Chapter 32: Preparing for Assembly

One week before the Grand Assembly, Blackpine territory had transformed into a hub of activity unlike anything in its history. Representatives from allied packs arrived daily, while Luna families emerged from decades of hiding to join what many were calling the most important gathering in generations.

Mira stood in the great hall, her pregnancy now clearly visible at nearly six months, watching as Rowan coordinated with the Silverpine advance guard. Her energy had mostly returned, though Healer Thorne still monitored her closely.

"The Shadowmere family arrived this morning," Lyra reported, approaching with a bundle of correspondence. "Grandmother Elara is frail, but determined to testify. She has documents—old agreements between packs that might support our legal position."

"What kind of agreements?" Lucian asked, looking up from the territorial maps he'd been studying with his war council.

"Pre-war treaties that explicitly protected Luna bloodlines," Lyra explained. "If they're still legally binding, Garrett's Regulation Council has no legitimate authority."

Mira accepted the letters, scanning through reports from across the territories. "What about the other Assembly representatives? Any sense of which way they might vote?"

"Mixed," Alpha Vera interjected, entering with her own intelligence reports. Since formally joining their alliance, she'd proven invaluable for her extensive network of contacts. "The eastern packs are nervous about your power demonstration but respect strength. The mountain territories are traditional—they might support ancient Luna rights. It's the central plains packs that worry me."

"Why?" Mira asked.

"They've had the most contact with Garrett's people. His representatives have been spreading stories about 'dangerous magical bloodlines' and 'threats to pack stability.' Some are genuinely frightened."

Before anyone could respond, a commotion outside drew their attention. Through the windows, they could see a large party approaching under banners they didn't recognize.

"That's not one of our expected allies," Lucian observed grimly, his hand moving instinctively toward his weapon.

A scout rushed in. "Alpha, Luna—a delegation from the Ironwood Pack requests immediate audience. They say it's urgent."

Mira felt her breath catch. She'd never heard of the Ironwood Pack, but something about the name resonated strangely. "Show them in."

The delegation that entered was unlike any they'd seen. Three wolves, all bearing the weathered look of those who lived in the deep wilderness, led by a woman whose silver-streaked hair and ancient eyes spoke of great age and power.

"I am Elder Sage of the Ironwood Pack," the woman announced, her voice carrying an otherworldly quality. "We come seeking the Luna who sent silver fire across the territories."

"That would be me," Mira said, stepping forward despite Lucian's protective instincts.

Elder Sage studied her intently, then did something completely unexpected—she dropped to one knee.

"Forgive us, Luna Prima," she said, using a title no one had heard in generations. "We should have come sooner, but we needed to be certain. The bloodline signs are unmistakable."

"I don't understand," Mira said, though something deep in her soul was beginning to stir.

"The Ironwood Pack are the Keepers," Elder Sage explained, rising at Mira's gesture. "For centuries, we have preserved the old knowledge, waiting for a Luna strong enough to reunite the scattered bloodlines. Your projection over a week ago... it awakened something that has slept for generations.... it awakened something that has slept for generations."

She reached into her pack and withdrew an ancient scroll, its edges worn with age. "This is the Charter of Luna Rights, signed by every major pack leader over two hundred years ago. It establishes the authority of Luna bloodlines and the protections owed to them."

Lyra gasped as she examined the document. "This predates every territorial agreement currently in force. If it's still legally binding..."

"It supersedes any modern regulation council," Elder Sage confirmed. "But more importantly, it establishes the right of Luna Prima to call for Unity Gathering—a formal assembly of all Luna bloodlines with the authority to make binding decisions for our people."

Mira felt the baby kick strongly, as if responding to the ancient power being invoked. "Unity Gathering?"

"The Grand Assembly Garrett has called is based on pack territorial law," Elder Sage explained. "But Luna rights exist outside territorial boundaries. You have the authority to call your own gathering, with your own rules."

The implications hit everyone simultaneously. Instead of defending themselves at Garrett's Assembly, they could establish their own forum with their own authority.

"How many Luna families would respond to such a call?" Mira asked.

"All of them," Elder Sage said with quiet certainty. "The Charter grants Luna Prima the right to summon any bloodline for protection of the whole. And after your demonstration, every Luna family in the known territories knows you exist."

Lucian stepped closer to Mira. "It changes everything. Instead of answering Garrett's charges, you'd be establishing independent Luna authority."

"But it's also more dangerous," Alpha Vera observed. "You'd be declaring Luna independence from pack territorial law. That could be seen as a declaration of war."

Mira placed both hands on her belly, feeling the strong, steady movement of her child. The decision she made would shape the world this baby would inherit.

The decision she made would shape the world they inherited.

"How long do we have to decide?" she asked.

"The Unity Gathering must be called within three days of the Grand Assembly," Elder Sage replied. "Ancient law allows challenge to territorial assemblies, but only within that window."

"Then we prepare for both," Mira decided. "We attend Garrett's Assembly, present our case under territorial law. But if that fails..."

"If it fails, we invoke rights that are older than any of their territorial claims," Lyra finished, understanding dawning in her eyes.

As the sun set over Blackpine territory, Mira realized they were no longer just defending Luna families—they were potentially establishing a new order that could reshape the balance of power across all the territories.

The baby settled into stillness, as if conserving energy for the battles ahead.