Chapter 22: False Friends

The Moonridge envoys arrived with the morning mist, led by a woman whose resemblance to Selene was unmistakable—the same dark hair and sharp features, but with calculating coldness her daughter had never possessed.

"Lady Vera," Rowan said formally. "Welcome to Silverpine territory."

"Alpha Rowan." Lady Vera's gaze settled on Mira. "And the infamous Luna. You've caused quite a stir across the territories."

Mira stepped forward with newly awakened authority, Kane's defeat still humming in her veins. "Your message spoke of urgent intelligence regarding threats to my safety."

"Indeed." Lady Vera's smile was sharp as a blade. "My daughter's unfortunate entanglement with Alpha Lucian has left our family seeking new alliances."

"You mean salvaging your political standing after your daughter was publicly rejected," Lucian said bluntly.

Lady Vera's expression didn't change. "We come with an offer of alliance. The Ravenwood Pack is rallying Kane's scattered allies. They claim the Luna's display of power proves she's too dangerous to remain with an illegitimate mate."

"Of course they do," Lucian said grimly.

"They're demanding a formal tribunal," Lady Vera continued. "The Alpha Elder received a formal invitation this morning. Honor demands he attend, but he'll be outnumbered and outmaneuvered."

Through the bond, Mira sensed Lucian's growing alarm.

"What do you propose?" Rowan asked carefully.

"An alliance between Moonridge and Silverpine," Lady Vera said smoothly. "Together, we could provide the Luna with legitimate protection while she... considers her options."

Mira heard the trap hidden within those words. "You mean while I choose between your pack and others. Making me the prize in a different game."

"You're a valuable asset, Luna. It would be foolish not to recognize that reality."

"I am not an asset," Mira said, power beginning to shimmer around her. "I've made my choice, and I've proven I can defend it."

Lady Vera's companion, a lean wolf with predatory eyes, stepped forward. "One victory doesn't end a war. The other Alphas won't be as unprepared as Kane was."

"Is that a threat?" Lucian asked, stepping closer to Mira.

Elena suddenly stiffened. "Alpha," she murmured to Rowan, "the scouts are returning. Fast."

A young wolf burst into the clearing. "Alpha Rowan! Kane's remaining followers are being rallied by Ravenwood agents. Multiple packs are moving toward Blackpine territory. They're not approaching for negotiation."

"They're positioning for a siege," Lucian finished, his face going pale.

Lady Vera's mask slipped slightly, revealing satisfaction beneath. "How unfortunate. I suppose the Luna's decision has become rather more urgent."

Mira felt everything click into place—the timing, their knowledge, the way Lady Vera seemed unsurprised.

"You knew," she said, voice deadly quiet. "You're part of this."

"I'm part of preventing unnecessary bloodshed," Lady Vera replied smoothly. "Kane may have underestimated you, but the Luna still belongs with a pack that can truly protect her."

Rowan's hand moved to his weapon. "This audience is over."

"Think carefully, Alpha Rowan," the lean wolf said. "Kane's defeat has only made the others more determined. You can't protect her from an entire coalition."

"He won't have to," Mira said, silver light gathering around her. "Because I'm going home to end this."

The power in her voice made all three envoys step backward. Lady Vera's composure finally cracked.

"You're making a mistake," she warned. "The others won't make Kane's errors."

"Then they'll learn the same lesson he did," Mira said, her eyes blazing. "The Luna belongs with the wolves who earned her trust. Not with those who would trade it like currency."

As the Moonridge delegation retreated, Mira turned to Rowan and Lucian. The revelation of her Ironback origins still weighed on her mind, but it hadn't changed her fundamental truth—she belonged with those who had chosen to stand with her.

"How long to reach Blackpine territory?"

"If we travel through the night..." Rowan calculated quickly. "We could be there by dawn."

"Then we leave now," Mira said. "Before they can tighten the noose any further."