Page 58 of Luna's New Reign
The sky hangs heavy with the weight of the evening, the moon a pale crescent hiding behind streaks of clouds. I stand at the head of the packlands’ heart, looking out at the crowd gathered before me—wolves of all ranks and houses, Sapphire wolves mingling with the Nightshades, a fractured force desperately trying to become whole.
I step forward, letting my presence roll over them, my voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade. “The magic is tainted.”
Silence.
The words land heavy, each wolf turning their gaze toward me, waiting for more. I let the moment stretch, let the truth sink in as I scan the crowd—Bo, Elias, River, Asani, Remi, all standing near the front with their heads held high. The rest of the pack watches me with wide eyes, the Sapphire wolves lingering along the edges like they’re waiting for permission to breathe.
“There’s a new darkness trying to overtake the packlands,” I continue, my voice calm but firm, low enough to settle into their bones. “It’s not a myth. It’s not a whisper. I’ve felt it. Some of you saw it tonight and for those who didn’t…” I pause, my gazehardening as I sweep the crowd. “Trust me when I say it’s real. And it’s coming for us.”
Murmurs ripple through the pack like static, wolves glancing at one another, uncertainty twisting their expressions. I don’t let it fester.
“And it’s not just us it wants,” I add, my voice dropping to something darker, something raw. “It’s trying to steal away our Luna.The Luna.”
At that, a ripple of outrage runs through the pack—growls and snarls vibrating in the cool night air. I can feel the tension snap like a cord pulled too tight. Good. Let themfeelit. Let themunderstand. Let them see that Nepheline isn’t just meant to bring back the magic but she’s the very legend that so many of us need right now.
“The Pack of the Forbidden’s light wasn’t truly snuffed out,” I continue, driving the truth home. “They’ve been hiding, waiting, building something we still don’t understand. Silas was only a piece of the puzzle.”
A loud voice cuts through the noise. “Then why let any oftheir wolvesin? Why risk it?”
The question rings out like a challenge, but I don’t flinch. I turn toward the voice, a sharp grin curling at the edges of my mouth. “Ah. Should we throw out everyone who followed Calista, then? How about those who followed Kylan?” My gaze sweeps the crowd again. “Do we tear our own apart because of who theyusedto be? Or do we judge them for who they arenow?”
A beat of silence. No one moves.
I let the words hang before I continue, my voice carrying. “Every wolf has a choice. Loyalty isn’t born—it’sgiven. And I don’t care where they come from, who they used to follow, or what mistakes they’ve made.” My tone hardens, leaving no room for doubt. “What matters is where their loyalty liesnow. Everywolf willing to pledge themselves to this pack, to stand with us against the darkness, will be welcome here.”
The murmurs don’t stop completely, but I see the way the tension begins to break—reluctant nods, wolves exchanging looks that say more than words ever could. It’s not an agreement. Not yet. But it’sacceptance.
I’ll take it.
As the crowd begins to disperse, I keep my gaze steady, my expression vacant of my emotions. But just as the last of the crowd starts to fade, Kehlani steps forward, Victoria and Lawrence at his side. I already know this won’t be a pleasant conversation.
Kehlani folds his arms across his chest, his golden-brown eyes sharp as they meet mine. “Why didn’t you announce it?”
I arch a brow, not in the mood for games. “Announcewhat?”
Kehlani’s jaw ticks, his frustration barely restrained. “Nepheline. Her pregnancy. You know the pack would rally behind her. It would give them something to fight for.”
Beside him, Victoria lifts her chin slightly, her calm tone somehow more unsettling than Kehlani’s sharp one. “It’s not hard to notice,” she says softly. “Her scent has changed. A pregnant Omega has a signature that’s… unmistakable to another Omega.”
A growl vibrates low in my chest before I can stop it. The idea of anyone—especially Victoria—scenting that change makes my wolf snarl possessively, but I shove it down, keeping my expression blank. “If they’re not already fighting for the pack,” I reply, “then the presence of new life won’t change anything.”
Victoria tilts her head, studying me like I’m some equation she’s trying to solve. “It wouldn’t just inspire them. It wouldunitethem.”
I laugh under my breath, though there’s no humor in it. “If they need an unborn child to unite them, then we’ve already failed.”
Kehlani looks like he’s about to argue, his mouth opening to push back, but I don’t have the patience for this. The bond flares in my chest—hot and wild, almostferal—and I freeze for half a second, my heart pounding as I feel her. Nepheline. Awake. Awake andstruggling.
“Conversation’s over,” I growl, already turning away. “I don’t have time for this.”
“Mateo—” Kehlani starts, but I’m done.
“Figure out where you stand,” I snap, not bothering to look back at them. “But right now? I have a Luna to take care of.”
I push past them, my other mates falling into step beside me as we head for the packhouse. The closer I get, the stronger the bond flares, the tension in it almost unbearable—like it’s vibrating out of control.
“Is she okay?” River asks, his voice tight.
“She will be,” I reply, though I don’t know if that’s true.