The Lunar Queen (Lyric and Mason) novel Chapter 129

Chapter 129

Hunter POV

Driving to the palace for Lyric’s coronation feels bittersweet, a mix of pride and sorrow that weighs heavily on me. It sits in my

chest like something unfinished-like I’m stepping into a moment that’s missing pieces that should be here. I know my parents

would have loved to be here, even with the strained relationship they had with her.

Felicity reaches over and gently places her hand on my thigh, her touch soothing. “It’s going to be okay, baby,” she says softly.

I nod slowly in response. “I know, I just wish they were here for this moment,” I reply, placing my hand over hers to let the sparks

of her touch calm my nerves a little. Even that barely steadies me. It just dulls the edge-it doesn’t take it away.

I decided to drive my own car instead of riding with Mason and the others. I thought whatever Lyric did to him would make things better, considering they’re no longer mates. But honestly, it seems to have made him worse, and it’s becoming exhausting to manage his outbursts and help him run the pack. Every conversation with him feels like walking a line that’s about to snap.

Felicity mentioned Aria is struggling to keep his focus amidst all this chaos. I don’t believe coming today was a good idea for him, but convincing him otherwise would have been nearly impossible. He’s too far gone in whatever this is-too locked into it.

I don’t know what Lyric saw to provoke such a drastic action, but I hope she can find a way to fix him. He’s obsessing over this, and

I fear he might destroy the pack.

When we arrive at the gates of the Hidden Moon pack, I’m struck by the unprecedented number of guards standing watch. Too

mány. Not ceremonial-defensive. Ready.

After the Alpha and Luna declare our identities and the pack name at the front of the formation, the heavy iron gates creak open with a loud, grinding noise, revealing the lush grounds beyond. The sound drags-slow, heavy-like something bigger than a

welcome.

We drive the scenic 15-minute route to the palace, passing through sprawling trees and well-maintained gardens. Everything looks perfect. Too perfect for how tense the air feels.

Lyric, Cole, Dominic, Winter, and a guy I don’t recognize, along with Julie, Micah’s sister, stand outside the palace.

Cole speaks warmly, “Welcome, Moonveil. We’re glad you could attend, all things considered.”

His gaze flicks to me. “Hunter, I’m sorry for your loss,” he says softly.

I nod in acknowledgment. “Thank you,” I reply quietly. The words feel hollow. There’s nothing to say to that kind of loss.

Lyric then walks over and moves into my arms, and I wrap both arms around her, holding her close.

“I’m sorry, Hunter,” she whispers, voice shaking.

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Chapter 129

I look down at her, concern evident in my eyes. “For what?” I ask gently.

“For getting Mom and Dad killed,” she whispers, voice cracking under the weight of her grief.

I shake my head firmly and gently grab her shoulders, pulling her back so she can see my face.

“This is not your fault, Lyric. It’s the rogue king’s fault, the bears’, the witches’. It’s everyone working against you-except you,

say, tears streaming down my face.

“Don’t ever blame yourself for that. I know you didn’t have a great relationship with them, but they loved you deeply, and they truly

regretted what they did to you. They wanted nothing more than to be here today to watch you crowned the queen you deserve t

be,” I add softly, cupping her cheeks.

“Today should be a celebration, a good day. Stop crying,” I say, wiping her tears gently. Even as I say it, it feels like I’m trying to

force something that doesn’t fit anymore.

I then send her a mindlink. “We need to talk about Mason,” I say softly.

Her face scrunches in confusion. “What about him?” she responds.

“He’s spiraling differently now, obsessed with what you took from him,” I explain. “He keeps saying it was important and that he

can feel it,” I add.

And that part… that part doesn’t sit right with me.

Her face tightens, and she responds through the link, “Okay, later, before the ceremony.”

Then she turns her attention back to Cole.

Winter speaks warmly, “Okay, we will show you to your rooms.”

We follow them into the palace, which is massive, with grand halls and ornate decorations that speak of long-standing tradition and wealth. But all I can think is-if something goes wrong here… there’s nowhere to hide.

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The Lunar Queen