Chapter 209
The council chamber was colder than usual, though it had nothing to do with the temperature. The icy tension in the air made my skin prickle as I stepped into the circular stone room, flanked by Fatima and Sophie. Jake remained outside, by design. He had insisted this would be my moment, my voice, my lead. And I was grateful for it.
Council meetings weren’t new to me, not anymore. But this one was different. We had just returned from the southern border, where we’d discovered remnants of dark magic and something far worse—clues that pointed to a hidden alliance against our pack. It was critical information, and every elder in this room needed to hear it.
"Luna Ayla," Elder Garrick greeted, his tone curt and formal. His eyes, sharp and grey, scanned me with cool skepticism. "We were told you insisted on addressing us directly."
I lifted my chin. "I did. What we discovered cannot be relayed second-hand."
Elder Mariana, the only woman among the high council, gave me a nod of encouragement. I’d earned her respect during my early days, and it had never wavered. That helped steady me.
I stepped forward into the center of the circle. The room quieted.
"Three days ago, we followed a trail beyond the Black Pine Ridge. We’d received reports of strange activity—animals missing, hunters returning with no memory of their paths. At first, we thought it might be rogue shifters. But we found something else."
I turned slightly, meeting each of their gazes.
"Cursed land. Scorched trees. The unmistakable residue of blood spells."
There was a murmur of surprise, a rustling of robes. Elder Garrick narrowed his eyes. "Go on."
"We found a clearing marked with runes. Old ones. Pre-Lycan, if my guess is right. The magic was twisted, dark and pulsing. There was a ceremonial stone at the center and traces of wolfsbane soaked in blood. It wasn’t just a rogue attack. Someone is performing rituals to weaken us."
Fatima stepped forward, holding a leather satchel. From it, she pulled out sketches we had made and the vial of soil laced with silver dust. She laid them gently on the stone pedestal.
"These are our findings," I said. "We believe there’s a group operating in the shadow of our lands. They’re not from Arnold’s former faction, and they’re not just witches. This... this is something new."
The silence that followed was heavy.
Elder Garrick finally leaned back. "Why bring this to us and not the Alpha first?"
I arched a brow. "Jake knows. He supports me. But this isn’t a matter for him to solve alone. It threatens the entire region, and I will not have our people blindsided again because of underestimation."
Elder Thorne, usually quiet and observant, spoke up. "You believe this could be the beginning of another war?"
I hesitated. "I believe someone is preparing for one. Whether we’re the only target remains to be seen."
Another murmur rippled through the chamber. Elder Mariana rose.
"She’s right. This must be investigated thoroughly and quickly."
"And with care," I added. "Because whoever’s behind this isn’t reckless. They know our weaknesses."
Elder Garrick pursed his lips. "You’ve proven thorough, Luna Ayla. But such missions are dangerous. Perhaps in the future—"
"With all due respect," I interrupted, "I didn’t come here to ask for your permission. I came to inform you so we can coordinate a united front. I will continue to do what must be done to protect this pack."
For a heartbeat, no one spoke.
Then Mariana smiled. "Let her speak in future meetings, Garrick. She’s earned her place."
He gave a slow nod, conceding.
I exhaled quietly, my shoulders relaxing only slightly.
Later, as we left the chamber, Sophie bumped my shoulder. "You realize you just scared the hell out of half of them, right?"
"Good," I said, glancing toward Jake waiting outside. "They needed a reminder that I’m not just someone’s mate. I’m Luna. And I’ll do whatever it takes."
Jake smiled as I approached, pride clear in his eyes. "How’d it go?"
"Let’s just say," I smirked, taking his hand, "they’ll think twice before underestimating me again."
He kissed the back of my hand. "That’s my girl."
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