Chapter 0420
"Your Luna and I couldn't be prouder of our pack's performance. No one will ever doubt our strength again."
A murmur ripples through the crowd.
"But some of you may not know—we were ambushed by hunters on the final day of the tournament." Gasps erupt. Not everyone had heard.
Over a thousand hunters launched a coordinated attack, targeting every ranked member of the North American packs.
What they didn’t expect?
Three Guardians stood in their way.
I pull Isolde closer, my arm around her.
"Your Luna and her sisters saved countless lives that day. But some hunters escaped. They’ll report back about the Guardians’ power—and they will come for her."
Snarls tear through the crowd. I raise a hand for silence.
"Gideon, our new Lead Warrior, has doubled patrols. We’ll also need to clear and restock the old bunkers. I know you’re all exhausted. But I’m asking you to keep pushing—for our pack’s survival."
No complaints. Just determined nods. These wolves have fought too hard to lose now.
"Questions?"
I answer a few—mostly about the bunker preparations, which Isolde and Aurora will oversee.
Then I drop the next bombshell.
"Your Luna was born an Alpha female. Her father banished her at twelve for not shifting. At the tournament, she challenged him for his pack."
Dead silence. Every eye locks onto Isolde.
"We expect her to win. That means absorbing 175 new members soon."
Murmurs of surprise.
"We’ve struck a deal with the elders—we’ll trade her old pack’s lands for territory bordering Blackthorn and Nightshade. More space for new homes."
+15 BONDS
More questions erupt—when’s the fight? What if her old pack rebels?
I hold up a hand.
"One last thing. The next mate gathering is in two weeks. It’s our chance to showcase our progress—and welcome new members."
A smirk tugs at my lips.
"Oh, and your Luna invited another pack. Their Alpha female is seeking a mate… and her father’s successor."
Excitement explodes through the room.
I clap once. "That’s all. Dinner’s ready in the hall. Enjoy your night."