Page 28 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

With Mother's potion, I'd definitely conceive this time.

Baby, Mama's waiting for you. This time, I'll protect you.

"Alice..." Cedric's voice was rough, sated.

I didn't answer. I let exhaustion drag me under.

Cedric didn't speak again, but his arms tightened around me.

I woke in darkness. Only pale moonlight filtered through the window.

I turned my head. Cedric lay beside me, breathing steady, sound asleep. Carefully, I lifted his arm off me and sat up.

This was my chance. I could slip away under the cover of night. I took a breath and quietly dressed.

I pulled out the small pouch from my bundle—all the gold I'd saved over the years. Enough to survive for a long time.

I tucked it inside my dress and glanced back at Cedric. Still sleeping. No sign of waking.

Goodbye, Cedric. Or rather—farewell forever.

I moved to the door and gripped the handle, opening it slowly. My heart hammered.

I held my breath, peeking through the crack. The hallway was empty. Silent.

I slipped out and eased the door shut, hurrying down the corridor. Only wall sconces cast dim yellow light. My shadow stretched long on the walls. I pressed close to them, staying silent.

Footsteps around the corner. Patrol guards! My heart leapt. I ducked behind a pillar.

The footsteps faded. I exhaled and waited longer to be sure they were gone before emerging.

Through the long corridor, across the hall—my palms were slick with sweat.

Finally—the wall. Just over it, and I'd be out of the palace. I climbed the nearby tree and leapt onto the wall. The night wind hit my face. It smelled like freedom.

I dropped down the other side and ran toward the forest. Through those trees, I'd be beyond the palace grounds!

My lungs burned from sprinting, but I didn't stop. Dawn was coming. When Cedric woke and found me gone, he'd send guards. I had to be out before daybreak.

I didn't know how long I ran. Finally, I saw it. The white boundary line!

Cross that line, and I was free. Me and my baby—free. Tears spilled down my face.

But just steps away from the border—

"Alice!"

That familiar voice rang out behind me, more urgent and furious than I'd ever heard.

My body froze. Cedric had discovered my escape. He'd come after me!

I gritted my teeth and surged forward with everything I had.

"Alice! Stop right now!" His voice grew closer, along with pounding footsteps.

I didn't look back. I ran harder. But the instant I crossed the boundary—

Agony exploded in my chest. Like a hand reached inside and ripped my heart out. Like a thousand needles pierced my bones all at once.