Chapter 10: + Women +
Luna's lightning-quick reflexes allowed her to land a solid punch on Catriona's cheekbone during her mid-shift. Typically, Luna avoided confrontations when she wasn't the primary target, but leaving Lady Clarence, a vulnerable human, to fend off a were-leopard wasn't an option. Luna's involvement could even the odds.
She had long awaited a physical confrontation like this. It was an opportunity to unleash the anger and resentment that had been building within her. She despised being detained as a consort in this Kingdom, especially when treated poorly by Catriona. The warrior general would likely be more lenient in his punishment knowing that Catriona had initiated the aggression. After all, there were witnesses.
Catriona's head jerked from the force of the blow. Regaining her stance, she directed a fierce glare at Luna, wiping away the blood from her lip with the back of her hand.
"Preparing some parting words before I ensure you're removed from the Concubine List, as you intended for Lady Clarence?" Luna said smugly, brushing a strand of her distinctive silver hair behind her ear. They needed to project strength amidst a crowd ready to exploit any perceived weakness.
Catriona, struggling to maintain composure, shot back, "Back off, Silver Hair. I'm more skilled at this game. Don't cross me."
Luna's voice dripped with defiance. "That's where you're wrong. I don't fear you. You'll soon learn to respect every member of the harem, regardless of their rank."
Catriona's face twisted in anger. "You dare to scar my face on the day of the Blood Moon Banquet? Wait until Vali hears of this!"
Luna quipped, "Then maybe I should take your place as a candidate?"
Catriona, now red with fury, accused, "You insolent wretch! You're merely a Consort. Perhaps you'd be better suited as a blood slave after the trouble you've caused."
Lady Clarence stepped closer to Luna, asserting, "I'll inform Vali of your attempt to poison me. I had been holding back, giving you a chance to prove otherwise. Persist with your threats, and you'll face dire consequences."
Catriona's momentary guilt was overshadowed by her raging obsession. "No one but me deserves the Empress' throne. Everyone needs to understand that!"
Luna retorted, "You're deluded. Your obsession with the throne has tainted your judgment."
Suddenly, Luna's foot connected with Catriona's abdomen, knocking the wind out of her. Catriona staggered backward, gasping for breath.
"You'll pay for this," Catriona growled, her eyes flashing dangerously.
Luna, fueled by the encouragement of the harem girls, declared, "Your actions against Lady Clarence were cowardly and vile. Someone needs to put you in your place. I'm ready."
Catriona, chin held high with arrogance, responded, "I will be victorious."
"Prove it," Luna challenged. "Fight me without shifting. Show everyone your true strength."
As Catriona lunged, a cacophony of cheers and exclamations erupted from the onlookers. The two women clashed, with Luna hitting the floor as Catriona's weight bore down on her.
Catriona straddled Luna, pinning her by the shoulders. Luna gasped for breath. With swift precision, Catriona landed a punch on Luna's nose, eliciting a sharp yelp. Another blow, this time to the jaw, followed immediately.
Snarling in defiance, Luna tried to wriggle out from underneath. Blood smeared from her mouth, trickling down to her chin. This wasn't a catfight; there were no hair-pulling or scratching. This was raw and intense, mirroring battles between seasoned warriors.
The spectators' earlier laughter and jests faded, replaced by murmurs of concern. Despite the escalating violence, no one dared to intervene, fearing potential harm.
Seizing a momentary lapse in Catriona's offense, Luna used her legs to launch her opponent backward. Catriona landed with a thud, but both women were on their feet in an instant, breathing heavily and locking eyes.
"Having trouble with a bit of competition, Cat?" Luna sneered.
Several eunuchs, overcoming their trepidation, began to close in. Catriona's eyes shifted to a cat-like green, and fangs emerged from her mouth. The inner leopard threatened to surface. Luna, undeterred, widened her stance, clenching her fists, prepared for whatever onslaught came next.
In the blink of an eye, Catriona was in Luna's face, the wind rustling between them. But Luna reacted swiftly, hooking her foot around Catriona's ankle and pushing her chest, sending her opponent tumbling backward.
Still, Catriona was undeterred. Gasping for breath, she transformed into her were-leopard form, eyes intent on Luna. Luna took a step back, but her focus never wavered.
Suddenly, a figure barreled into Catriona, pinning the beast beneath him. Four more men joined, struggling to restrain the snarling leopard.
Lady Clarence rushed to Luna's side, her voice dripping with concern. "Are you alright, Luna?"
But Catriona wasn't finished. Breaking free momentarily, she lunged for Luna once more, determination evident in her eyes. Another eunuch intervened, tackling Catriona just before she could reach her target.
Desperation evident, Catriona tried to wrest herself from their grip. But then a commanding voice sliced through the commotion: "Stop!"
It was Cederic.
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