Semua Bab A Packless Luna: Bab 61 - Bab 70

The entire hall went silent when the warrior pointed at me. “I challenge Nyra's right to stand as Luna.” My heart pounded, but I refused to step back. Kael moved in front of me. “You will withdraw that challenge.” The warrior laughed. “Why? Because you are afraid she will fail?” Kael's eyes hardened. “Choose your next words carefully.” “I am choosing them very carefully, Alpha.” He looked past Kael and stared directly at me. “She is not a true Luna.” A murmur spread through the hall. My hands curled into fists. Kael turned slightly toward me. “Don't listen to him.” “I can handle it.” “This isn't something you have to prove.” “Yes, it is.” His eyes met mine. “Nyra.” I stepped around him. The hall fell silent again. “I accept.” Kael's expression changed. “You don't have to.” “I know.” “You have no idea what this man intends to do.” I looked at the challenger. “Then I will find out.” The warrior smiled. “Brave words for a rogue.” The word hit harder than I

One warrior dropped to his knees before me. The sound echoed through the ceremonial hall. For a moment, nobody moved. I stared at him, barely understanding what I was seeing. Then another warrior stepped forward. He lowered his head and knelt beside the first. A murmur swept through the pack. "Stop," someone whispered. "They're bowing to her." My heart pounded. I looked toward Kael. He was standing a few steps away, his eyes fixed on me. There was something different in his expression. Not fear. Not doubt. Pride. The first warrior raised his head. "Luna," he said firmly. "You have proven yourself." Another warrior lowered himself to the ground. Then another. Within moments, several members of Ironfang were kneeling. My breath caught. I had spent so long trying to prove that I belonged. Now they were choosing to accept me. But not everyone was convinced. "I won't bow to her," a warrior said from the back. Another voice followed. "Neither will I." "They're afr

The first scream came from inside the fortress. I turned sharply. "That wasn't from the walls." Kael's hand went to his sword. "Everyone stay where you are!" Another scream followed. Then the sound of steel clashing filled the corridor. My heart began pounding. "Kael." He looked toward the eastern passage. "Someone opened the inner gate." A guard rushed toward us. "Alpha! The eastern gate is open!" Kael's face hardened. "Who opened it?" "We don't know." "Where are the guards?" The warrior hesitated. "Some of them are attacking our men." Kael went still. "They turned?" The guard nodded. My stomach dropped. "There are traitors inside." Kael looked at me. "Stay behind me." "No." His eyes narrowed. "Nyra." "I'm not hiding while your pack is being attacked." "This isn't a debate." "It is if you're telling me to stand still." Before he could answer, another warrior came running. "Alpha!" Kael turned. "Speak." "The western guards have also turned against us

I had never seen Ironfang so quiet before. Not even during the worst nights. The silence lasted only a few seconds, but it felt like the whole fortress was holding its breath. Then the Council army raised its weapons. "Alpha Kael Draven," a voice called from beyond the gates. "By order of the Elder Council, surrender the fortress." Kael stepped forward. His face was calm, but I could see the anger burning in his eyes. "You crossed my borders with an army," he said. "And you expect me to surrender?" The Council messenger lifted his chin. "You have been given a lawful order." Kael laughed once. "Lawful?" His voice hardened. "You attacked my home. You turned my warriors against each other. You surrounded my fortress. Do not stand there and speak to me about law." A murmur moved through the warriors behind us. I looked around. Some were standing beside Kael. Others had stepped away. My heart sank. They were Ironfang wolves. People Kael had protected. People who had onc

The first thing I saw when I stepped onto the fortress wall was the army.Thousands of wolves stood beyond Moonfall.Their weapons caught the light as they waited for the order to attack.For a moment, my legs felt weak.Kael stepped beside me."You don't have to do this."I looked at him."Yes, I do.""Nyra, there are thousands of them.""And there are thousands of us."His eyes searched mine."You are not afraid?""I am terrified."He stared at me.I took a slow breath."But I'm more afraid of what will happen if I run."Below us, the Ironfang warriors waited.Some looked at Kael.Then their eyes moved to me.I could feel their uncertainty.They had seen what happened during the ceremony.They had felt my power.Some feared me.Others were beginning to believe in me.A warrior stepped forward."Luna."I looked down."What is it?"He swallowed."What do we do?"My heart stopped for a second.He was asking me.Not Kael.Me.I looked at the warriors around him."What would you do if th