THE ELDERS SUMMON

The council chamber doors looked exactly like they did in my old life except somehow bigger and more intimidating. I knew those wolf carvings by heart, the way the stone curved at the edges, even the small chip near the bottom left corner where some clumsy elder had dropped his walking stick years ago.

Everything here felt like home but wrong at the same time, like wearing clothes that almost fit but pinch in weird places.

"Luna, you don't have to do this if you're not ready," Zayen said softly and his hand found mine. His fingers were warm and steady and I realized he'd been holding my hand for the past few minutes while I just stood there staring at doors like they might explode.

Great. Now he probably thinks I'm losing it completely.

"I'm fine," I lied and squeezed his hand back. His smile was so genuine it made my chest hurt in a good way.

The doors opened before we reached them and I had to resist the urge to laugh because apparently even in this universe the elders loved their dramatic timing.

Twelve familiar faces stared back at me from their high chairs arranged in the same semicircle I remembered. Elder Thane sat in the center looking like he'd been carved from the same stone as the walls, his silver beard still reaching halfway to his knees. Elder Morrigan was there too with her calculating eyes and that smile that never reached past her lips.

The only difference was how they looked at me.

In my old life they barely acknowledged my existence unless they needed someone to blame for something. Now they all rose from their seats when I entered, their heads bowing in perfect unison like some choreographed dance.

"Luna Iris," Elder Thane's voice boomed through the chamber and bounced off the walls exactly like it always did. "Thank you for gracing us with your presence."

I blinked. Elder Thane just thanked me. For existing. In the same spot where he once called me a disgrace to my bloodline.

This universe was getting weirder by the minute.

My throne sat directly across from them, tall and imposing and definitely not the rickety wooden chair they used to make me sit in during pack meetings. Zayen stayed close as I walked toward it, his presence solid and reassuring behind me.

"Please sit Luna," Elder Morrigan said with what might have been actual warmth in her voice. "We know you're still recovering from the red moon effects."

I settled into the chair and tried not to think about how different this felt from cowering in the corner while they discussed my future like I wasn't even there. Zayen took his place behind my chair and I could feel his protective energy radiating outward.

"We apologize for calling you here so soon after your episode," Elder Thane continued and his tone was respectful, almost reverent. "But urgent matters require your attention."

Episode. Like I was some kind of TV show with bad ratings.

"What matters?" I asked and managed to keep my voice steady.

Elder Cassius leaned forward, his thin face serious. "Luna, your sacrifice three years ago when you defeated the Shadow Blight saved every pack in the northern territories. We will never forget what you did for us."

Shadow Blight. That name tugged at something in my mind but came up empty. Whatever I'd supposedly done, it must have been pretty impressive if these people were treating me like some kind of hero.

"But that victory came with a price," Elder Morrigan added and her voice carried genuine concern. "The curse affects you more severely with each red moon cycle. Your episodes are lasting longer, becoming more dangerous."

I felt Zayen shift behind me and his hand came to rest lightly on my shoulder. The touch was barely there but somehow made me feel grounded.

"What does that have to do with this meeting?" I asked.

Elder Thane exchanged glances with the other elders before speaking. "We believe you need additional protection, Luna. The northern packs are growing restless. There are whispers of rebellion, challenges to Arcadia's authority."

My stomach dropped. Here it comes, whatever they really wanted to say.

"Your current Lykoras are devoted and capable," Elder Morrigan said and I noticed how carefully she chose her words. "But given the increasing threats and your condition, we believe you need stronger protection."

Zayen's hand tightened slightly on my shoulder and I could practically feel his tension.

"You want to replace Ren and Zayen," I said flatly.

"Not replace," Elder Thane corrected quickly. "Add to your protection. A third Lykora whose reputation alone would deter any who might consider threatening you."

A third Lykora. Because apparently two gorgeous men dedicated to my safety weren't enough. What was this, some kind of supernatural collecting game?

"And if I refuse?" I asked because I apparently had a death wish when it came to authority figures.

The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees and all twelve elders stared at me with renewed intensity.

"Luna," Elder Morrigan said softly, "surely you wouldn't refuse what's best for the pack's security?"

There it was. The guilt trip wrapped in concern for others. I'd heard this song before, just with different lyrics.

My chest tightened as familiar feelings of powerlessness crept in. Different faces, different reasons, but the same result. They wanted to control my life and dress it up as protection.

"Who did you have in mind?" I managed to ask.

Elder Thane's eyes lit up with satisfaction. "Alpha Kieran Blackwater of the Northern Territories."

The name hit me like a slap. Even in my old life I'd heard stories about Kieran Blackwater. Ruthless in battle, cold as winter, and about as warm as a glacier. They wanted to bind me to him?

"He's already agreed to the arrangement," Elder Morrigan added like my opinion was just a formality. "The binding ceremony could take place within two weeks."

Binding ceremony. The words made my skin crawl and my wolf stirred restlessly in my mind.

Wait. My wolf. I had a wolf now. Eira, Zayen had called her. Maybe she had opinions about this situation.

"I need time to consider this," I said.

Elder Thane's expression hardened just slightly. "Luna, time is something we may not have in abundance. The northern rebellion grows stronger each day we delay taking action."

"I said I need time." The words came out sharper than I intended and echoed through the stone chamber.

Silence stretched between us and I could feel their disapproval pressing against me from all sides. But I also felt something else, something new. They were annoyed but they weren't dismissing me. They couldn't. I had power here, even if I didn't fully understand it yet.

"Very well," Elder Thane said after what felt like forever. "You have three days to decide. But please understand, Luna, this isn't merely about personal preferences. The pack's survival may depend on your choice."

Three days to decide whether to let them tie me to another Alpha who would probably see me as a tool rather than a person. Fantastic.

"Thank you for your time, elders," I said and stood from my chair. Zayen immediately moved to my side, his hand finding my elbow to steady me.

"Oh, and Luna," Elder Morrigan's voice followed us as we headed for the doors. "Perhaps it would be wise not to discuss this matter with your current Lykoras just yet. We wouldn't want to cause unnecessary tension."

The doors closed behind us with a deep thud that sounded final.

I made it exactly five steps down the corridor before my legs decided they were done supporting me. Zayen caught me before I could hit the stone floor, his arms coming around me immediately.

"Easy, Luna," he murmured and his voice was gentle. "I've got you."

I was shaking and I hated myself for it. Here I was supposed to be some powerful Luna who saved everyone and I couldn't even walk down a hallway without falling apart.

"Just breathe," Zayen said and somehow he maneuvered us to a stone bench along the wall. He sat and pulled me down beside him, keeping one arm around my shoulders. "Take your time."

"I can't do this," I whispered and the words slipped out before I could stop them. "I can't let them control me again."

"Again?" Zayen's voice sharpened with concern. "Luna, what do you mean again?"

I looked up at him and saw genuine worry in those dark eyes. This man who barely knew me was treating me like I mattered, like my feelings were important. When was the last time someone had done that?

"Nothing," I said quickly. "I just meant I can't let them make decisions about my life without my input."

He studied my face for a long moment and I could see him filing away my words for later analysis. But he didn't push, just nodded and kept his arm around me.