My secret Luna

Julian's Pov The Luna was sick. She had been confined to the private chambers for weeks, placed on bed rest while the doctors did everything they could to save her. They had been administering wild bay leaf—the only known cure for her illness—but she had yet to awaken. And now, she was dying. I paced the length of my room, searching for a solution when there was nothing left to be done. The news had to remain hidden from the pack. If they discovered that their Luna was dying in the middle of a war, panic would spread through the territory. They would begin to question whether we were truly safe. Worse, they might begin to question whether I was capable of protecting them. I entered the meeting room, where my men were already gathered around the long table. “Has the Luna Princess been moved from the sick ward back to the inner chambers?” I asked. “Yes, my Alp—” The wolf pack doctor hesitated before correcting himself. “Yes, Your Wolfness. She was moved there this morning.” I nodded. I didn't want to say more to the medicine man, though there was one question I needed answered. “How is she?” The doctor lowered his gaze. “She remains unconscious.” My jaw tightened. I turned toward the men seated on my right. “We must hide the Luna’s worsening condition from the rest of the pack. They must not know.” I let my gaze move across the table. “If they learn that their Luna is dying while we are in the middle of a war, they will see it as a sign that we are vulnerable. They may begin to question our King Alpha’s ability to protect them.” I paused. “Is that clear?” “My Prince…” It was the wolf pack doctor again. “I do not know how long the Luna will remain in this state. I don't think—” “We will hide her condition from the public for as long as we can.” My voice rose. “I command it. Is there anyone here who wishes to say otherwise?” Silence. I looked at each of their faces. “Yes, Your Wolfness,” they finally answered together, bowing their heads. Then one of the men rose. Aspen. My cousin. Born into the Lycan family, he had the fiery red hair and clear eyes that were characteristic of our bloodline. He was strong, brave, and one of the few men I trusted without hesitation. “I will travel north to seek a cure for our Luna Princess,” he said. His eyes moved toward the wolf pack doctor. “I was told there may be a cure in the territory beyond ours.” The doctor nodded. “The Moonsflower.” A heavy thump sounded in my chest. The Luna Princess wasn't going to die. There was another chance. I masked the sudden rush of hope and nodded at Aspen. I had already promised to make him my right-hand man after my ascension as Alpha. He had just proven why I had made the right choice. “You have my approval.” “I will need a wild horse, provisions, and a young wolfskin to send back with a report if I cannot return. I don't know how many days the journey will take.” “Take them.” I leaned back in my chair. “And take a message eagle. Get the finest coat and swords you can find.” I looked directly at him. “Go as soon as you can.” Aspen nodded. “The Moonsflower…” Another man spoke. “I thought Moonsflower grew throughout the fields of Argdonna.” He had bright yellow hair and a blunt face. “You may not have realised,” Aspen replied, still standing with his hands behind his back, “but the waters feeding those fields have been drying up.” He glanced around the table. “Moonsflower survives on those waters. Without them, the flowers are dying.” “Surely there must be one Moonsflower left somewhere in the clan,” the yellow-haired wolfskin argued. “Enough.” My voice cut through the room. I knew too well about the disasters currently facing our land. “You will go north and search for the Moonsflower tonight. Leave as soon as it is dark and take as much food as you need.” Aspen bowed before returning to his seat. As he did, he cast a long glance at the yellow-haired wolfskin. A cough came from my right. I turned. “My Prince…” Amelia stood. “The waters are receding. The moon is fainting from the sky. Soon, there won't be enough water for the wolfskin to drink.” She swallowed. “I was asked to inform you.” I looked at Aspen. His expression had hardened. He gave me a slight nod. We had already discussed it. “We're opening the Norwegian Dam.” The room went silent. “But Alpha…” one of the special men began. “That is the river connecting Argdonna to Syreania.” “I know.” My voice remained firm. “But it is the only way to secure water for our people. There has been no rain. The lakes are drying up.” I looked toward the minister. “We must open the dam.” He nodded. I had already spoken with him. He would take a group of men to the dam connecting our territory to the Syreanians and open it tonight. “Alpha, I must warn you—” “Alpha…” Another voice interrupted. “I know you are devastated about the Luna Princess. Perhaps we should contact your father…” It was Lycell, one of the wolfskins we had brought out of isolation after rescuing him from rogues. He had sworn his loyalty to us ever since. I cut him off with a glare. “No.” I stood. “It is final. We will open the dam and station soldiers there to assist.” I rose to my full height. Then the room tilted. A sharp pain struck the back of my head. I swayed. Aspen immediately pushed back his chair and came to my side, steadying me before I lost my step I forced myself to regain my composure. “Your Wolfness, you are unwell,” the wolf pack doctor said, rising from his seat. “The Luna Princess's illness may be affecting you as well. You must lie down and rest.” The rest of the men had already risen. The meeting was over. “Your Wolfness, you are unwell. The Luna Princess’s illness is affecting you as well. You must lie down and rest.” The wolf-pack doctor pushed himself to his feet. The rest of the men followed when I did, effectively bringing the meeting to an end. At seven feet tall, I towered over every one of them. I had been this height since I clocked eighteen, and I was used to the way men had to tilt their heads to look at me. But today, their eyes lingered. They weren't just looking at their Wolfness anymore. They were looking at a weakness. I could almost read the questions forming behind their eyes. How badly was I affected? How long could I remain standing? And who would be strong enough to take my place if I fell? I knew there were wolves among them who would gladly challenge me to a duel if they sensed an opening. I had never fought in one before, and I hoped I wouldn't have to until I regained my strength. But if challenged, I wouldn't back down. “I’m fine,” I growled, shrugging off the hands reaching to steady me. “It’s just a little headache.” The lie tasted bitter. The wolf doctor knew the truth. And now, so did everyone else. Announcing my predicament was lethal.