The Wolfless Contract Luna (Grace and Ethan) novel Chapter 9

**Chapter 9: Lilith under Mask**

**Grace’s Perspective**

Before the first light of dawn breaks, I find myself awake, my heart still pounding from the vivid dreams that danced through my mind.

Ethan’s voice echoes softly, a steady promise that lingers in the air, whispering of escape.

I can still feel the warmth of his hands resting on my waist, pulling me closer, anchoring me against him.

His lips hovered tantalizingly above mine, breath warm and filled with unspoken promises.

Heat rushes to my cheeks, igniting my skin with a feverish flush as I recall the dream—the imagined weight of his body pressing against mine, solid and demanding.

*Stop it. Just stop.*

I remind myself that I barely know him. I shouldn’t trust him. This is merely a business arrangement; nothing more, nothing less.

Yet, I can’t seem to shake the lingering sensation of his fingers trailing up my spine, the intoxicating taste of his kiss still haunting my senses. There’s a part of me—a part I dare not name—that dares to believe he’ll keep his word. That he will actually follow through on his promises.

I forcefully push the thought aside, but despite my efforts, my chest feels inexplicably lighter.

I glide over to the window and slide it open.

“Lori. I need you,” I call out softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Within moments, a shadow flits outside, and Lori slips through the window with the kind of silence that speaks of years of practice.

“Luna Grace,” he greets me, his voice low and cautious.

“I’m leaving. Soon. Possibly within a few days.” I keep my tone subdued, aware of the weight of my words. “I need you to keep this a secret. No matter what happens—you can’t tell anyone about my plans to escape.”

“You have my word. Always,” he replies, the loyalty in his voice tightening my throat. I think back to all the times he stood between me and danger, how he remained steadfast even when Damien stripped him of his rank.

“You’re the only one I can truly trust,” I confess, my voice barely above a murmur. “The only one who’s genuinely on my side.”

“Your father made me swear an oath. To protect you. To serve you. I meant every word, Luna Grace,” he assures me, his gaze unwavering.

I take a deep breath, the weight of my decisions pressing down on me. “After I leave, I need you to stay here. Gather evidence—anything that proves Damien and Lilith’s affair. Photos, witnesses, documents. Anything that the Council can’t simply dismiss.”

“I need real proof. Not just my word against his,” I insist, my heart racing at the thought of what’s at stake.

His expression hardens with resolve. “I’ll do it. Whatever you need.”

“Just one more question—how many of our people are left? How many Aurorawisp members still remain here in Darkrock?”

His face darkens, shadows flickering across his features. “About twenty. Maybe even less. Most have married into Darkrock families over the years. They’ve taken the Dark name.”

Twenty.

A pit forms in my stomach.

From nearly a hundred who had come here after the merger, the number now sits like lead in my gut. My father’s pack. My inheritance. Reduced to a mere twenty souls who likely don’t even remember what Aurorawisp once was.

*Then why won’t Damien let me go?*

The question burns through me, consuming my thoughts. If my pack is so diminished, so worthless—why is he fighting to keep me? Why is he locking me up? Why is he refusing to grant me a divorce?

*What does he gain by keeping me here?*

“The elders,” I say suddenly, a spark igniting within me. “The ones who still remember my father—Elder Tobias, Elder Miriam, Elder Cain. I need to see them today. Lori, please help me!”

Lori nods, understanding my urgency. He slips back through the window, the faintest trace of determination in his movements.

Soon, I hear the guard at the door distracted by the commotion, and I seize the moment to slip out of the room, my heart racing with a mix of fear and hope.

I navigate the familiar halls with purpose, my mind racing with thoughts of the elders.

I find the elders’ common room with ease—I visit them regularly, bringing news and arranging their care. It’s my duty as their Luna.

As I push open the door, I freeze in my tracks.

Lilith is seated in the center of the room, pouring tea for Elder Miriam.

My tea service. The very one I use every week during my visits.

She wears a soft blue dress, her movements graceful and practiced as she serves the elders, a warm smile gracing her lips.

They are treating her as if she belongs here.

“—so kind of you to think of us,” Elder Miriam is saying, her voice filled with appreciation.

Lilith’s laugh is soft, melodious. “Of course.”

Her gaze flicks to me, and I catch a glimmer of satisfaction before she quickly masks it with a facade of surprise.

“Oh, Grace! I was just— the elders mentioned you hadn’t visited in a while, so I thought I’d check on them.”

The lie rolls off her tongue, smooth and effortless.

I was here merely three days ago, before Damien had locked me in my room.

“Luna Grace,” Elder Tobias stands, surprise etched on his face. “We didn’t expect you.”

“Clearly,” I reply, stepping further into the room, fury bubbling beneath the surface. “Lilith, what are you doing here?”

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