The question sparked a flurry of proposals. One pack offered warriors to strengthen our borders. Another suggested exclusive bunting rights in their forests. A third proposed a political alliance through marriage of their high–ranking wolves to members of our pack.
I listened carefully to each suggestion, aware that my decision would set a precedent. When they had finished, I nodded slowly.
“The Mountain Ridge Pack will receive the northern territories in exchange for twenty of their best warriors to serve in our ranks for five years. The River Valley Pack will regain their eastern lands in return for exclusive hunting rights and a quarter of their yearly harvest.” I paused, making sure my next words‘ were clear. “The marge alliances will not be necessary.”
Kaius’s expression remained neutral, but I caught the gleam of approval in his eyes.
“Then that is settled,” I concluded.
Alpha Cain cleared his throat, drawing attention to himself. “There is another matter of concern.” He glanced around the table before continuing. “With every Alpha King in power, there were always the… elders to keep him in the line. With the knowledge that all the elders are dead…”
“You are afraid that I may one day use the power I have over you all without any form of consequences for my actions?” Kaius finished the thought, his voice dangerously soft.
Yes, Alpha Kaius,” he admitted.
I spotted Thalia, the sole surviving elder who had aligned herself with Kaius, standing quietly in the corner of the room. She stepped forward at this accusation,
“We all know that the last elder is completely on your side,” Cain added, directing his words to her.
Thalia’s ageless face betrayed no emotion. “And why do you think I am on his side, Cain?”
“Elder, I mean no disrespect, but everyone knows that you betrayed your own clad for a place at his side.”
“Offense taken, Cain,” Thalia replied coldly. “They were about to kill the next king; I did this not out of personal gain, but out of duty. They missed their path.”
Before Cain could respond, I spoke, surprising even myself. “If you all are threatened by the Alpha King, then that is a problem we have no solutions to. The best you could do is remain in your lane.” My tone was firm but not unkind. “The days of elders manipulating power for their own benefit are over. Judge Kaius by his actions, not by the absence of ancient restraints that were clearly flawed.”
A tense silence fell over the room. I could feel Dorian’s eyes on me from the end of the table, but I refused to look his way.
The meeting continued with discussions of trade routes, territory boundaries, and hunting regulations. I contributed when appropriate, feeling more confident with each exchange. By the time Kaius concluded the assembly, I had almost forgotten the initial anxiety I’d felt.
As the Alphas filed out, Kaius turned to me, a rare smile playing at His lips. “You did well.”
“The guts of those people,” I muttered once we were alone in the corridor.
“They could be that annoying, but I do love when you speak up,” he replied, his hand finding the small of my back again.
“I am the Queen Luna; I had to play my part.” I hesitated, finally acknowledging what had been bothering me. I never knew you
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Chapter 125
released Dorian.”
Kaius’s expression darkened slightly. “I didn’t like the way he kept on staring at you in there. It would have been satisfying to rip his
eyes out.”
“He was staring at me?” I hadn’t noticed, my focus having been entirely on the matters at hand.
“Yes, he was. I bet he regrets his decisions now more than ever.”
I smiled, a hint of mischief in my eyes as I linked my arm through his. “Seems like karma has a way of finding people who don’t know their place.”
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