Avenging Luna
Chapter 77: Cousin?

Chapter 77: Cousin?

Drake’s POV:

The morning dawned crisp and cold, the kind of morning that made every nerve stand on edge. We had everything set in motion. Raphael’s execution would happen at noon, and Marcus was bound to make his move before then. The guards were already in place, and Lucas and I were ready to strike the moment Marcus showed his hand.

I stood near the execution grounds, watching as preparations were made. The pack was stirring, word of Raphael’s end spreading quickly. Everyone knew this was a significant moment, not just for me, but for the entire pack. Raphael’s death would symbolize the end of an era—a turning point that would bring peace after so much bloodshed.

Lucas approached me, his expression grim. "Marcus is with Raphael now. The guards say he’s been in there for about fifteen minutes."

"Good," I said. "Let’s give them a bit longer. I want to make sure we have everything we need."

Lucas nodded, his jaw tight. "You ready for this?"

I met his gaze. "I’ve been ready for this for a long time."

We stood in silence for a moment, the weight of the morning pressing down on us both. Today would be the end of Raphael’s reign of terror. And if Marcus didn’t play his cards right, it would be the end of him too.

As we waited for the signal to move, I couldn’t help but think of Leila. She had been strong throughout all of this, standing by me and supporting every decision I made. But after today, I wanted to give her something more than strength—I wanted to give her peace.

And today, I would.

The tension in the air was palpable. I could feel it prickling the back of my neck as Lucas and I waited for the right moment to act. My eyes darted to the watch on my wrist—Raphael’s execution was set for noon, and every second that passed brought us closer to that inevitable moment. But Marcus had to slip up first.

Suddenly, a crackling sound came from the speakers in my office, the ones connected to the bug planted in Raphael’s cell. Lucas and I exchanged a glance, then both leaned forward to listen. The muffled sounds of voices filled the room.

Marcus had finally made his move.

"...I’ve done everything you asked, Raphael," Marcus’s voice came through, shaky but determined. "But they’re closing in. There’s no way out this time. They’ve set the execution for today."

Raphael’s voice was low and menacing, even weakened after months in the dungeon. "You fool. Did you think I wouldn’t have a plan for this?"

There was a pause. Marcus’s breathing was heavy, uncertain. "A plan?"

Raphael chuckled darkly. "Yes, a plan. You’re not the only one with ears in the pack. I knew Drake would move against me. I’ve been preparing for this day since the moment I was captured."

I felt my muscles tighten. Of course, Raphael had a contingency. He wouldn’t go down without a fight.

"Listen carefully," Raphael continued. "I have one final order for you. Get me out of here today. Before the execution starts. There’s a passage underneath the dungeons that leads to the forest. Only a few know about it, but I made sure the guards on duty are loyal to me."

Marcus hesitated. "But... but Drake—"

Raphael’s voice snapped, cutting him off. "I don’t care about Drake! If you don’t get me out of here, you’ll be next on the execution block. Understand?"

There was a moment of silence before Marcus finally spoke, his voice trembling. "I’ll do it."

Lucas met my gaze, his eyes wide with alarm. "He’s actually going to try and free him."

"Not if we stop them first," I growled, already reaching for my phone to call in the guards. "Get the pack warriors ready. We’ll ambush them the second they step out of that passage."

Lucas nodded and rushed out of the office, barking orders into his radio. I followed, my heart pounding with adrenaline. This was it—the moment we had been waiting for.

As I moved through the packhouse, I couldn’t help but think of Leila. She was probably still with Nelly, unaware of the chaos about to unfold. I hated that I couldn’t be with her right now, but she trusted me to handle this, and I wouldn’t let her down.

By the time we reached the dungeons, everything was in motion. The guards were in position, blocking every possible exit, while a team of warriors prepared to intercept Raphael and Marcus as soon as they emerged. I stationed myself near the hidden passage, knowing this was where they would make their escape attempt.

Time seemed to slow as we waited in the shadows. Every sound, every movement felt magnified, as if the very air around us was charged with electricity.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, I heard it—the creak of a door opening from within the dungeon. Raphael’s low voice echoed in the dimly lit passageway, urging Marcus forward. They were close.

