From Betrayed Luna to Wolf Queen (Lillian) novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21 The Court of Opinion

Lillian’s POV:

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The public release of the mate registration certificate had completely demolished the opposing narrative. Numerous voices shifted allegiance, swelling the ranks of the critical camp.

Now, nearly all of Gilneas was directing its scorn and condemnation toward Julian and Iris–with Iris bearing the brunt of the fury.

Speaking into the phone, my voice was clear and glacial. “Iris has consistently demanded the constant presence of you, an already- bonded Alpha.

“She possesses no sense of boundary or respect for another’s mating bond. Isn’t this reputation precisely what she has earned?”

Now, the entire city was labeling her the “other woman” attempting to break a mated pair apart!

Julian was so furious I could practically hear his jaw clenching through the line. “I told you, I will resolve the situation with her as soon as possible!

“Do you have any concept of the damage you’ve caused with this stunt? She is postpartum–her body and mind are in a fragile state!”

His rage felt like a physical force, threatening to breach the phone line.

This was the first time in six months Julian had raised his voice to me with such raw anger.

A cold, mirthless laugh escaped me. “You’re absolutely correct. Between her and me, one will pay the price–whether through injury, or… worse. We shall see who endures longer.”

On both ends of the line, the silence that followed was thick and charged, like drawn blades.

Before Julian could unleash another tirade, I ended the call.

The phone rang again almost instantly.

Since it was Chloe’s number, I wouldn’t block it, but I had no intention of answering it now.

The ringing persisted, relentless. My expression remained an impassive mask.

George approached. “Ms. Moore.”

“Yes?”

“The mate–bond severance agreement has been delivered. The backlash continues to spread–the city is united in its criticism of Iris, and her mother Margaret is being implicated as well.”

Hearing this, the corner of my mouth curved into an even colder smile.

So Margaret had been dragged into the mud too?

Perfect. For years, Margaret had meticulously cultivated her image as a self–made werewolf business magnate.

Now, her daughter had spectacularly torn that façade open, dragging every hushed rumor and unspoken suspicion into the glaring

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Chapter 21 The Court of Opinion

light of public disgrace.

“That is perfectly acceptable,” I said lightly. “They’ve earned it.”

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When they held all the power, they could easily crush someone like me–a packless Omega orphan–and act with impunity.

Now it was time to settle the debt for their arrogance.

George continued, “We have prepared countermeasures in the event Julian and Iris attempt to suppress the backlash. The scrutiny will not dissipate quickly.”

I nodded in satisfaction.

As expected of my brother’s team–they had anticipated the opposition’s likely moves.

“From this point forward, all matters between Julian and me are to be handled solely through legal counsel.”

“Understood.” George gave a respectful bow.

The phone finally fell silent.

Approximately half an hour later, Chloe’s phone rang again.

I answered to hear Chloe’s excited voice immediately. “Sweetie! You moved fast! It’s only been a day!”

So this was the sensation of having formidable backing.

When I stood alone–a packless Omega–the entire Graves Pack, especially Eleanor, believed they could dominate me. Iris felt free to undermine me both openly and in secret.

But now, it was as if I had grown razor–sharp thorns overnight, piercing every individual who had ever looked down upon or

wounded me.

“You should see the discourse on the social channels and within the circles today–Iris is being shredded! People are digging up past grievances, even resurfacing some of her mother’s… questionable business practices from years ago.” Chloe’s words tumbled out in a rush.

“This is merely the beginning,” I stated.

“They’re absolutely plotting ways to strike back at you now,” Chloe warned. “Block every number associated with the Graves Pack”

“Already done,” I replied calmly.

Chloe sounded pleased. “Well done! Also, when you finalize the severance with Julian, don’t be naive and walk away empty- handed. Even though your brother’s wealth is legendary, after three years as Julian’s mate within the Graves Pack–enduring all you did, sacrificing all you gave–you are entitled to compensation.”

Had this occurred before, when I stood alone, Chloe would never have dared offer such blunt counsel, fearing retaliation from Eleanor and Margaret.

But the landscape had shifted.

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