Chapter 20

Chapter Twenty

I sighed internally. There was only one option.

As much as I wanted to hate my pack and condemn them for turning on me in my past life, a

part of me would always see myself as their caretaker, as their

Luna. By remaining silent, I would be forcing them

into a fate where some would lose their loved ones. I wouldn't be able to remain silent living with th:

"With all due respect, I believe the Gamma's plan may backfire tremendously,” I started.

I could see Oliver's face frown, looking as if he

wanted to have another outburst, but he contained himself.

“The tax could

hold us in a very precarious position if others wished to join the Jade Moon pack. Alone, they may be

Oliver scoffed and everyone looked at him expectantly.

"Oh please, don't look at me like that,” he said, laughing. “I'd

like to remind you all that you're listening to a fourteen year old right now.”

"Gamma, you will be quiet and listen respectfully,” Tytus ordered.

We could

all hear the Alpha tone in his voice and I did my best not to smirk at the look of submission Oliver gz

“Please continue, Aria.”

I nodded my head to the Alpha.

“I believe that our best course of action is one of peace as much as possible. By

going in and attacking without mercy, we will risk accidentally killing innocents as well as losing som

follow. No, a quiet approach is definitely required here.”

Tytus raised an eyebrow. “What do you propose then?”

“For starters, we cut off their supply routes and box them in, using their mountainous terrain surroun

on since they know the area well, but sealing off their exits would be very easy.”

"Wouldn't this have the same negative reputational effects as meeting them in battle head-

on?” Tytus asked.

“No, Alpha, because we will be allowing them a chance to do the right thing. We will cut off their sur

we are inherently trying to do right by them at least.”

Tytus laughed, amused by my idea. “And were you counting on

their Alpha to hand themselves over willingly?”

"Of course not,” I said and smiled. “But, if he wants to avoid a direct war with one of the largest

packs in the country, he would need to at least hand someone of value over to take the blame. If it's

they moved of their own volition in an act of independent treason. By giving him an out to

end things peacefully, he would have no other choice but to take the deal or risk

Chapter Twenty

looking like the villain.”

“Mmm... your plan is

certainly extremely attractive,” Tytus said, deep in thought. “But what's to stop them from trying to a

"We establish a consulate from our pack inside their territory to oversee their future dealings. It may

I then gave a small shrug. “Either way, we have given them a way to spare their people from unneces

their own pack members needlessly when we will be showing them nothing but our benevolence in I

us immediately.”

"You are indeed extremely intelligent, young Aria,” Tytus praised, thoroughly pleased with my respon

“I am, Alpha,” my father said.

I smiled and bowed my head to Tytus. “Thank you.”

“That being said,” he continued, his tone becoming more serious, “I must admit I'm a little surprised

what I'm referring to.”

I did know. I knew too well. I was hoping we weren't going to have to address this topic today but it

“I only thought of the wellbeing of our pack before my own security,” I replied.

“It would seem so.... Truly an act that would be extremely fitting for a... future Luna.”

I gritted my teeth. He was trying to emphasise placing me into a Luna role in order to establish contr

"You are a smart girl, as we have all plainly witnessed here today. I assume you know what a Goddes:

His eyes were back to their speculative sharpness. “Friend or foe?” I was sure he was thinking. I wante

The reality was that the mark was not just a symbol of favour; it was a sign of higher authority. I now

It was a double—

edged sword, to say the least. On one side, it meant that it would be almost impossible for Aleric to I

would not stand trial for Thea's poisoning in the future

as those marked were considered t o hold a piece of Selene herself. It was incredibly reassuring in th

On the flip side, it opened me up to a greater danger. I was now a very big target

for assassination if the Alpha felt I was

a threat. I would probably be found dead by mysterious causes and the case would eventually go col

Alpha,

lasstyl do

wish to become Luna, no coltare any desire to be mated to Alio," I

SA SUW80n me which I ignored, continuing to keep my fee forward and espressionless,

“Then what of our yopheoll” shouted out one of the Elders. We believed you to be the feted mate of b

to the Winter ist,

*The Wings ist will always have my love and sunt reardless of my portion. I dont need to be

More murmurs spread throughout the hall as they discussed the implications of my words

But suddenly, they were all silenced as the Alphabegan to laugh loudly. / wasn't sure whether to feel c

Worted by his reaction,

“1170045 19 our young bola here is still capable of showing her true age on occasion,” he said, still ch

700 coon. For now, I will just take your request into

But Alpha! She is destined to be our Luna!” said another Elder.

“That will be all!” Tyrus said, holding

his hand up. We are lucky to have such a blessed and intellectual young wolf amongst our pack. We v

Everyone was unsure how to take the nens but they bowed respectfully nonetheless.

Asia, thank you very much for your contributions to the pack I will see to it you are greatly rewarded,”

*Thank you, Alpha, we both replied.

*This meeting is adjourned. Council please follow me

Everyone began to move and leave via the hall's back entrance which led to a smaller meeting room,

other confidential matters to discuss. My father gave me a final look of

concern before following the others out.

Before too long, only Cai and I remained in the meeting hall.

Chapter Twenty

"Cai, I really did want to thank you for saving me,” I said.

He waved off my thanks. “It's fine. I heard you speak during the meeting and I understand where you

ways."

.. Separate ways?

My cheeks flushed.

He was politely telling me that he wanted nothing to do with me. I suppose that was to be expected

pain I had caused him. I'd wanted to do something to make it up to him, but it sounded as though t

"Oh...yeah, of course,” I said, a little awkwardly.

We both walked to the door and I reached my hand out to

the handle, turning to speak to Cai one last time as I did so. Only, I never got the chance to talk.

Abruptly, before I could move away, the door was then pulled open from the other side.

I fell forward, tripping from being dragged along with the opening movement...

..And suddenly I found myself face-to-face with Aleric.

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