Chapter 31: Consequences and Revelations

Three days after the projection, Mira was still recovering. The massive expenditure of Luna power had left her drained in ways she'd never experienced, and Healer Thorne had confined her to bed rest with strict orders.

"The baby's heartbeat is strong," Thorne reported after his morning examination, "but your energy levels are still dangerously low. That kind of power projection... it's a miracle you didn't miscarry."

Mira's hand moved protectively to her belly. "I had to try. Those families—"

"Are safe because of your sacrifice," Lucian interrupted, entering with a steaming cup of the strengthening tea Lyra had prepared. "But Thorne is right. You pushed too hard."

"What's the latest word from our scouts?" Mira asked, accepting the tea gratefully.

"Mixed news," Lucian settled beside her on the bed. "Garrett's forces have retreated completely from the northern territories, but they're regrouping. And your... demonstration has attracted attention from unexpected quarters."

"What kind of attention?"

"The kind that makes ancient enemies suddenly interested in negotiation," a familiar voice said from the doorway.

Mira looked up in surprise to see the Alpha Elder enter, followed by an unexpected guest—a woman in rich furs with silver-streaked hair and eyes like winter storms.

"Alpha Vera of Moonridge," the woman introduced herself with a formal bow. "Lady Vera's mother, and current leader of the pack since my daughter's... political missteps."

Mira struggled to sit up straighter, her Luna instincts alert despite her exhaustion. "Alpha Vera. What brings you to Blackpine?"

"Your display of power three days ago," Vera replied bluntly. "It was felt across every territory within two hundred miles. Including mine."

"And?"

"And it appears I've been backing the wrong wolves," Vera admitted. "My intelligence network reports that Garrett's 'Regulation Council' was planning to move against established Luna families. Including any potential Luna daughters born to allied packs."

The implications hit Mira immediately. "Your granddaughters."

"Precisely. It seems supporting Garrett's ambitions would have ultimately threatened my own bloodline." Vera's expression was calculating but respectful. "I'm here to propose a formal alliance between Moonridge and the Luna Network."

Lucian leaned forward. "What kind of alliance?"

"Safe passage, communication networks, and military support when needed," Vera listed. "In exchange for protection under the Luna Network's authority and... guidance in awakening any dormant Luna potential in my bloodline."

Mira felt the baby kick, as if responding to the political implications. "You're asking me to evaluate your granddaughters for Luna potential."

"I'm asking you to teach them, if they have the gift. The old ways have been forgotten, but your demonstration proved they still exist."

Before Mira could respond, urgent footsteps echoed in the hallway. Marcus appeared in the doorway, his face grim.

"Luna, Alpha, we have a problem. A messenger just arrived from the Frostmoon Pack—the one that originally offered information about Luna families."

"What do they want now?" Lucian asked.

"It's not what they want. It's what they're warning us about," Marcus replied. "Alpha Garrett isn't just regrouping. He's called for a Grand Assembly."

The room fell silent. Grand Assemblies were rare, formal gatherings where multiple packs could vote on territorial disputes or major policy changes. But they could also be used to legitimize actions against perceived threats.

"What's the pretext?" Mira asked, though she suspected she knew.

"Regulation of dangerous magical bloodlines," Marcus confirmed. "He's claiming your projection was an act of aggression against sovereign pack territories. He wants the Assembly to formally classify uncontrolled Luna power as a threat to territorial stability."

Alpha Vera's expression darkened. "If he gets enough support, he could legitimize raids against any family with Luna bloodlines. Even those under pack protection."

"When and where?" Lucian demanded.

"Two weeks. Neutral ground at Thornfield Valley. By ancient law, all affected packs must be allowed to send representatives."

Mira felt a chill that had nothing to do with her weakened state. "How many packs has he contacted?"

"Fifteen confirmed, possibly more. If even half support his position..."

"Then we make sure they don't," Mira said firmly, struggling to sit up despite Thorne's protests. "We attend the Assembly. All of us."

"Mira, you're in no condition—" Lucian began.

"I'm in no condition to let Garrett turn the entire northern territories against Luna families," she interrupted. "If he wants to debate the legitimacy of Luna power, then he can do it face-to-face with an actual Luna."

Lyra appeared in the doorway, her baby sleeping peacefully in her arms. "I've been listening. If you're determined to attend, you won't go alone. The Shadowmere family wants to testify about what Garrett tried to do to them. And I've received word from three other families—they're willing to come out of hiding to support you."

"It's risky," Alpha Vera observed. "If the Assembly votes against you..."

"Then at least we'll have made our case openly," Mira replied. "But I don't intend to lose."

The baby kicked again, strong and sure, as if agreeing with her determination. In two weeks, the future of every Luna bloodline would be decided in open debate.

And this time, Mira intended to be there in person.