I Left Before He Learned My Worth novel Chapter 82

Chapter 82

ARIA

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“Do it,” he finally said. “Issue a formal order. Ivory is not to leave Shadowmere territory without explicit Alpha permission. And even then, only with full security escort.”

“She’s going to fight you on this,” Nina warned. “Especially now, when she’s already talking about leaving the pack. This will feel like you’re trapping her here against her will.”

“I’m keeping her alive,” Kael countered. “She can be angry about the methods. She can resent the restrictions. But she’ll be alive to feel those things, which is more important than her immediate comfort or independence.”

Elder Morrison nodded approvingly. “A wise decision, Alpha. Though I agree with Nina that Ivory will resist. Perhaps we should speak with her directly. Explain the situation, help her understand the necessity of these measures.”

“She needs to know why we’re implementing these restrictions,” Elder Chen agreed. “Needs to hear about the threats we’ve uncovered. Otherwise she’ll just see this as Alpha Kael being overprotective and arbitrary.”

“Schedule a meeting,” Kael ordered. “Today, if possible. I want Ivory informed of the situation. and the security measures being put in place before she hears about them through pack gossip.”

As the elders began discussing logistics and security protocols, Thomas cleared his throat.

“There’s one more thing,” he said, and his gaze shifted to me. “Luna Aria, I have a message for you. From Luna Sera.”

Every head in the chamber turned toward me. I felt Kael’s sudden alertness through our bond, felt his protective instincts surge.

“A message?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Thomas reached into his jacket and pulled out a sealed envelope. “Sera gave this to one of her border guards with instructions to pass it to any Shadowmere scouts who might be in the area. The guard approached me in the tavern-discreetly-and asked me to deliver it to you personally.”

He moved forward and placed the envelope on the table in front of me. It was heavy paper,

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sealed with red wax that bore Blackwood Pack’s insignia. My name was written across the front in elegant script.

“What does it say?” Kael demanded.

“I don’t know,” Thomas said. “It was sealed when.I received it. The guard said only that Luna Sera wanted Luna Aria to read it in her leisure time, away from everyone else.”

“That’s not happening,” Kael said immediately, reaching for the envelope. “If Sera has something to say to my mate, she can say it openly, not through secret messages designed to cause division or-”

“Kael,” I interrupted gently, placing my hand over his before he could take the letter. “It’s addressed to me. I should be the one to read it first.”

“It could be a threat,” Nina pointed out. “Or manipulation. Sera isn’t above psychological warfare, especially if she thinks she can use Aria’s guilt or history with Damon against us.”

“Which is exactly why I need to read it,” I said, surprised by the firmness in my own voice. “If Sera is trying to manipulate me, I need to know what tactics she’s using. If she’s making threats, we need to understand their nature. Keeping me ignorant doesn’t protect me― makes me more vulnerable to whatever game she’s playing.”

-it just

Kael studied my face, and through our bond, I felt his internal struggle. His desire to protect me warring with his recognition that I had a point. That treating me like I needed to be shielded from every difficult thing undermined my position as Luna.

“Fine,” he finally said. “But you read it with me present. And if it contains anything threatening or manipulative, we discuss it immediately. No keeping secrets because you think you’re protecting the pack or taking responsibility for things that aren’t your fault.”

The last part was pointed, suggesting he’d picked up on my tendency to shoulder blame for situations I hadn’t created. I nodded, accepting the condition.

“After this meeting,” I said. “When we have privacy to properly assess whatever Sera has

written.”

The elders accepted this, though Elder Morrison looked troubled. “Be careful, Luna Aria. Sera is calculating and strategic. Whatever she’s written, it will be designed to serve her purposes, not yours.”

“I understand,” I said, though my hand trembled slightly as I picked up the envelope and tucked it into the pocket of my dress.

The meeting continued for another hour. Plans were made for Ivory’s security detail.

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Protocols were established for who could approach her and under what circumstances. Restrictions on her movements were formalized into official pack law.

And through it all, I felt the weight of Sera’s letter in my pocket like a stone. Like a ticking bomb waiting to explode and cause even more chaos in an already impossible situation.

When the meeting finally concluded, when the elders and Thomas had been dismissed and only Kael, Nina, and I remained in the chamber, I pulled out the envelope again.

“Should I leave?” Nina asked, looking between Kael and me.

“No,” I said before Kael could answer. “If this concerns pack business-and it probably does- you should be here. You’re Kael’s beta. You have a right to know what Sera is attempting.”

Nina nodded and moved closer as I broke the wax seal and unfolded the heavy paper. The script inside matched the elegant handwriting on the envelope-flowing, precise, the work of someone with significant education and breeding.

I read aloud so both Kael and Nina could hear:

*Dearest Aria,*

*I hope this letter finds you well, though I suspect it finds you conflicted. You were always too empathetic for your own good, too quick to shoulder responsibility for situations beyond your control.*

you

*I want to be clear about something: I hold no personal animosity toward you. What happened

for during your bonding ceremony was tragic and complicated, but I don’t blame Damon’s imprisonment. I don’t even blame you for his obsession, though I’m certain others have suggested you bear some responsibility for encouraging his attachment.*

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