Another Chance for the Luna Queen novel

Chapter 0209 Ella POV Our goodbyes with Diana were polite , but the relief on my mothers face was palpable the moment the car pulled away from the curb .

Her smile faded , replaced by a serious expression that made my stomach twist uneasily .

Just yesterday , she had seemed so fond of Alexander , and now it felt as though all our progress had been undone .

I couldnt let it end like this I needed her support .

Well , that was … interesting , I said , hoping to spark a conversation and gauge her thoughts .

It certainly was , she agreed , her tone neutral but measured .

I have to say , Diana is not quite what I imagined .

In what way ? I asked , genuinely curious .

Shes the daughter of an alpha and a Luna herself .

Were of similar status and age , so I assumed shed follow the social rules more carefully .

I found it surprising how forthcoming she was with her strong opinions .

I would have expected her to be more political and cautious .

I nodded thoughtfully .

Yes , she doesnt seem too concerned about her opinions or comments being taken the wrong way .

She doesnt , my mother agreed .

But … I get the feeling shes trying a little too hard to be friendly .

Díana doesnt leave her pack lands often .

Perhaps shes just a little lonely .

I blinked , caught off guard by the insight .

It was a perspective I hadnt considered , but it made sense .

Beneath Dianas confident exterior , there might be a longing for connection a need to assert herself in unfamiliar company.

I hadnt thought about it that way , I admitted .

My mother gave me a small , knowing smile .

People arent always what they seem , Ella .

Sometimes , we just need to look a little deeper .

Her words lingered as we drove on , and I found myself wondering whether Dianas behavior was more nuanced than Id initially assumed .

Could it be that her sharp comments came from insecurity rather than malice ? Still , my mother said after a lengthy silence , her motivation and intentions dont really matter if what shes saying is potentially damaging .

She needs to be more careful , especially when it comes to her own childs reputation .

Thats exactly what I was concerned about , I admitted .

Alexander has worked so hard to calm your concerns about him , and I was afraid that Dianas words might have ..

Made me suspicious of him ? she asked , her voice gentler now .

Yes , I said softly .

If anything , its only made me more certain of Alexander , she replied .

Her expression was somber as she continued , Hes worked so hard for his family , even despite their less than gracious treatment of him .

She sighed , the sound heavy with disappointment .

I had hoped the rumors about the Black family were unfounded , but it seems theres some truth to them after all .

What rumors ? I asked , confused .

Her eyebrows lifted slightly .

How can you possibly be engaged to Alexander and not know ? 1/2 +25 BONUS Chapter 0209 I shook my head helplessly , unsure how to respond .

Id heard whispers about Alexander over the years , but nothing specific about his family .

They had always seemed intent on avoiding the public spotlight .

Its an open secret that Alexander is an unfavored child of Dianas , she explained quietly .

Its been that way for as long as anyone can remember .

I had no idea about the rumors , I admitted , but I had noticed the difference in the way Diana treated Michael compared to Alexander .

Even in the short time Ive spent with them , its clear she favors her youngest .

And Alexander accepts that surprisingly well , my mother said thoughtfully .

He takes care of his family regardless .

Hes a good man , even if he doesnt seem to realize it himself .

He treats you well , and thats what matters most to me .

She sighed softly , I cant help but feel a little sorry for him now that Ive seen it all firsthand .

But I hope I hid it well hed hate to be pitied .