Marked By The Alpha's Cursed Blue Moon
Chapter 63. A Battle Beyond Revenge

Chapter 63: 63. A Battle Beyond Revenge

After Bernard finished laying out the plan, Beta Gilbert stepped forward, his face calm as always. He looked around at everyone in the room before speaking with firm resolve.

"Today is far greater than what any of you might imagine," he began. "It’s a battle against a man who craves power at all costs—not for the good of others, but to create chaos and destruction."

The room fell into a deeper silence as he continued, his voice gaining strength.

"I promise each and every one of you that today’s battle will be remembered in the history books. And before we step out there—congratulations in advance on our victory!" His eyes gleamed with courage, and his voice was filled with conviction.

The room erupted into cheers. Joyful shouts echoed across the safe house, energizing every soldier and guard present. The heavy atmosphere lifted slightly, replaced by a shared spirit of determination and confidence.

Bernard raised his voice above the cheering, adding, "Let us march forward and show them that we are not a force to mess with! The seat of power will remain ours—now and forever!"

His words only fueled the excitement. The men and women around Maria were buzzing with adrenaline, their voices rising in unison.

Maria sat back, watching it all unfold. Luna Victoria wore a faint smile—a rare one that only showed up when she was genuinely pleased.

But Maria remained still, her mind far from the noise.

She was lost in her own thoughts, the only thing on her mind being Elijah Simons—and how to end him.

Her heart beat heavily with rage and pain. The images of her parents’ death haunted her endlessly. She couldn’t wait to see Elijah fall, to see his head roll.

She didn’t want anyone else to kill him. She wanted to do it herself... and she wanted it to be slow and painful.

As everyone began rising to their feet and moving toward the entrance of the safe house, Maria stood too, walking quietly with the rest.

Suddenly, she felt a strong grip on her right hand.

Startled, she turned quickly—and saw Bernard.

His eyes were locked on hers, filled with suspicion and frustration. There was clear anger in his expression, and his voice was low but intense as he leaned close.

"This is a war like nothing you’ve ever seen," he warned. "Don’t try anything stupid. I’ve been watching you—and I know you’re planning something. Don’t go off-script. Just do what you’re told."

Maria stared back at him, unshaken. She gave a slight smirk, then replied with calm sarcasm, "Why are you so nervous, Bernard? Elijah Simons is your enemy, not me. He’s the one trying to take your crown and your family. If I were you, I’d focus all that attention on him, not on innocent Maria."

Her words hit him like a slap. He said nothing, but the coldness in his eyes deepened. With a clenched jaw, he released her hand and turned away, walking off without another word.

Maria watched him go, then smiled faintly.

I’m more prepared than you all realize, she thought. Everything I’ve been through has made me stronger, sharper. And now... playing with your mind, Bernard—that’s just the beginning.

Moments later, everyone filed out of the safe house and climbed into the vehicles waiting outside. Maria got into one of them, still lost in thought as they began the drive to the mansion.

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived.

Everyone stepped out of the cars and started walking toward the mansion’s living room. Just as Maria was about to enter, she heard her name being called.

"Maria!" Beta Gilbert’s voice came from behind.

She turned, surprised.

"Come with me to the garden," he said.

Victoria and Bernard both stopped and turned back with clear disapproval on their faces. They exchanged a quick look of annoyance, but said nothing.

With frowns and scornful expressions, they turned away and walked into the mansion.

Maria followed Beta Gilbert through the back path until they reached the garden. He sat on one of the wooden benches and gestured for her to sit beside him.

She sat down, unsure of what to expect. Her nerves flared slightly.

"Do you know why I called you here, Maria?" he asked, looking at her closely.

She shook her head. "No, sir. I don’t know."

He nodded thoughtfully. "Do you remember when I took you to that large company and told you it belonged to your late parents?"

"Yes, sir. I remember very well," she answered quickly.

"That company... Elijah Simons stole it," he said, his tone heavier now. "And if we don’t capture him alive, we won’t be able to retrieve it. We have to approach this with diplomacy."

Maria furrowed her brows. "But sir, how did he even steal it? And why are you telling me all this now?"

"Because," he said firmly, "you have a part to play in this battle. A very important one. And if you do it well, think of it as doing it for your parents."

Her chest tightened at the mention of them. She gave a small nod, silently encouraging him to continue.

"When Elijah arrives," he said, "you’ll rush to him in a pleading manner. Cry. Beg him not to kill us like he killed your parents. He has a weakness—he can’t hurt a woman, especially not when she’s crying. That’s why he didn’t kill your parents himself. He sent others to do it."

Maria blinked, processing the revelation. "But if he’s so soft, why would he come to kill everyone, including your wife?"

Beta Gilbert leaned back, sighing. "Because Victoria will play the same role. Between the two of you, he’ll be distracted. It’s all we need—a moment. That’s when we strike."

The logic was twisted, but somehow it made sense. Maria nodded slowly.

"Okay, sir," she said. "I’ll do it."

She was oddly satisfied to be directly involved in the mission. Still, the question of how Elijah stole the company from Beta Gilbert lingered in her mind—but she chose to let it go for now. She’d ask after everything was over.

