Chapter 44

As soon as they finished speaking, the king presented Lorenzo with an ancient looking talisman for him to wear around his neck, a symbol for his new and important position.

The crowds around us practically erupted in jovial cheer and total excitement. I could hardly believe it myself until I felt the strong, warm arms of Lorenzo instantly wrap around me.

“Oh my God, Lorenzo!” I exclaimed.

“I know,” he said, baffled. “I can’t believe it.”

We held each other tightly until we both flinched and winced as a clear reminder of our current physical states. The Lycan Luna snapped her fingers, making two maids appear at her side.

“Take these two to my private tents and make sure they are given the absolute best medical attention,” she announced.

The maids gave a curt bow and led the two of us toward the tents where we quickly examined and treated.

They’d placed a white-colored cloth barrier between us, as a means of preserving our privacy. My hands were itching to tear down the cloth covering and stay by his side. A strong sense of agitation filled my chest, knowing that he was presently out of my sight.

I didn’t like it. I needed to see him—needed to feel his warmth next to me.

‘Good God, Eleanor,’ I said to myself. ‘Calm you down, will you? You’ll see the guy in a few minutes.’

After we were properly treated and wrapped up, I found myself practically ripping away at the cloth barrier to get to him. My breath caught in my lungs as my eyes fell to Lorenzo who was now easily lounging on one of the cushioned sofas with a small smile playing on his lips.

He reached out his hand to me. “It’s okay, love,” he breathed.

I knew the danger was over. I knew that the rogues were not stupid enough to try and attack twice in one night.

Still, I found myself rushing to his side and practically clinging to him as if he were my sole lifeline.

Of the two of us, Lorenzo had the worst of the injuries. He’d managed to sustain several long, deep claw marks that raked down his one side, whereas I mainly had a good handful of bruises and small scrapes.

I wanted to find a way to ease his pain.

A soft voice spoke out. “I should inform the two of you, between Eleanor’s earlier performance and your recent promotion, Mr. Sinclair, you’ve collected quite the fan base out there,” the Luna said.

To be honest, I couldn’t have cared less about the sudden limelight we found ourselves in. I had absolutely zero intentions of leaving Lorenzo’s side at this point in the evening.

Meanwhile, the Lycan Luna had one of her maids bring in a tray of tea and fine wines personally delivered to the tents and placed down in front of us. Moments later, the three of us are joined by the king who was finally without his outer armor.

“May I join in?” he asked lightly. Both Lorenzo and I awkwardly tried to sit up straight out of respect but were eased by the king’s immediate hand. “Oh, please. There’s no need for such formalities. Especially, given the fact that you’re both injured.”

Nonetheless, we nodded our heads as thanks.

The Lycan Luna laughed. “I was just telling these two how popular they’ve both become over the last several hours or so. You obviously know about Lorenzo’s heroism from before, but what you weren’t here to witness was Elanor’s stunning performance of the sacred Luna Moon dance,” she mentioned.

The king glanced at me with true fascination. “Is that so?” he asked.

I felt myself blushing beyond my control while a warm, secure hand from Lorenzo sent my blood sizzling.

“It appears that you have both left a considerable impression on the royal family today,” the king said.

“I agree,” the Luna nodded with a hint of determination behind her voice.

While the four of us finished up our tea and wine, the Lycan Luna requested that we follow her and the king outside the tent for a brief, much-needed announcement. Lorenzo made it a point to interlock our hands so that we moved together as one.

There were numerous people already gathered around the main entryway of the tent. As soon as the lung held up his hand, the entire space fell silent.

“Welcomed friends and guests, as this year’s Luna Moon Festival comes to a gentle end, it is with our deepest devotions that the Royal family properly acknowledges and gives thanks to those who’ve made it so special.”

The Lycan Luna and the king suddenly turned toward us. My nerves jolted and shook.

“Which is why I want to grant any special request that the alpha and luna pair of Black Moon Pack may have,” the Luna officially announced.

My jaw nearly went slack in shock. My God, was it possible for someone to faint from so much excitement? First Lorenzo had been granted one of the highest honors an alpha could receive and now he and I have been given a chance for a special request from the royal family!

Lorenzo turned to glance at me with a knowing look in his eyes.

“I have everything I need and more, because of you,” he said to me. “But we both know that there is still one thing that you truly desire.”

Yes. The case regarding the death of my father.

I’d been waiting weeks for a chance to speak with the Lycan Luna herself but never found the right time. Truly, I was sort of hoping for a more private audience; however, beggars couldn’t be choosers.

I carefully cleared my throat and stepped forward. “Your majesty, my only request is that I wish for my father’s case to be reopened,” I explained. “As many of the people here are aware, his life was cut short while he was in the middle of the biggest legal case of his career. The case involved several dozens of missing children that I am desperate to find, as well as an underground sex-trafficing ring that I am determined to see destroyed. With your majesty’s help, I intend to pick up where he left off. I seek not only answers but justice.”

A long beat of silence passed before the Lycan Luna responded. “...Agreed.”