Chapter 127: The Cost of Carrying the Alpha’s Heir

"I want to see you," she said after a few seconds, urgency slipping into her tone.

A tightness seized Emma’s chest, her hold on the device sharpening with tension.

"Things like what?" the High Luna asked, her curiosity sharpening.

"The meeting is the reason why I invited you. I wanted us to discuss," the High Luna reminded her, slightly puzzled.

"Yes, if you are less busy," the High Luna agreed. Let’s see if you can actually focus this time."

"Alright, where is my prince?" the High Luna asked, shifting the topic. He should be involved in this too.

"Is he still in the duty chamber?" The High Luna followed up.

She kept quiet for a few minutes and she could hear the sound of her chair. It was as if she adjusted to a more comfortable position within her royal chamber.

"My High Luna, no," Emma replied quickly, tension rising in her chest. She can’t just remove her from this... she needs to be there.

"I want to attend the meeting," Emma insisted, her voice tightening with determination. If I’m excluded now, I lose control of everything I’ve been trying to hold together."

"Did your mate tell you what your pack-kins are planning to do?" she asked seriously, watching for her reaction. Brandon must have warned her... or at least hinted at it.

"Very good! The royal pack-kin stays away from any drama that inevitably captures packwide attention. As the mate of the moon prince, you must remain pure without blemishes.

"What are his terms?" she asked, her brows knitting slightly, curiosity picking at her chest as she held the device tighter to her ear.

Emma exhaled slowly.

"He wants you to apply for bond severance and move on," she said at last, her voice lower now, measured.

Another silence followed—heavier this time.

"Emma," she called when she didn’t hear anything from her.

"Nobody will believe you if you don’t have evidence that can prove them wrong!"

"Emma, do not make me believe everything I heard about you is true," she said.

There was a long silence.

A hand snatched the device from her and saved her from drowning. Emma turned sharply, a breath leaving her lips as the connection broke.

Her breath came in shallow pulls as she dragged herself up the stairs, each step heavier than the last. The corridor seemed to tilt, her vision blurring at the edges. She caught the railing just in time, fingers tightening around it as her knees threatened to give way.

"Moonheart..."

"Moonheart..." he murmured, lowering her gently onto the bed, his eyes searching her face. His thumb brushed lightly across her cheek, as if grounding himself. Are you certain you can handle the meeting?

"I’m okay... just a little fatigued," she said softly, her voice thinner than she intended.

Brandon exhaled slowly, his gaze darkening with concern. His fingers lingered on hers, unwilling to let go.

"No." She shook her head quickly a flash of stubbornness cutting through her exhaustion. Her grip tightened around his hand. "I’m okay... don’t, please."

His eyes narrowed slightly, studying her—measuring strength against strain.

Emma let out a soft breath, her lashes lowering.

Her words faltered as a sudden wave of dizziness passed through her.

Healer Ben stepped in with quiet urgency, his presence calm but alert. His eyes moved swiftly over Emma before he reached for her wrist.

He hesitated briefly, his gaze shifting to Brandon, something heavier passing through his eyes.

Emma’s gaze wavered briefly to Brandon at those words, something unspoken passing between them.

Brandon stayed close beside her, his gaze fixed on every small change in her expression, silent and watchful, his concern still deep and unwavering.

"I can manage..." she murmured, reaching for the fork, though her fingers trembled slightly, her free hand instinctively resting over her stomach.

He gently took the fork from her hand, his gaze locking onto hers—softer now, but no less firm. His thumb brushed lightly over her knuckles, lingering there.

For a moment, she hesitated—pride flickering, fragile against the warmth in his words.

A few hours later, the strength she’d lost returned quietly, settling back into her bones as if it had never left.

She was unwell, but determined to correct her mistake.

Before Friday evening, she had gotten everything she needed for the meeting ready.

All he cared about was her and their unborn pup—the future of the royal bloodline. In silence, he tightened their security, making sure nothing would ever come close to the most important lives in his heaven.

She was walking straight into it... ready to end it.