THE CURSED LUNA
Chapter 30

Arian pov

I observed as Sheelah issued her threat discreetly, causing Luna Viviana's complexion to drain of color as she shifted her gaze between Sheelah and me. "Can I speak?" I inquired of Sheelah in a composed tone, even as Alpha Christian stormed out of the dining area in anger, leaving the volatile woman beside me unaddressed.

"Sheelah, let's discuss this. What is the purpose of confronting her?" I pulled my chair closer, the sound of scuffling on the floor echoing throughout the room.

"What do you know about Luna Viviana?" I asked, turning to her as she shot an angry glare at Sheelah. "She knows Arian. I don't have the time or inclination to stir up trouble with you; perhaps you should focus on your own affairs," she snapped, my eyes widening in disbelief.

"Mind my business, Sheelah? Last I checked, we have more pressing matters to address. You are a killer, if I may remind you," I replied in a low voice, my frustration boiling beneath the surface. I despise being manipulated. She quickly backed down, redirecting her attention to Luna Viviana, and I could sense her heartbeat quickening. "Hey, we are all killers here, so don't place the blame solely on me."

As Sheelah's words lingered in the atmosphere, the tension within the room intensified, resembling a dense fog that enveloped us. Luna Viviana's eyes sparkled with fury, yet she remained silent, her stare directed at Sheelah, embodying both fear and defiance.

I reclined in my chair, my gaze fixed firmly on Sheelah's countenance. "Indeed, we have all traversed a shadowy path," I remarked, my tone steady. "However, that does not exempt us from holding one another accountable. Sheelah, your recent behavior has been peculiar, and I seek to understand the motivations behind it."

Sheelah's face contorted, a snarl forming at the corners of her mouth. "You believe you are superior to me, don't you?" she retorted. "With your ethical standards and your 'let's discuss it' rhetoric. But you are just as tainted as the rest of us." I exhaled deeply, massaging my temples. This conversation was proving futile. "Sheelah, please. Just... cease. This is not about me or my principles. It concerns you and your conduct. What is truly happening?"

For a brief moment, I perceived a glimmer of doubt in her eyes. Yet, almost instantly, her facade reasserted itself, and she sneered at me. "Do you genuinely wish to know? Very well. I will reveal it to you." With that, she delved into her pocket and extracted a small, wrinkled piece of paper. She flattened it on the table, unveiling a grainy photograph. My heart raced as I recognized the individual depicted. "Viviana," I murmured, my gaze locked onto Sheelah's. "What does this signify?"

Sheelah's smile was devoid of warmth, a chilling expression. "Oh, it signifies everything," she replied, her voice laced with malice. "And soon, you will understand why."

"The time for hate speech and frivolous displays of blank paper has come to an end." Luna Viviana's growl left me in a state of shock; it was the first occasion on which she had sounded so severe and unsettled.

"It was clear that she had witnessed my interaction with one of the pack elders, and since that moment, she perceived every action as a potential threat. Is this truly the reason you choose to show such a lack of respect for me in front of my son?"

With a forceful strike of her fist against the table, she exited the room in a fury. I managed a weak chuckle, which soon escalated into uncontrollable laughter.

As I chuckled, the atmosphere in the room shifted, giving way to an unsettling feeling. Sheelah's expression tightened, her eyes locked onto me with a blend of confusion and irritation. Alpha Christian, who had previously stormed out, re- entered with a serious demeanor.

"What's so amusing?" he growled, his tone low and steady.

I dabbed at my eyes, attempting to regain my composure. "Just... Luna Viviana's theatrical departure," I replied, still managing a laugh. "I've never seen her so worked up." Sheelah scoffed. "You replace that amusing? You really have no clue what's happening, do you?"

I shook my head, my laughter fading. "No, I don't. But I believe it's time for someone to enlighten me."

Alpha Christian folded his arms, his gaze directed at Sheelah. "Explain it to him," he commanded, his voice resolute.

I frowned, struggling to understand the situation. "But why?"

"Why? Did you really just ask me that?" Alpha Christian's voice rose sharply, his eyes blazing with anger as he stared at me. I lowered my head slightly.

I apologize, Alpha; I was only joking, I replied in a steady tone, my heart pounding as beads of sweat formed on my forehead.

"You need to understand your boundaries, and I shouldn't have to remind you."

"Yes, Alpha..."

"Sheelah, I need to discuss something with you regarding Emily."

Sheelah's gaze shifted briefly to Alpha Christian before returning to me, a trace of curiosity evident in her demeanor. "What is it?" she inquired, her tone remaining even.

"Sheelah, do not linger and pose questions; come with me," he said angrily as he approached her at the dining chair, took hold of her hands, and pulled her along.

Sheelah's eyes narrowed in irritation, yet she made no attempt to resist as Alpha Christian pulled her from the room. I observed their departure, grappling with a blend of confusion and worry. What was transpiring? What had provoked Alpha Christian's fury?

As I remained seated, attempting to comprehend the unfolding situation, a subtle sound caught my attention from behind. I turned to replace Luna Viviana in the doorway, her gaze fixed upon me with an unsettling intensity.

"You believe you are quite astute, do you not?" she hissed, her tone low and filled with malice. "Attempting to pry into matters that do not concern you."

I rose to my feet, my heart pounding. "I am merely trying to grasp what is happening," I replied, striving to maintain a calm demeanor.

Luna Viviana scoffed. "You do not seek understanding. You wish to interfere. And that will lead to your demise-be cautious; Sheelah possesses more intelligence than you realize."