The Reborn Luna’s Revenge Chapter 05

The Reborn Luna’s Revenge Chapter 05

Thalia’s POV 

Mary knocked on my door. I was still wrapped in the robe, my hair messy from sleep. 

“Ready for some adventure?” She grinned, bouncing on her toes like an excited child. “I know the perfect place to clear your head.” 

“What kind of adventure?” I asked. 

“Horseback riding. There’s this amazing place about thirty minutes from here.” Her eyes sparkled. “Trust me, you’ll love it.” 

An hour later, we pulled up to what could only be described as a millionaire’s playground. The entrance alone screamed money, wrought iron gates with intricate wolf designs, a paved driveway that seemed to go on forever, and manicured lawns that belonged 

in magazines. 

“Holy shit,” I breathed, staring at the sprawling property. Two entire mountains rose in the distance, connected by a vast plain that stretched as far as I could see. 

Mary laughed at my expression. “I know, right? The owner is loaded. He bought two mountains and all the land in between just so he could have his own private riding ground.” 

*Two mountains.* I couldn’t even wrap my head around that kind of wealth. Marcus had money, sure, but this was next level. 

The stables were just as impressive as everything else, clean, spacious stalls housing some of the most beautiful horses I’d ever seen. A sleek black mare caught my eye immediately. She had intelligent brown eyes and moved with an elegance. 

“That’s Midnight,” Mary said, noticing my interest. She’s got spirit, but she’s reliable. Good choice.” Mary selected a chestnut gelding named Thunder, and soon we were mounted and heading toward the trails that wound up into the mountains. 

The moment Midnight’s hooves hit the mountain path, something inside me loosened. The rhythmic sound of hoofbeats, the fresh mountain air filling my lungs, the vast sky stretching endlessly above us, it all felt like medicine for wounds I didn’t even know I had! 

“This is incredible,” I called to Mary as we climbed higher. 

“I told you!” Mary laughed, her hair streaming behind her as Thunder picked up pace. “Race you to that ridge!” 

We spurred our horses forward, and suddenly we were flying. 

*This is what freedom feels like,* I realized. 

We reached the ridge breathless and laughing. Mary’s cheeks were flushed pink, and she looked more alive than I’d seen her. 

“God, I needed that,” she panted, patting Thunder’s neck. “There’s something about speed that just… washes everything away, you know?” 

I nodded, still catching my breath. Below us, the world looked manageable. My problems seemed smaller from up here. 

We rode for another hour, exploring different trails and talking about everything and nothing. Mary told me about her job at the pack’s community center, her dreams of traveling. 

“What about you?” she asked as we let the horses rest near a stream. “What are your plans now that you’re… free?” 

“I’m still figuring that out,” I said honestly. “For so long, my life revolved around someone else’s wants and needs. I’m not even sure what I want anymore.” “Well, you’ve got time to figure it out. That’s the beautiful thing about starting over.” She glanced at her watch and sighed. “Speaking of time, I should probably head back soon. I promised my mom I’d help with dinner prep.” 

“Go ahead,” I said quickly. “I’d like to stay up here a little longer if that’s okay.” 

Mary studied my face, then nodded. “Of course. Just follow the main trail back down when you’re ready, You can’t get lost, it all leads to the stables eventually. 

After she left, I guided Midnight higher up the mountain, following a narrower trail that seemed to wind toward a rocky outcropping. The solitude felt good. I loved Mary’s company, but I needed space to think. 

The trail ended at a dramatic cliff face that offered a breathtaking view of the entire valley. I dismounted and walked to the edge, Midnight grazing peacefully behind me. 

*This is what I’ve been missing,* I thought, drinking in the vista. 

The wind picked up, carrying the scent of pine and wild flowers. I closed my eyes and let it wash over me, trying to memorize this moment of pure contentment. 

“Thalia.” 

My eyes snapped open. 

I turned around, my heart nearly stopping when I saw the familiar figure approaching. The setting sun cast a golden glow over his features, but there was no mistaking that face, more mature, but unmistakably him. 

“Leo?” I breathed, unable to hide my shock. “What are you doing here?” 

Leonardo Gonzalez smiled, that same warm smile I remembered from our childhood, though now it carried a confidence that hadn’t been there before “I just returned from studying abroad not too long ago. I inherited the pack, I’m an Alpha now.” 

I stared at him, trying to reconcile the boy I once knew with the man standing before me. He’d grown tall and broad–shouldered, his boyish features sharpened into something undeniably handsome. 

“It’s been so long,” I managed, still reeling from the surprise. “I can’t believe how… how handsome you’ve become.” 

He laughed softly. “You always were too kind, Thalia.” 

Leo. My elementary and middle school classmate. We‘ d been close back then, always partnering up for projects, sharing lunch, walking home together sometimes. Then when we were teenagers, his family sent him abroad to study, and we’d gradually lost touch. I’d heard through the grapevine that he was supposed to return around the time I got married, but by then I was too caught up in my own life to think much about it. 

“But wait,” I said, confusion creeping in. “How did you know I’d be here?”