yes, but we’ve got lots of guards inside. You being out in the open isn’t… ideal.” She grabs my hand and attempts to pull me up, but I snatch my hand away. I open my eyes, blinking slowly so I can adjust to the environment.

“I can go inside myself.” Standing up, I smooth out my blood-stained dress and make my way back into the house.

“Listen.” Katarina closes the distance between us. “It was a nightmare back there.”

What is she even trying to do? Be a good sister? As if I’ll ever believe that now. I struggle to keep my composure and try to tune her out.

I turn left toward the corridor leading to my room. “I just want you to know that I’m here any time you want to talk, alright?” Katarina starts again, keeping up with my pace easily. “Because I know grandmother isn’t exactly the most… affectionate person in this house.” She chuckles drily. “But I’m here. I’m your sister.” I stop at the door to my bedroom and face her. She raises a hand to pat me on the head, and I let her. “I’m the only one you have left.”

No, you’re not.

“The only one you can depend on.”

I have my friends.

She puts her hands on my shoulders. “The only family member who cares about you.”

I have Eliza.

She pulls me in for a hug. “And the only person you can trust.”

I have Gregory.

I smile and push her away gently.It was my turn to lie. “I know that, sis. Don’t worry. I’m here for you, too.” I attempt to push open my door, but she stops me again.

“Do you want me to sleep over here tonight? Maybe we can set up the projector and watch a movie, just like we did when we were still kids?” she offers, but something inside me screams not to be alone with her.