Another Chance for the Luna Queen novel

Chapter 0328 Ella POV I finished my workout, showered, and by the time I left the gym, I felt a little better.

I had almost convinced myself that the blonde woman Id seen wasnt Sabrina.

It seemed too far-fetched that she would suddenly show up here, of all places.

As I stepped onto the sidewalk, I glanced at my phone.

Two missed calls-one from Alexander and one from Elizabeth.

Alexander had also sent a text letting me know he was on his way home.

I sent back a heart emoji so hed know Id seen it.

But there was nothing from Elizabeth.

No text.

No voicemail.

I didnt want to jump to conclusions, but every time she called without leaving a message, it usually meant trouble was brewing.

Without overthinking it, I tapped on her name and hit call.

I realized I was holding my breath when she answered.

What is it? I asked, my concern bleeding into every word Calm down, Elizabeth said quickly.

I wasnt calling about anything bad.

Are you sure? I asked, feeling a little ridiculous for my overreaction.

Youre positive? The skys not falling? Aliens arent invading? Elizabeth laughed.

Not as far as I know.

There was a long pause, then her voice dipped into something guiltier.

Im sorry I couldnt warn you about Amanda ahead of time.

I didnt know until it hit the news.

Your father didnt give you a heads-up? I asked, surprised.

No, she sighed.

I wasnt home.

I guess thats why.

Where were you? I asked casually, waving at James as he approached from the coffee shop across the street.

Having a bodyguard shadow me still felt strange, but after the last time I ditched him, I wasnt willing to take any chances.

I was with Damien, Elizabeth said, and I could hear the giddy smile in her voice.

Ohhh, I teased with a laugh.

That explains why youre in such a good mood.

Actually, thats why I called, she said, barely able to contain her excitement.

I have some big news.

What is it? I asked, suddenly curious.

Were engaged! she practically shouted into the phone.

I stopped mid-step, staring at the screen in shock.

Engaged? That hadnt happened in the original timeline.

My chest tightened with unexpected emotion before I finally managed to say, Im so happy for you.

Were not making it public just yet, but we will soon, Elizabeth said.

Which is why Im calling.

Some friends are going out this weekend to celebrate, so obviously, you have to come.

This weekend? I repeated, hesitance creeping into my voice.

A wave of unease washed over me .

Elizabeth had no idea about the latest kidnapping-Alexander wanted to handle it himself, which meant we couldnt report it.

Still , the thought of going out without him right now made me nervous .

1/3 (6 Chapter 0328 +25 BONUS But this was my best friend.

She was getting married.

I couldnt sit this out.

I wanted to be there for her.

Okay, I said, forcing my voice to sound light.

Im down for whatever.

Luckily, Elizabeth was so excited that she didnt pick up on anything unusual in my tone.

She launched into excited chatter about the weekend plans and how thrilled she was about the future.

As I listened, I found myself relaxing.

Hearing so much joy in her voice was reassuring.

It reminded me that there were still bright days ahead, despite everything.

Lately, it had been hard to believe that things could turn out well.

But Elizabeth was right-good things could happen.

I just had to stay strong a little while longer.

And if I did, maybe-just maybe-everything would work out in the end.

Alexander POV Thats definitely Amanda, I said, staring at the security footage.

Sitting in the back of the car beside August, I tilted the screen so he could see.

He leaned in, studying the grainy video over my shoulder, and nodded.

Undoubtedly.

But whos the woman with her? he asked.

Thats the million-dollar question, I muttered.

Beside Amanda stood a tall, slim woman with a dark hood pulled low over her head.

She wore sunglasses and a face mask, making it impossible to distinguish any identifying features.

She was careful-not once did she turn toward the cameras.

Frustration twisted in my chest, but I forced it down.

I needed to think clearly.

Getting angry would only cloud my judgment.

She must be someone with connections in the rogue lands! I said.

There arent many women with that kind of access-at least not enough to cross the border without issue, August replied.

But its still too large a group to narrow down without more information.

They must have some link to Amandas pack-probably through Archer, I said.

Start asking questions.

Find out if anyone had contact with Archer before his arrest.

Someone must know something.

You think this woman helped Amanda plan the kidnapping? August asked.

I shrugged, replaying the footage and staring at the shadowy figure beside Amanda.

Hard to say.

It was reckless- exactly the kind of thing Amanda would insist on.

But I doubt she found someone willing to help on just her word.

She needed someone to vouch for her.

And if she has this kind of help… it means shes not done.

Shes going to try again.

Soon.

August sighed.

Unfortunately, I think youre right.

With her face plastered all over the news and a warrant out for her arrest, she has every reason to rush things.

To get sloppy.

To get violent.

I nodded grimly.

The king had acted recklessly-interfering without fully understanding how the rogue world operated.

If only hed informed me first, I might have been able to talk him out of it.

As things stood, all I could do was minimize the damage and protect Ella.

Pulling out my phone, I sent a quick text to James.

His reply came immediately a discreet photo of Ella.

She was smiling at her phone, completely unaware of the chaos surrounding her.

2/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 0328 Relief washed over me.

Just for a fnoment, I allowed myself to bask in it.

The situation keeps getting more complicated, August muttered, leaning back in his seat with a frown.

Any other updates? I asked.

He shook his head.

Only that Sabrina is definitely in the capital.

And she has her child with her.

Along with a nanny.

I stiffened.

What the hell could she possibly be doing in the South-let alone the capital? Years ago, when Sabrina left me, she married an alpha from the Northern Kingdom.

She had no reason to be here.

Unless… I didnt want to think about it.

It was too coincidental.

For her to show up now, out of nowhere? Had someone put her up to it? Someone who knew my history with Sabrina? It didnt make sense.

My gaze drifted back to the screen, to the hooded woman beside Amanda.

Zooming in, I tried to sharpen the blurry image.

A wisp of light-colored hair had slipped free from beneath the hood.

Something about her was familiar.

I knew her.

I just couldnt place it.

Frustration mounted as I racked my memory.

I had to remember.

Ellas safety could depend on it.