"Please, Maria," Beta Gilbert said, his voice sincere. "Do all you can to help us win this war. I’ll be forever grateful."

Maria looked at him and nodded. "I will, sir."

Even if her reasons were different from theirs, her resolve was just as strong...

Maria looked directly at Beta Gilbert, her eyes filled with intensity and determination. "I promise to do all I can, and I won’t let you down," she said, her voice steady and confident.

"Thank you so much, Maria!" Beta Gilbert replied, visibly moved by her assurance. A broad smile crossed his face, and Maria returned it gently.

Beneath her calm demeanor, Maria’s heart burned with determination. She wanted the plan to succeed, not just for the sake of the pack but for her own personal revenge against Elijah Simons—the man responsible for her parents’ deaths.

When their conversation ended, Maria excused herself and made her way back to her room. Once alone, a flood of memories came rushing back. Her thoughts drifted to moments long past—days spent with her loving parents, filled with warmth and laughter.

**Flashback**

"Maria, where are you?" her mother called out, her voice echoing softly through the house.

Maria was curled up in her bed, pretending to be asleep as she clutched her pillow. She heard her mother approaching.

Her mother peeked into the room and saw her motionless. With a playful tone, she said, "Since you’re sleeping, your dad and I will go to the picnic without you. We’ll tell you all the fun stories when we get back."

The moment Maria heard the word picnic, her eyes flew open. She leapt from the bed. "Mom, I’ll get ready now!"

She rushed to her mother and held her hand tightly, her excitement spilling over. Her mother chuckled.

"I knew it! I knew you were pretending, you little drama queen," her mother teased, laughing warmly. Maria joined her, both of them lost in joy.

"Please don’t leave without me," Maria pleaded. "I just need five minutes! I’ll shower and get dressed right away."

Her mom smiled and nodded. Maria ran into the bathroom. When she came back out, she was surprised to see her mother still waiting for her on the bed.

"You didn’t leave!" Maria said with delight.

"Of course not," her mother replied, her eyes twinkling. She watched Maria dress with a look of quiet pride.

"Mom, why are you looking at me like that?" Maria asked shyly.

Her mother let out a soft sigh. "I’m just happy, sweetheart. You’re growing up so beautifully. I want you to remember this—you are everything to your father and me. We love you so much."

Maria felt her heart swell. A tear slid down her cheek as she walked over and hugged her mother tightly.

"I love you and Dad so much too. I always want to be with you," she whispered.

Her mother held her close. "No matter what happens, always remember that we are with you—in your heart and in spirit."

Maria nodded, holding back tears.

Soon, they headed to the living room where her father, Alpha Jackson, was waiting.

"I canceled the picnic," he joked. "You two took forever!"

"Jackson, we had to look gorgeous for you! Don’t you like what you see?" her mother said playfully. She and Maria twirled around to show off their outfits.

"You both look amazing. I bet all eyes will be on you," he said proudly.

"Dad, what are we celebrating?" Maria asked curiously.

"We’re celebrating life, love, and the most precious gift in our lives—you, Maria," he said, pulling her into a hug.

"I love you both so much," Maria said, tears of joy glistening in her eyes as the three of them embraced.

They left for the picnic, and after about a twenty-minute drive, arrived at a breathtaking park.

To Maria’s surprise, Bernard and his family were there too. The scenery was stunning, with vibrant green grass, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife that made the place feel magical.

They exchanged greetings, but Maria noticed the tension in Bernard’s family. Unlike the warmth she shared with her parents, Bernard and his parents seemed distant, cold even.

Whenever they caught Maria and her parents watching them, they would force a smile, but it was clearly fake.

Her father, ever perceptive, noticed too. With a knowing look, he said, "Maria, Bernard, why don’t you take a walk? Tell us what you see around the park."

Maria and Bernard agreed eagerly. It felt like a welcome escape, especially for Bernard.

As they walked, Maria glanced at him, concerned. "Bernard, you’ve been so quiet. You don’t seem like yourself today. What’s going on?"

Bernard kept his eyes on the ground, saying nothing.

"I’m sorry if that was too personal. You don’t have to answer," Maria said softly.

He finally spoke, his voice low. "It’s not that I don’t want to talk... It’s just complicated. My parents want something that should never happen. It may sound right to some, but to me, it’s an abomination. If it goes through, a lot will be destroyed."

Maria nodded slowly. "I understand. I won’t push. But at least try to enjoy this time. We haven’t had a chance to be like this in so long. It means a lot to me."

A small smile curved Bernard’s lips. "You’re right."

As they walked on, they began laughing and chatting like old times.

---

Meanwhile, Alpha Jackson turned to Beta Gilbert with a serious look. "Gilbert, what is going on with your family? The air feels heavy."

Just as Beta Gilbert opened his mouth to reply, Maria and Bernard returned, interrupting the moment.

"It’s nothing serious," Gilbert said quickly, masking his tension. "Just a small misunderstanding. We’ll work it out."

He forced a smile, but Jackson wasn’t convinced. Still, he let it go—for now...