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Chapter 190
~Zaria’s POV~
I smiled apologetically. "She’s not with me but in her husband’s house. She had a life before we found her and I don’t want to overwhelm her. Another time, perhaps."
They nodded, their disappointment evident but kept their respect.
Sylas leaned back, his eyes narrowing slightly. "There’s another matter we’d like your insight on, Luna."
I raised a brow, motioning for him to continue.
"The Thorned Crescent Pack," Sylas said grimly. "Their movements along our border have become more frequent. They’re testing our defenses, probing for weaknesses."
I clenched my jaw. The Thorned Crescent Pack had been a thorn in our side for years, always skirting the line between nuisance and outright threat.
"Have they breached our territory?" I asked.
"Not yet," Marek replied. "But it’s only a matter of time. If we attend the Alpha Ball, it could be an opportunity to confront their Alpha directly."
"Or it could escalate tensions," I countered.
Rohan shook his head. "With all due respect, Luna, tensions are already high. If we don’t assert our position now, we risk emboldening them further."
I nodded slowly, weighing their words. "That is one problem. Regardless, I will pursue the matter with Zade and let him make the final decision. You can trust your Alpha. He knows what he is doing."
Nick entered then, carrying a tray of tea and pastries. He set it down quietly before leaving the living room.
The conversation shifted to logistics—border patrols, potential alliances, and the delicate balance of power that always hung over the pack’s decisions.
By the time the elders left, the moon had risen high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the mansion.
I walked them to the door, thanking them for their insights, but my mind was already spinning with the implications of their visit.
Thankfully Zara was already married, because in situations like this, most would want to use her marriage for an alliance with a powerful pack.
But thinking of who her husband is, there’s no better alliance than that.
Regardless, I never planned on using my daughter’s happiness for such a thing.
As I turned back toward the living room, I found Zade standing in the doorway with a curious expression on his face.
"How much did you hear?" I asked, raising a brow.
"Enough," he admitted, stepping forward. "Mum, I do not want anyone trying to use my sister." At once his protective instinct surged, which got me excited that I wasn’t the only one who thought so too.
"She wouldn’t be used for anything. I promised. Besides, I think they have a bigger problem to solve first, rather than Zara.
Zade narrowed his eyes at me. "And what would that be?" he asked.
"Who, Zade, not what. Your brother-in-law and best friend, Snow Zephyr."
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~Zara’s POV~
The grandeur of the Alpha Ball was breathtaking. The luxurious ballroom sparkled with golden chandeliers, their light reflecting off crystal decorations that adorned every corner.
The soft fabric of my violet gown swished against the floor, the backless design accentuating the curve of my spine. The dress hugged my figure perfectly, its sleeveless design shimmering under the chandelier light.
Snow, in his matching violet and black tuxedo, exuded authority and elegance, his every step commanding the room’s attention.
Whispers rippled through the crowd as we descended.
"She’s stunning."
"So the rumors are true—he brought someone this time."
"Who is she?"
My heart hammered as I tried to keep my expression calm, focusing on the stairs and Snow’s presence by my side.
At the bottom of the staircase stood Koda, Slade’s beta, his sharp features and a meticulously pressed suit made him look more outstanding than the man I met at the Ivory Crescent Pack.
He offered a polite smile as we reached him, bowing slightly to Snow before extending the same courtesy to me.
"Welcome, Alpha Zephyr. Luna Zephyr," he greeted, professionally.
"Thank you," Snow replied smoothly, inclining his head.
I managed a polite smile, still feeling the weight of hundreds of eyes on me. As we moved further into the room, the announcements continued.
"Alpha Kiro Silver of the Iron Fang Pack, accompanied by Beta Nolan!"
Kiro’s imposing figure commanded respect as he descended the stairs, but my attention was quickly drawn to the next announcement.
"Lady Aira and Lady Tempest of the Ivory Crescent Pack."
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