THE LUNA WHO CONQUERED DEATH novel Chapter 50

Episode 31-2

“I was… informed of it.” Brennan looked uncomfortable. “The European Council has jurisdiction over its territories. We can’t interfere with their internal pack management.”

“Even when that management includes dragging terrified daughters back to packs that were hiding and suppressing them?”

“We don’t suppress anyone.” Sophia’s voice was sharp. “We maintain order and tradition. Your American reforms may work here, but they have no place in Europe.”

“My reforms,” I said carefully, “are about giving daughters the choice to develop their gifts safely. Are you telling me European packs are actively preventing that?”

“We’re telling you to release our pack members. Now,” Klaus moved toward the door. “We have silver restraints ready. We can do this cooperatively or by force.”

Adrian’s hand found mine, the mate bond flooding with protective fury. Around us, I felt my pack responding, warriors moving into position outside the room.

“You’re not taking anyone by force from my territory,” I said quietly. “Brennan, does Council law actually support what they’re demanding?”

“It’s… complicated. Pack sovereignty versus individual rights. There’s precedent for both.” He looked miserable. “Sera, I don’t want conflict, but they do have a legal case.”

“Then we need to make a better case,” I pulled out my phone, texting Katherine. “Before anyone is

‘retrieved,’ they have the right to speak for themselves. To choose.”

“They’re not qualified to choose.” Sophia’s tone was condescending. “They’re young, impressionable,

seduced by promises of power and freedom. They don’t understand what they’re giving up.”

“Then let’s ask them.”

I opened the door. Katherine stood there with all seventeen European students gathered behind her.

They ranged from seventeen to twenty–four. Some I knew well from classes. Others were newer arrivals.

All looked terrified but determined.

“These Alphas claim you’re here against your will,” I said directly to them. “That you abandoned your packs improperly. You should return to Europe. Is that what you want?”

A girl named Marie, nineteen, from Klaus’s pack, stepped forward.

“I was locked in my room for three years after my gifts manifested. My Alpha said I was too dangerous to be allowed freedom. That I needed to be controlled for the pack’s safety.” Her voice shook but held. “At Crescent Moon, I’ve learned control. I’ve learned I’m not dangerous. I’m powerful. There’s a difference.”

Another student, Brigitte, from Sophia’s pack, said: “I was told daughters should hide their gifts, pretend to

<Episode 31-2-

Claim

be normal wolves. That using our magic was shameful. Here, I learned my gifts are blessings, not curses.”

One by one, they spoke. Stories of suppression, fear, and isolation. Of being told their power was wrong, dangerous, something to be buried and forgotten.

By the time they finished, Sophia’s face was stone, Klaus looked furious, and Jean seemed uncomfortable.

“These are lies told by children seeking to justify disobedience,” Sophia said.

“Are they?” I looked at her directly. “You kept a nineteen–year–old locked in a room for three years. What was your justification for that?”

“She was having violent outbursts. Harming other pack members.”

“Because she didn’t know how to control her gift. Because no one would teach her.” I felt anger building. “You created the problem, then punished her for it. That’s not protection. That’s abuse.”

“How dare you?”

“How dare YOU?” My voice carried Alpha command now, power radiating from me. “Come to my territory, demand I hand over students who came here seeking safety, and expect me to comply while you call

them liars.”

“The European Council will not tolerate this disrespect,” Klaus growled.

“And I won’t tolerate Alphas who abuse their daughters in the name of tradition.” I moved closer, my pregnant belly not diminishing my presence one bit. “Here’s what’s going to happen. These seventeen

students will choose. Freely, without coercion. If they want to return to Europe, they can go. If they want to

stay, they stay.”

“Unacceptable,” Sophia said.

“Then we have a problem. Because those silver chains you brought? They won’t work on me.” I let silver light flare around my hands, my daughter’s power at full strength. “And if you try to take anyone by force, you’ll learn exactly why the American Council stopped trying to control me.”

The room went deadly silent.

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