Chapter 23 — The Luna They Blame
The pack was restless. Wolves whispered behind closed eyes and twitching ears, murmurs carrying like wildfire through the clearing. Fear was contagious, and Selene had fanned the flames expertly.
Lyra stood at the center of the council chamber, her hands resting lightly on her growing belly. She had worn her strength like armor for Kael, for the child, for herself—but now the weight of leadership pressed down in ways that power alone could not shield.
A low growl interrupted her thoughts. One of the council elders, a grizzled wolf whose fur was streaked with silver, stepped forward. “Luna Lyra,” he said, voice harsh, “the attacks on our borders have cost lives. The pack suffers. And it falls upon you to protect us.”
Lyra’s heart tightened. She looked ar
