Shattered Bonds A Second Chance Mate (by Yui) novel Chapter 181

Chapter 181

Rumors are like smoke.

They curl into every corner, cling to every surface, even when the fire is long gone.

Alpha Henri had once used them as chains, binding his people with lies.

Alpha Dorian wove them like nets, catching wolves too weary to fight.

And now, looks like Isolde tried the same game.

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It began with murmurs, soft as moth wings. A careless comment in the kitchens. A muttered phrase in the training yard. A

hushed conversation that ended the moment I stepped into the hall.

“She was his first choice.”

“He would have chosen her, if fate hadn’t intervened.”

“Perhaps the Goddess made a mistake.”

Once, such whispers might have stung. I might have lain awake, staring at the ceiling, wondering if I was enough – if! truly belonged at Francesco’s side.

But not now.

Because I had lived through rejection, survived betrayal, and risen stronger. I had heard Francesco’s truths in the quiet of our chamber, felt his devotion in every touch, every kiss, every glance that burned as if I were his only world.

So when I heard the whispers, I cant help but only smiled. Calm. Unbroken.

And that calm was its own weapon.

At first, I thought perhaps no one else noticed.

But I was wrong.

Audrey slammed a training sword onto the ground one afternoon, her voice carrying across the yard. “If I hear one more pup mutter about that woman being Luna material, I’ll personally make them run laps until their tongues fall out.”

The young wolves scattered, wide–eyed, while Marlow leaned against the fence, smirking. “I was about to say the same thing, but less… loudly.”

I chuckled, stepping into the yard. “Leave them. Let the rumors run their course. They’re only words.”

Audrey scowled. “But words can kill faster than blades, Luna.”

“Only if we give them power,” I said gently. “Do you believe them?”

Her eyes softened. “Of course not!!”

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Chapter 181

“Then neither will anyone else,” I replied. “Not for long.”

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She muttered something about fools and traitors, but I saw the way her shoulders eased. I know she care for me so much.

Marlow gave me a long, appraising look. “You’re calmer than I expected, Luna.”

I turn my gaze at him “Because I know the truth,” I said simply with a smile on my

And that truth was unshakable.

Isolde, however, grew restless.

face.

I saw it in the way her smile faltered when she passed me in the corridor, expecting me to glare or snap, only to find me offering a nod and nothing more.

I saw it in the way her eyes narrowed when she caught Francesco’s hand brushing mine or kissing me in public, as natural as breathing.

Well.. Duh.. He’s mine! My mate, my love, my everything.

Then one evening, I found her in the library, standing by the window with her arms crossed.

The moonlight cast her face in silver, highlighting the bitterness etched into every line.

“You’re strong,” she said suddenly, without looking at me.

Traised a brow, is she talking to me? “Me?.. Why, thank you?”

Her gaze flicked to mine, sharp. “Stronger than I thought. Stronger than most would be, hearing what’s said.”

Ah… I know where she’s heading.

“I don’t measure myself by whispers,” I said calmly. “Only by truth.”

She laughed, low and humorless. “Truth is slippery, Luna. Today it’s yours, tomorrow it might not be.”

I stepped closer, my voice steady. “Truth is only slippery to those who live in lies.”

Her smile tightened.

For a heartbeat, her composure cracked, and I glimpsed the frustration simmering beneath.

She wanted me angry, insecure, off–balance.

But instead, I gave her serenity.

And serenity was harder to fight than rage.

That night, Francesco noticed my quiet smile as we prepared for bed.

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Chapter 181

“What is it, amore?” he asked, brushing his thumb over my cheek.

“Your old lover doesn’t like me calm,” I teased. His jaw tensed, but I shook my head before he could respond. “Don’t worry. She tries. But she doesn’t understand she can’t touch what we have. No rumor can.”

His eyes softened, molten gold shimmering with pride. He pulled me close, his forehead resting against mine. “Every day, you teach me what strength truly looks like. Not in battles or blood. In this. In you.”

The bond thrummed, steady as a heartbeat.

I kissed him softly, savoring the warmth of his lips, the certainty in his touch.

“She can’t undo us, Francesco,” I whispered.

“No one can,” he vowed.

Lunchtime had become one of my favorite parts of the day.

Not because of the food itself – though the stews simmering in great pots, the freshly baked loaves, and the scent of roasted herbs made my mouth water – but because of the women.

The kitchen was where their laughter returned first, where gossip thrived again without fear, where hands worked together in the rhythm of family.

I always joined them when I could. Rolling dough. Stirring pots. Listening, laughing, learning names and stories. It grounded me, reminded me that I was not just Luna in title but in truth – one of them.

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