The note burned in Lucian's hand like a curse."Be careful who you trust. They are closer than you think."
She read it again and again, the words twisting around in her chest like sharp wires. Someone was watching her, not as an enemy from afar, but from inside, Still, she couldn't back down now.
She dressed in her Luna robes, soft cream silk with silver threads embroidered into the fabric. It flowed like moonlight around her, simple yet commanding. Today, she had to look strong, even if inside she was unraveling.
Lena walked with her through the hallway. "Do you want to tell Alpha Alex about the note?" Lucian hesitated. "No. Not yet. If he finds out, he'll cancel the council meeting and that's exactly what they want."
She paused at the edge of the council chamber. The doors hung tall before her, the symbol of the Mooncrest Pack carved into the wood like a silent judge.
Xavier met her outside. "Ready?" he asked softly. "No," Lucian said honestly. "But I'm going in anyway."
The heavy doors opened. Inside, the room was filled with murmuring voices. Elders, warriors, and high-ranking pack members filled the stone circle. Alex stood at the front, arms folded, eyes dark as he scanned the room.
When Lucian entered, the room fell silent. She walked to the center with grace, the hem of her robe whispering across the floor.
"Luna Lucian," Elder Cornelius began, his voice slow and heavy. "We were told you requested this meeting regarding a matter of safety?" Lucian nodded, her voice clear. "Yes, Elder. I believe someone is trying to harm me... and this pack."
There was a ripple of noise. Alex's eyes sharpened instantly, his posture straightening.
Lucian raised her hand and motioned to Xavier, who stepped forward holding the small vial and a sealed report from the healer.
"This was found in a cup of tea prepared for me yesterday," she explained. "It contains a toxin that weakens strength and causes the body to appear ill. The kind of illness that would cause concern. Perhaps even fear."
"Why would anyone do that?" one of the elders asked. Lucian didn't answer directly. She turned slowly and met eyes with Vanessa, who was seated beside Alex's mother. "Ask them," Lucian said. "Ask those who think I don't belong here." Gasps echoed through the room.
Vanessa stood, her face pale. "You're accusing me? Of poisoning? That's insane." Lucian didn't blink. "You've made it clear from the beginning that you don't see me as worthy of being Luna. You've lied. Manipulated. And now you want to paint me as weak, so the council will call for my removal."
Vanessa's eyes darted toward Damien, too fast for most to notice. But Lucian saw it. So did Alex.
"You don't have proof," Vanessa snapped. "Anyone could've made that tea." "But not everyone had reason to want me gone," Lucian replied.
At that moment, Xavier handed the vial and report to Elder Cornelius. The elder reviewed the contents silently, then spoke, "This is grave." Alex finally spoke. "Lucian is not just my mate. She is Luna of this pack. Anyone who dares to harm her dares to harm me." His voice held steel.
Lucian blinked in surprise, her heart catching at his words. Vanessa tried to laugh. "So you're choosing her over everything we had?"
Alex turned to her, his expression cold and merciless. "What we had is gone. You chose your games. I chose my mate."Vanessa looked like she'd been slapped.
But before anyone could react further, Damien stood from his place on the other side of the chamber. "I have something to say." Silence fell again, Everyone turned.
"I warned you," Damien said to Vanessa. "I told you I wouldn't go through with it. Poisoning her, framing her, what's next? A real death?" Lucian's breath caught.
"You admit it?" Elder Cornelius asked sharply. Damien looked tired. "I do. She used me. Promised me the alpha seat. But I never wanted to kill anyone. I only.." he glanced at Alex, then at Lucian, "I only wanted to matter." Alex's body was tight with fury.
"You will face judgment," one of the elders declared. Guards stepped forward and took Damien by the arms.
Vanessa backed away. "No-no, wait-he's lying!" but her screams were ignored.
Lucian stood tall as the council ruled that both Damien and Vanessa would be held for further trial under elder supervision.
The room erupted in whispers, but all Lucian could feel was the blood rushing through her ears. Alex stepped to her side, placing his hand gently on her back. "You didn't back down," he said. She turned to him. "I was scared." "But you stood anyway," he murmured. "That's what makes you Luna."
That night, Lucian lay in bed staring at the ceiling, her mind still racing. But just before she closed her eyes, a knock came on her door. She opened it and saw Alex standing there, shirt undone, eyes stormy but soft.
"I can't stop thinking about what could've happened to you," he said quietly. "I don't want to lose you, Lucian." Lucian's breath caught.
Then, from behind him, a figure stepped into the hallway. A pack messenger. "I'm sorry to interrupt," the man said nervously, "but... Alpha Alex, Luna Lucian... we've just received word." "What is it?" Alex asked. The man swallowed. "There's been a breach. A pack near the border. It's burning."