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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Chapter 82

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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.”

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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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Chapter 82

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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.

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