Luna Verdict

Gabby and Josephine instantly leaped away from each other, scrambling to cover up. Gabby's cheeks flushed crimson, a mix of rage and shame on his face, while Josephine just gave a wry grin, apparently unfazed by my abrupt entrance.

"You had no right to storm in, Jacqueline," snapped Gabby, glaring sharply.

"This is my place," I shot back sharply. "Seems like you've forgotten that in your escapades."

Josephine let out a laugh. "Oh, Jacqueline, you're quite the comedian. Why even make a fuss? You're a nonentity here."

"Enough, Josephine!" I cut in. "This isn't about you."

As Gabby stood up, attempting to shield himself awkwardly, he commanded, "Leave, Jacqueline. This doesn't involve you."

"How dare you say that to me?" I replied, my voice quivering with feeling. "What else do you want after all you've put me through?"

Gabby advanced, his expression contorted with anger. "You're missing the point. You're an Omega, meant for our entertainment."

Josephine's laughter filled the room. "She's got a point, Gabby. Why bother with someone so trivial?"

I balled my fists. "You are both vile. I might be an Omega, but I have more integrity than you'll ever possess."

Gabby's eyes flashed threateningly. "Watch it, Jacqueline. You're way out of your depth."

"I know exactly who I'm dealing with," I said icily. "A coward masquerading as an Alpha."

As Gabby moved to hit me, the door burst open and Nathan entered. "What's the chaos?"

Nathan Rivers, the fair and compassionate Alpha of the Moonstone Pack, was known for his just and kind leadership. His blue eyes and handsome features belied a tender heart, and his presence always brought comfort.

Gabby froze, his hand near my face, and turned to Nathan with fury in his eyes. "Nathan, what brings you here?"

Gabby halted suddenly, his hand nearly touching my face, and swiveled to confront Nathan. His face twisted with anger and annoyance. "Nathan, why are you here?"

Nathan's gaze swept across the room, taking in the mess and commotion. He was renowned for his level-headed and fair leadership, earning him respect from all the packs. His eyes finally rested on me, softening a touch, though I could spot a hint of bewilderment.

"I dropped by to check on the alliance's progress, but it looks like I've stumbled into a different situation," Nathan remarked, his tone calm yet laced with an implicit caution.

Josephine, unperturbed, flipped her hair and gave Nathan a flirty smile. "Nathan, you have a knack for appearing at the most awkward moments. Playing the hero again, I see?"

Nathan brushed off her comment, focusing on Gabby. "Is this your idea of keeping your pack in line? Letting mayhem and disrespect run wild?"

Gabby's cheeks flushed with more color, and he balled his hands into fists. "This isn't your concern, Nathan. Back off."

Nathan's expression grew stern, and he stepped between Gabby and me. "It becomes my concern when someone is in danger or mistreated. I won't just stand aside."

Gabby seemed to seethe with more fury, but before he could retort, the door creaked open, and an old woman with a commanding look and sharp eyes entered. It was Clara, the pack's ex-Alpha and Gabby's aunt, whose influence was still potent.

"Gabby, what's all this?" she demanded, her authoritative voice filling the room.

Gabby tensed, and Josephine's smugness disappeared. "Aunt Clara, it's all a big misunderstanding. Jacqueline burst in, and things spiraled."

Clara eyed him skeptically. "Seems like more than just a misunderstanding to me. Nathan, what did you witness?"

Nathan faced Clara, respectful yet unwavering. "I saw Gabby threatening Jacqueline. No context excuses such conduct."

Clara's gaze turned to me, softening a bit. "Jacqueline, your side of the story?"

I inhaled deeply, aware of everyone's focus on me. "I walked in on Gabby and Josephine... together. I was shocked, and when I confronted them, it escalated."

Clara nodded, her look one of disappointment yet empathy. She addressed Gabby with a chilling calm. "Gabby, you've disgraced our family and pack. We'll discuss this privately."

Gabby tried to object, but Clara silenced him with a stern look. She then acknowledged Nathan. "Thank you for intervening, Nathan. Jacqueline, come with me. We need to talk."

Following Clara to a secluded room, I looked back at Nathan, his intense gaze sending a chill through me. He might not know me well, but his appearance made me feel recognized and validated.

Clara led me inside a quiet room. "Jacqueline," she started, her tone now softer, "this is tough, I know. Gabby will face the consequences. For now, let's focus on your safety."

I nodded, tears welling up. "Thanks, Clara. I'm at a loss about what to do."

Clara sighed. "You'll stay in a rarely used cabin at the space's edge. It's safe there."

I expressed my gratitude, needing time to process everything.

As we prepared to leave, Clara reassured me. "You're not alone. We'll handle this together."

Approaching the foyer, we saw Nathan addressing the other pack members. He looked up as we neared.

"Nathan," Clara said, "Jacqueline will be in the cabin. Ensure her safety, please."

Nathan agreed, his face serious. "She'll be safe with me."

As we headed to the cabin, having Nathan by my side, I felt reassured and safe. "Jacqueline," he whispered, "whatever you need, I've got your back."

"Much appreciated, Nathan," I responded, brimming with gratitude. "I'd be at a complete loss without your support."

He smiled slightly. "We'll get through this. Together."

Reaching the cabin at sunset, Nathan checked its security before leaving, but not without one last reassuring glance.

"I'll come by tomorrow," he promised. "Rest well."

I nodded. "Goodnight, Nathan."

Closing the door, I knew challenges awaited, but with Nathan and Clara's support, hope flickered within me. I was ready to confront whatever came my way and take back control of my life.

As dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight slipped in, the cabin filled with a warm, golden glow that softly kissed my cheeks. Yet, even with such tranquility around me, my thoughts were a jumbled mess, all tangled up with the intense feelings from the upheaval of the previous evening.

I sensed the winds of change stirring, signaling more upheaval ahead.

A gentle rapping at the door drew me back to the present. Rosa was there when I opened it, her eyes brimming with worry. She wrapped me in a hug, her presence a beacon of solace in the storm.

"Milady, word of last night's events reached me," Rosa's voice quivered. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm hanging in there, Rosa," I said, offering a weak smile as a sign of gratitude for her concern. "I appreciate you checking in on me."

Rosa's gaze swept the cabin, her expression tense. "Such a secluded spot they've chosen for you."

"It's a precaution for my safety," I clarified. "Clara and Nathan thought it was necessary."

Understanding flickered in Rosa's eyes, but her apprehension lingered. "I'm just not sure about Gabby. And Josephine, she's just as treacherous."

"You're not wrong," I acknowledged, feeling the gravity of her statement. "Still, we're not alone. Clara, Nathan... they're on our side."

Our discussion of the next steps was cut short by a jarring noise.