When Truth Becomes a Weapon

The pack gathered beneath the open sky.

Silver banners rippled in the morning breeze, their sigils gleaming beneath the rising sun. Drums echoed through the courtyard, steady and ceremonial, as wolves filled the space in orderly rows.

Today was meant to inspire hope and indeed, the pack looks like it.

Finn stood at the center of it all, clad in ceremonial black and silver, his posture tall, his expression carved from confidence.

Beside him, Delilah waited to be summoned.

She wore white with moonstone threads traced on her gown, catching the light as if the Moon herself favored her.

Finn glanced at her, pride swelling in his chest.

This—this was proof of his love for her.

And no matter the war, or his brother. He was still the Alpha.

The chanting began as the High Priestess stepped forward, her voice carrying across the courtyard.

“Before the Moon and the Pack,” she intoned, “we crown the Luna chosen by the Alpha.”

Finn lifted his chin. “Delilah,” he said loudly, “step forward.”

She did. Her steps were measured. Graceful and Perfect. As she knelt, Finn took the silver crown from the velvet cushion. He hesitated only a second—long enough to feel the weight of what he was claiming.

Then he placed it upon her head. “I crown you Luna of Nightclaw Pack,” Finn declared.

The pack erupted in cheers. Delilah rose, and smiled.

The crown settled perfectly, as if it had always belonged there.

Finn felt something like triumph bloom inside him.

Let that wretched she-wolf hiding under Knox hear this. She must be filled with regrets now, he thought. 

He took Delilah’s hand and raised it high. “This is my Luna,” he proclaimed. “And with her by my side, we will prevail.”

More cheers. Drums thundered.

Elder Rowan watched from his seat, his expression satisfied.

Beta Delon stood nearby, his smile polite, but his gaze flickering with something unreadable.

Delilah turned her face slightly, letting the light catch the crown. She did not look at Finn.

Her eyes swept the crowd—measuring, and wondering how it feels like to be crowned the Alpha in a few days to come.

She was Luna now. And none of them realized it yet— But this crown was not loyalty, it was a leverage.

As the ceremony concluded and the pack howled their approval, Finn felt untouchable.

Power surged through him, intoxicating and absolute.

He had crowned his Luna and had rallied his pack.

And soon— He would march to war.

Unaware that every step he took forward was leading him straight into ruin.

Meanwhile, the news arrived before noon at Knox-Shade Pack.

Knox stood in his study, arms folded behind his back as Beta Stefan finished speaking.

“…the ceremony was completed at dawn,” Stefan said. “Delilah has been crowned Luna of Nightclaw Pack.”

Knox’s expression didn’t change. “Anything else?” he asked.

Stefan inhaled. “Yes.” He stepped forward and laid a sealed folder on the table. “The investigation is complete.”

Knox turned slowly.

Stefan met his gaze, voice steady. “She was innocent of every charge brought against her. The poisoning. The miscarriage. The accusations of treason. All fabricated.”

Something dark flickered in Knox’s eyes.

He closed his eyes briefly—not in relief, but in control.

When he opened them again, his voice was calm.

“Thank you.”

Stefan bowed. “There is no doubt.”

That was all Knox needed. “Then it is time to act,” Knox said.

He turned sharply. “Stefan—write to the Southern Region Alliance. Inform them that the Nightclaw Pack has declared hostile intent against my territory over my mate.”

Stefan stiffened. “An emergency summit?”

“Immediately,” Knox replied. “I want responses before nightfall.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

Knox turned to Gamma Ray. “Call an emergency council meeting,” he ordered. “Now.”

Ray bowed deeply. “At once.” They rushed out.

Minutes later, the meeting hall filled up.

The elders of the Southern Territory gathered swiftly, their expressions serious yet curious. The murmurs died the moment Knox entered, Stefan and Ray flanking him. Every wolf rose to their feet.

Knox lifted a hand. “Sit.” They obeyed.

Silence pressed down like a held breath.

Knox paused deliberately. Then spoke. “Two weeks ago,” he began, “I rescued a she-wolf left to die beyond Nightclaw borders.”

A ripple of recognition moved through the room.

“I ordered a quiet investigation,” he continued. “One that has now concluded.” He nodded to Stefan.

Stefan stepped forward. “The accusations against her were false,” Stefan said clearly. “She did not poison anyone. She did not commit treason. Her banishment was unlawful.”

A collective exhale swept the hall. Some elders smiled. Others nodded in grim satisfaction.

“Good,” one murmured. “We do not shelter criminals.”

Knox inclined his head. “There is more,” he said. The room stilled. “She is my mate.”

Shock flickered across several faces.Then—smiles. Low murmurs of approval followed.

“At last,” one elder said warmly. “The Moon favors us.”

Knox allowed a faint smile. “But Nightclaw does not,” he continued coolly. “They intend to wage war.” Growls rumbled through the hall.

“I will not fight alone,” Knox said. “I will invoke the Southern Region Alliance.”

The elders straightened.

“That is wise,” one said firmly.

“Necessary,” another agreed.

“You have our support,” a third added.

Knox nodded. “The meeting is concluded,” he said. “Prepare yourselves and household to protect our pack”

The elders rose, bowing deeply before dispersing.

As the hall emptied, Knox stood alone for a moment.

Innocence confirmed. Alliances summoned. War is approaching.

He lifted his gaze to the high windows, where the moon waited beyond the daylight sky.

“He wants my mate,” he murmured.

“And now,” Knox said softly, “they will answer for it.”