THE LUNA WHO CONQUERED DEATH novel Chapter 34

“I’ve called you here to make an announcement,” he began. “One that I know will shock many of you, anger some, and relieve others.”

The hall went silent.

“I am stepping down as Alpha of Crescent Moon Pack.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Several wolves shouted protests.

Damien raised his hand in silence. “I’ve failed this pack. I let the Council corrupt my judgment, I betrayed my Luna, and I participated in a conspiracy that harmed innocent wolves. I don’t deserve to lead you.”

“Then who will?” someone called out.

“There will be a challenge,” Damien said. “Any qualified wolf can compete for the Alpha position. But I’m recommending Luna Sera.”

More gasps. A female Alpha was rare but not unheard of. A Luna challenging for the Alpha position was revolutionary.

“She has proven herself stronger, wiser, and more dedicated to this pack’s wellbeing than I ever was.” Damien’s eyes found mine. “She has the Moon Goddess’s blessing, the respect of our allies, and the courage to make the changes we desperately need.”

“But she’s not even properly mated!” Council Member Brennan stood, objecting. “An Alpha needs a mate

to balance them.”

“I had a mate. Look how that turned out.” Damien’s voice was dry. “Luna Sera will choose her own mate in

her own time. Or she won’t. Either way, it’s her decision, not ours.”

I moved forward, stepping onto the platform beside Damien. The crowd’s attention shifted to me.

“I didn’t ask for this,” I said, my voice carrying to every corner. “I didn’t want to challenge pack hierarchy or fight the Council or become some kind of revolutionary figure.” I looked out at the assembled faces. “I just wanted to protect wolves who were being hurt. To make sure omega families were safe. To create a pack where everyone had value, not just the high–ranked.”

“And in doing so, you proved yourself more worthy of leadership than any Alpha in recent history,” Damien said quietly.

I turned to him. “This doesn’t mean I forgive you.”

“I know.”

“And it doesn’t mean we’re friends.”

“I know that too.”

“But I respect that you’re doing the right thing now. Finally.”

Episode 22.2

He smiled sadly. “Better late than never?”

“We’ll see.”

Claim

I turned back to the pack. If anyone wants to challenge for the Alpha position, you have until my birthday to declare your intention. On November twenty–eighth, we’ll hold trials. May the strongest wolf win.”

“What if no one challenges?” Sophie Chen called out from the crowd.

“Then I become Alpha by default, and we move forward with restructuring.” I met her eyes. “Either way, things are changing. The question is whether we do it together or whether I have to force it.”

Two days before my birthday, three wolves declared their intention to challenge them.

Marcus came to my office with the list, his expression grim.

“Jackson Carver, the gamma who was abusing omegas. Robert Thorne, Aldric’s younger brother. And…” He paused. “Vivian Cross.”

I blinked. “Vivian?”

“She says she wants to prove herself. That she’s not just the woman who tried to steal your mate, but a warrior in her own right.” Marcus set down the paperwork. “Sera, I know you showed her mercy, but this feels like betrayal,”

“Or it feels like someone trying to earn redemption.” I picked up the papers, studying them. “If she

challenges fairly, if she fights honorably, then I’ll face her like any other opponent.”

“And if she wins?”

“She won’t.” I felt power crackling under my skin, stronger every hour as my birthday approached. “But if

she does, then maybe she deserves to be Alpha.”

“You’re serious.”

“I’m confident.” I smiled. “Marcus, I’ve died and come back. I’ve broken an artificial bond. I’ve stood before the Council and the Moon Goddess herself. Three challengers don’t scare me.”

“They should. Jackson Carver has twenty years of combat experience. Robert Thorne has Council training. And Vivian…” He shook his head. “I’ve seen her fight. She’s good.”

“I’m better.” I stood, moving to the window. “And tomorrow night, when my power is fully manifested, I’ll be

unstoppable.”

“Don’t get cocky. That’s how people lose.”

“I’m not cocky. I’m ready.” I turned to face him. “Tomorrow is my birthday. The day I was supposed to die in the original timeline. Instead, I’m going to claim Alpha position and change everything.”

Marcus studied me for a long moment. “You’ve really become someone else, haven’t you? The Sera I knew six months ago would never have said that.”

4 Episode 224

“The Sera from six months ago is dead. She drowned in a frozen river.” I met his eyes. “I’m the one who survived. And I’m done apologizing for being strong.”

He smiled. “Good. Because the pack needs to be strong. They need you.”

The night before my birthday, I couldn’t sleep.

I stood on my balcony watching the moon, feeling power building inside me like a storm about to break. Tomorrow, everything will change. Tomorrow, will either become Alpha or lose everything.

Tomorrow, I will find out if dying and coming back was enough.

A knock at my door. Adrian’s scent.

“Can’t sleep either?” he asked when I let him in.

“Too much energy. It’s like my whole body is vibrating.”

“That’s the power manifestation beginning. By this time tomorrow, you’ll be in full transformation.” He

moved to stand beside me at the balcony railing. “How do you feel?”

“Terrified. Excited. Ready.” I looked at him. “The Moon Goddess said, You’re my true mate. That the bond will form naturally when I’m ready.”

“She did.”

“Are you ready? For what does that mean?”

Adrian was quiet for a moment. “I’ve never had a mate. Never wanted one. The idea of being tied to someone through supernatural means always felt like a loss of control.”

My heart sank. “Oh.”

“But with you?” He turned to face me. “It doesn’t feel like losing control. It feels like finding an equal. Someone who won’t need me to protect them but might want me beside them anyway.”

“I do want that. Eventually,” I touched his face gently. “But right now, I need to focus on becoming Alpha. On surviving the trials. On making sure I don’t lose everything I’ve fought for.”

“Then I’ll wait. However long it takes.” He covered my hand with his. “But Sera? When you’re ready, when this is all settled, I’m going to court you properly. The way you deserve to be courted.”

“Looking forward to it.” I smiled. “Now get out of here. I need to at least try to sleep.”

“Yes, Luna.” He kissed my forehead gently. “Happy early birthday. Try not to die this time.”

“I’ll do my best.”

After he left, I finally managed to sleep, dreams filled with silver light and possibilities I’d never imagined.

Tomorrow, I turn twenty–five.

Tomorrow, I will become myself fully.

< Eprende 22-2

Tomorrow, everything will change.

TO BE CONTINUED…

D Dewumi Ezekiel

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