I signaled to the warriors, and we all moved into position, ready to strike.

Raphael emerged first, his gaunt figure hunched over as Marcus helped him navigate the narrow passage. They were so focused on their escape, they didn’t even notice us until it was too late.

"Going somewhere?" I stepped forward, my voice cold and commanding.

Raphael froze, his dark eyes narrowing as they locked onto mine. "Drake."

Marcus let out a panicked gasp, taking a step back. His loyalty to Raphael faltered in the face of his own impending doom. I could see the fear in his eyes, the realization that there was no escape for him.

Raphael, on the other hand, looked almost amused. "I see you’ve been busy, Alpha. But you’re too late. This isn’t over."

I didn’t give him a chance to finish his threat. With a sharp nod, I signaled to the warriors, and in an instant, they surged forward, surrounding Raphael and Marcus.

"It is over," I said, stepping closer. "You’ve lost."

Raphael’s smile twisted into a sneer as the warriors restrained him. "You think you can stop what’s already been set in motion? You’ll never be free of me. I’m in your pack’s blood. I’ll always be a part of it."

His words sent a chill down my spine, but I didn’t let it show. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. "Enjoy your last few hours, Raphael. They’ll be your final ones."

As Raphael was dragged away, his laughter echoed through the dungeon, but I forced myself to focus on Marcus. He stood trembling, his face pale, knowing there was no escape for him now.

I walked up to him slowly, watching as he cowered under my gaze. "You betrayed your pack, Marcus. And for what? A coward like Raphael?"

"I-I didn’t have a choice," Marcus stammered, his eyes pleading. "He would’ve killed me if I didn’t help him."

"You made your choice," I said coldly. "Now you’ll face the consequences."

I turned to the guards. "Take him to the cells. He’ll get his punishment soon enough."

As they dragged Marcus away, I finally allowed myself a moment to breathe. It was over. Raphael would be dead by the end of the day, and Marcus would face justice for his betrayal.

I glanced up at the sky, feeling the weight of the coming victory. But more than that, I thought of Leila and our future. With Raphael gone, we could finally focus on building the life we deserved—one free from betrayal and filled with the promise of something better.

---

Leila’s POV:

I had just returned from Nelly’s place, feeling more at ease after our conversation. But as I walked into the packhouse, I could sense the tension in the air. Something had shifted.

I spotted one of the warriors passing by, his expression grim. "What’s going on?" I asked, my heart skipping a beat.

"Raphael," he said. "Drake’s just captured him trying to escape."

Relief and pride washed over me. Drake had done it. The nightmare of Raphael’s hold over the pack was finally coming to an end.

I made my way toward the dungeon, knowing I needed to be there when Raphael was finally brought to justice. It wasn’t just Drake’s fight—it was mine too.

Tomorrow, everything would change.

Lily’s POV:

I told that stupid cousin of mine—Marcus—to forget about Raphael. Whatever hold that scumbag had on him wouldn’t help his cause if he got captured. But, of course, Marcus never listened. And look where it got him—Raphael’s dead, and Marcus is the one sitting in a prison cell now, awaiting his own fate.

I warned him over and over again. Raphael was a sinking ship. I had already distanced myself from that mess, keeping my head low and playing the perfect little repentant wolf. It wasn’t hard to fool everyone around here, especially with Michael by my side. Everyone thinks a child softens you, makes you see the light. Hah, if only they knew.

But Marcus? He couldn’t see past his own desperation. He was too caught up in Raphael’s lies, too afraid to stand on his own. And now, look at him—completely screwed. He might’ve thought that helping Raphael would protect him, but all it’s done is dig his grave even deeper.

I was almost tempted to let him rot, to wash my hands of this entire mess and keep playing the devoted mother act. It’s worked so far. Nelly, Lucas, even Leila—they’ve all bought into the new, improved Lily. Poor fools. But Marcus is family, and as much as I want to abandon him, I need to think ahead. If he talks, he could drag me down with him, expose things I’ve kept buried.

No, I’ll need to figure something out. Save Marcus, or at least silence him before he can make things worse for me. He’s a liability, but if I play this right, I might still come out on top.

After all, I’ve been through worse and survived.