Chapter 35: Dangerous Alliances

The great hall had been arranged for formal negotiations, with Elder Sage's ancient Charter displayed prominently on the central table. Mira took her position at the head of the room, her pregnancy making the ceremonial chair uncomfortable but her Luna authority unmistakable.

Kane entered with calculated confidence, flanked by two guards and followed by Selene. The former Luna candidate looked different—harder somehow, her dark hair pulled back severely and her eyes holding a cold pragmatism that hadn't been there before.

"Alpha Kane," Mira said formally. "You requested this meeting. Speak."

Kane's gaze swept the assembled wolves before settling on her. "Impressive display of power last week, Luna. Half the territories felt your projection. Including some who weren't supposed to know you existed."

"Get to the point," Lucian said tersely.

"The point is that your demonstration has accelerated everything," Kane replied. "Garrett's not just moving against known Luna families anymore. He's using your power surge to justify broader regulatory authority over any bloodline he deems 'unstable.'"

Selene stepped forward, her voice crisp and professional. "We've intercepted communications between Garrett and the Eastern Coalition. They're planning to expand the Regulation Council's mandate beyond Luna bloodlines."

"To what?" Elder Sage asked sharply.

"Alpha succession rights," Kane said grimly. "Pack territorial claims. Ancient bloodline privileges. Garrett's arguing that any 'unregulated magical influence' threatens regional stability."

Mira felt the baby kick hard, responding to her spike of anger. "He's using fear of Luna power to justify a complete restructuring of pack governance."

"Exactly. And it's working," Selene continued. "Three more packs have pledged support since your projection. They're genuinely terrified of what you might be capable of."

"So why come to us?" Lucian demanded. "Why not join Garrett's winning coalition?"

Kane's expression darkened. "Because I'd rather deal with one powerful Luna than submit to a council that could strip my pack of everything we've built. At least with you, I know where I stand."

"You want an alliance," Mira realized.

"I want a guarantee," Kane corrected. "Protection for traditional Alpha rights in exchange for military support against Garrett's coalition."

The baby shifted restlessly, and Mira pressed her hand to her belly, feeling an unusual pattern of movement that seemed almost like distress.

"What kind of military support?" Lucian asked.

"Ironback has defensive positions that could protect Luna families during the transition period," Selene explained, pulling out a detailed map. "And we have intelligence networks that could warn of incoming raids."

"In exchange for?"

"Recognition of existing territorial boundaries and Alpha succession laws under your new Luna Network governance," Kane said bluntly. "No retroactive redistribution of lands or resources."

Elder Sage frowned. "The ancient Luna codes don't address modern territorial disputes."

"Then we write new codes," Kane replied. "Together. Before Garrett forces his version on all of us."

A commotion outside interrupted the negotiation. Marcus burst in, his face pale with urgency.

"Luna, Alpha—urgent news from Moonridge. Alpha Vera's granddaughters..."

"What about them?" Mira struggled to stand, the baby's movements becoming more agitated.

"They're gone. Garrett's inspection team took them during the night. Alpha Vera is mobilizing for war."

The silence that followed was deafening. Mira felt silver light begin to gather around her as fury overwhelmed her careful control.

"Where?" she asked, her voice carrying dangerous undertones.

"Garrett's holding them at Thornfield Valley—the neutral ground designated for the Grand Assembly," Marcus reported. "He's claiming they're 'protective witnesses' for the proceedings."

"He's using them as leverage," Lucian said, his jaw tight with anger.

Kane stepped forward. "This is exactly what I warned you about. Garrett's not waiting for legal proceedings. He's taking what he wants and daring anyone to stop him."

The baby kicked so hard Mira gasped, and she felt a strange warmth spreading through her abdomen. "Something's wrong," she said, her hand moving to her lower back as pain flared.

Healer Thorne rushed forward. "Luna, you need to sit down. The stress—"

"No," Mira said firmly, though she accepted Lucian's steadying arm. "We're going to get those girls back. Now."

"You're in no condition—" Kane began.

"I'm in exactly the condition I need to be in," Mira interrupted, her Luna power flaring. "Garrett wants to see what unregulated magical power looks like? Then let's give him a demonstration he'll never forget."

Selene looked between them, understanding dawning. "You're planning to attack Thornfield Valley."

"I'm planning to retrieve kidnapped children," Mira corrected. "If Garrett wants to call that an attack, that's his choice."

Kane studied her for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Ironback will provide support. But we do this my way—strategic, coordinated, with minimal casualties."

"Agreed," Mira said, though another wave of pain made her wince. "But we do it quickly. I have a feeling time is running out in more ways than one."

As plans began forming for what could be the Luna Network's first military action, Mira tried to ignore the growing certainty that her baby had very definite opinions about the timeline they were all working with.

The revolution was accelerating, and her child seemed determined to be part of it.