The Sickened Luna's Last Chance novel Chapter 262

Chapter 262

+25 BONUS

“Anya Hart, one rabbit,” the hunt official muttered, jotting something down on his clipboard.

“Wait,” another contestant said, pointing at me, “Stella didn’t kill a rabbit. Is she eliminated?”

“Are you kidding?” Anya rounded on the woman. “She saved me from being mauled by a rogue! She should be crowned the Queen of the Hunt!”

“Queen of the Hunt?” I asked weakly.

“It’s an honorary title,” the official explained. “For exceptional acts of bravery or skill during the hunt. Usually reserved for whoever brings back the most prey, but…” He looked down at the dead rogue, then at my bloodied form. “I think this qualifies.”

“No,” I said quickly. “Really, I don’t need any special recognition. I was just protecting my friend.”

But the other contestants were already picking up Anya’s chant. “Queen of the Hunt! Queen of the Hunt!” Someone grabbed my good arm and hauled me to my feet. Then suddenly I was being lifted up onto shoulders and being carried out of the clearing.

“Wait–No–I don’t want-”

“Queen of the Hunt! Queen of the Hunt!”

My protests were lost below the sound of the chanting. I groaned and tilted my head back, looking up at the passing trees above.

Great. Just… great.

This was exactly the opposite of what I’d wanted. I was supposed to fail spectacularly, get eliminated in the first round, and go back to my quiet life as Lucien’s nanny. But no. I couldn’t even have that.

When we reached the main grounds, the crowd that had gathered erupted into cheers. I could see Alexander standing on the platform, and his green eyes went wide when he saw me covered in blood and dirt.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the head official announced, “I present to you the Queen of the Hunt, Stella Night!” More cheers. Alexander stepped forward and looked me up and down, taking in my torn clothes and the blood on my arm and leg.

“Impressive,” he said, taking the crown of antlers from a nearby attendant. “Your selfless act of bravery has earned you a place in the next round of the trial, regardless of your hunting success.”

“But I didn’t kill any prey-

“You killed something far more dangerous than a rabbit.” Alexander placed the crown on my head. “That takes skill and courage. Exactly the qualities I’m looking for in a Luna.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but Alexander was already walking away. A moment later, a medic appeared to tend to my wounds.

1/3

Chapter 262

+25 BONUS

A few hours later, as the sun was setting, they served dinner to the remaining contestants. The rabbits that had been caught during the hunt were roasted on a spit and served alongside other delicious–looking dishes, but I had no appetite. I was too busy pouting and ignoring Sophia’s look of utter hatred from across the way.

But during the meal, while everyone else was eating and socializing, I found the opportunity to leave my crown on a table and slip away from the banquet unnoticed. I just wanted to go home to Lucien and spend the rest of the night locked away where I could lick my wounds and wallow in peace.

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