When the Hidden Luna Rises novel Chapter 29

**Chained by Fate**
**Eliza Rowan**
**Chapter 5**

As Tessa stepped into the room, her presence barely registered with the group. The others were engrossed in their conversation, their bodies angled toward Chloe, who was the center of their attention. It was as if Tessa were a mere shadow, an afterthought in a scene that had already been set.

The whispers began, soft yet cutting, like the sharp edge of a blade. “Tessa, if only you could bring the same energy and charm that Chloe does,” one of them remarked, their voice dripping with a condescending sweetness.

Another chimed in, “Honestly, I wish we had a daughter like Chloe. She embodies what a perfect Luna should be.”

Such comments were not new to Tessa; they had become a familiar refrain, echoing in her mind until they lost their sting. Yet, each time they were uttered, a dull ache settled deeper within her. She had always kept her distance, a silent observer in a world that seemed to celebrate everything she was not.

Chloe, radiant as ever, responded with her usual cheerfulness, “Don’t worry! You can treat me like your own daughter!” Her laughter rang out, a bright note in the otherwise muted atmosphere.

“Even though Tessa may not be the most charming, I’ll do my best to help her win your affections. After all, I’ll continue to care for the pack,” Chloe added, her words flowing like a gentle stream, effortlessly drawing laughter from Rig and Olivia.

Nearby, Ryan watched with a smile tugging at his lips. His gaze was fixed on Chloe, filled with admiration and warmth, as if she were a masterpiece he had created. In his eyes, she was perfection personified, a trophy that shone brightly against the backdrop of his past.

Ryan, the second son of the Silver Moon pack, had always lived in the shadow of his older brother. The expectations placed upon him had been immense; his brother was the golden child, the future Alpha everyone anticipated would lead them into greatness. The pack had long awaited the day when his brother would find his mate, and together they would guide the pack with unwavering strength.

But fate had dealt Ryan a cruel hand. When he finally met his own mate, tragedy struck, and she was taken from him far too soon. The loss had shattered him, leaving his wolf frail and his spirit heavy with despair. He had sought solace in the dimly lit bars, drowning his sorrows in the depths of his loneliness.

Then came Tessa, the supposed perfect Luna, his destined mate. With her arrival, a flicker of hope ignited within him, allowing him to emerge from the suffocating shadow of his brother. He couldn’t let go of Tessa; she was his chance at redemption.

As he gently placed his hand on Chloe’s thigh, their eyes met, and a silent understanding passed between them. In that moment, he felt a love for her that was deep and abiding.

Meanwhile, Tessa sat in silence, her heart heavy with unspoken thoughts. She yearned to escape this suffocating atmosphere, feeling utterly misunderstood. The weight of her isolation pressed down on her, and she loathed these situations that only served to highlight her differences.

“Tessa, why do Alpha and Luna seem to dislike us?” Clara’s voice broke through her reverie, filled with youthful innocence.

“It’s not our fault, Clara. Don’t let it get you down,” another voice chimed in, attempting to soothe the discontent.

“We’ll be okay once we leave the pack,” Clara added with a hint of hope.

In the past, Ryan had always found ways to whisk her away from such gatherings, not caring for the judgment of others. But now, as Tessa looked at him, she felt a pang of disappointment. Why was he so passive now? Had he been hiding his true self all along, or had she simply failed to notice?

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