Chapter 28: False Alarms and Real Threats

The sharp pain that had been building in Mira's back suddenly intensified, making her gasp and grip the edge of the council table. The baby, which had been active all morning, gave a particularly strong kick that seemed to ripple through her entire midsection.

"Mira?" Lucian was at her side instantly, his protective instincts flaring.

"I'm fine," she managed, though the pain was concerning. "Just... the baby's very active today."

Healer Thorne approached with professional concern. "Luna, how long have you been having these pains?"

"Since this morning, but they're getting stronger—" Another wave of discomfort made her double over slightly.

"Sit down," Thorne ordered gently, guiding her to a chair. "Let me examine you."

As Thorne checked her pulse and pressed carefully on her abdomen, Mira caught Lucian's worried expression. "What is it?" she asked.

"These feel like contractions," Thorne said carefully, "but you're only five months along. It's likely Braxton Hicks—practice contractions. Your body is responding to stress." He looked around the room at the maps, the urgent discussions, the palpable tension. "You need rest."

"I need to handle this situation with the Luna families," Mira protested, even as another false contraction made her wince.

"You need to handle growing a healthy baby," Lyra said firmly from her position by the fire, her own infant sleeping peacefully. "The stress isn't good for either of you."

Before Mira could argue further, urgent footsteps echoed in the corridor. A scout burst in, his face flushed with urgency.

"Luna, Alpha—three messengers have arrived from different directions. All bearing news of hidden Luna families."

Lucian stepped forward. "What kind of news?"

"They felt something," the scout reported. "A power surge, they said. It happened just as the Luna's... episode began. The families are asking for guidance—some want to come here, others are reporting they're being hunted."

Mira struggled to her feet despite Thorne's protests. "They felt the false labor? That's not possible unless..."

"Unless your Luna power is stronger than we realized," Lyra finished quietly. "Even false contractions from a Luna of your strength could send ripples across the territories."

"There's more," the scout continued grimly. "Alpha Garrett's forces are two days out. He's bringing a full war party. The messengers say he's claiming the right to 'evaluate and regulate' any Luna bloodlines in the region."

Another false contraction hit Mira, and this time she felt silver light flicker around her in response to the pain and anger. The baby kicked hard, as if responding to her emotional state.

"This is exactly what we can't let happen," she said through gritted teeth. "We need to establish a network before more wolves like Garrett decide to make moves."

Lyra shifted her baby to one arm and approached carefully. "I can help coordinate safe passage to allied territories. My family knows the hidden routes. But we need to move quickly—and you need to rest."

"She's right," Lucian said firmly. "Thorne, what does she need?"

"Bed rest for the remainder of the day," the healer prescribed. "The false contractions should ease with rest and reduced stress. But if they continue or worsen..."

"They won't," Mira said with determination, though she accepted Lucian's help getting to her feet. "Because we're going to solve this before it gets worse."

As they helped her toward their chambers, Mira looked back at the maps spread across the table. "Send word to the hidden families. Tell them to stay put until we can establish secure communication routes. And prepare our defenses—Garrett isn't going to find us as easy to intimidate as he thinks."

The false alarm had been a warning, but it had also revealed just how connected she was becoming to Luna families across the territories. Whether that was a strength or a vulnerability remained to be seen.

The baby settled as they reached their quarters, as if responding to the calmer environment. But Mira knew the respite was temporary—the real challenges were just beginning.