THE LUNA WHO CONQUERED DEATH novel Chapter 52

Episode 32-1

THE LUNA WHO CONQUERED DEATH

Chapter 32: The Hunter’s Shadow

We found Torres three hours later, holed up in a condemned warehouse in Seattle’s industrial district. Adrian had insisted on coming with me despite my protests. Marcus led a team of warriors as backup. Elena stayed at Crescent Moon to guard the students.

Claim

The warehouse stank of rot and fear. Torres huddled in a corner, looking nothing like the polished Council member I remembered. His clothes were torn, his face gaunt, and his eyes held the wild terror of prey being hunted.

“They killed Brennan,” he said the moment he saw me. “Made it look like a heart attack. But I know. I know it was them.”

My blood ran cold. Brennan had been uncomfortable but ultimately supportive during the European Alpha confrontation.

“When?”

“Two hours ago. His assistant found him collapsed in his office.” Torres’s hands shook. “That makes five Council members dead in six months. All who supported reform, all who protected daughters.”

“Tell me about the Hunters,” I demanded. “Everything you know.”

“They call themselves the Covenant of Ash. Direct descendants of the original Hunter families from the 1700s.” He pulled out a battered laptop, hands shaking as he typed. “They’ve been operating in secret for centuries, hiding their time, building resources.”

“Why strike now?”

“Because of you.” He turned on the laptop to show me files, photographs, and surveillance footage. “When you challenged the Council, when you broke Aldric’s power, when you started the schop!… You proved Daughters were dangerous. Powerful enough to reshape supernatural society.”

“So they decided to eliminate us.”

“Not just Daughters. All of us.” Torres pulled up more files. “They believe supernatural beings are abominations. Wolves, vampires, witches, all of them. The Daughters are just the beginning. Once they’ve eliminated your kind, they’ll move on to the rest.”

Adrian studied the surveillance photos. “These are professional. Military–grade equipment, strategic planning. How many are we talking about?”

“I don’t know. Dozens? Hundreds?” Torres wiped sweat from his forehead. “They’re organized into cells. Each cell operates independently. Taking one down doesn’t stop the others.”

Episode 32-4-

“The missing wolves up north,” I said. “What are they?”

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“Testing ground. They’re perfecting their methods before launching larger operations.” He pulled up more files. “They’re not just killing. They’re experimenting. Trying to find weaknesses in supernatural physiology.”

Marcus growled. “They’re torturing wolves?”

“And studying them. Looking for ways to neutralize healing factors, break pack bonds, counter supernatural abilities.” Torres looked at me. “They know about the school. About your students. You’ve concentrated on their primary targets in one location.”

My hand went instinctively to my pregnant belly. “They’re coming for Crescent Moon.”

“Not yet. They’re still gathering intelligence, building resources. But yes, eventually.” He closed the laptop. “That’s why I need asylum. I have information about their operations, their funding sources, and their likely targets. But they know, I know. That’s why I’m running.”

“Why should I trust you?” I moved closer. “You funded Harrison’s war. You embezzled coalition money. You’re a traitor and a criminal.”

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“I’m also your best chance at surviving what’s coming.” His eyes met mine, desperate but calculating. “I’ve spent six months documenting the Covenant. Names, locations, methods. I’ll give you everything. In exchange for protection and immunity from prosecution.”

“Immunity?” Marcus looked furious. “You helped start a war that killed dozens of wolves.”

“And I’m offering intelligence that could save thousands,” Torres straightened slightly, some of his old arrogance returning. “Make the deal or don’t.” But without my information, you’re fighting blind.”

I studied him for a long time. Every instinct screamed not to trust him. But his fear was genuine. And if the hunters were as organized as he claimed…

“Protective custody, not immunity,” I said finally. “You’ll be housed at Crescent Moon under guard. You’ll share everything you know. In exchange, I won’t hand you over to the Council for trial. Yet.”

“That’s not.”

“That’s the deal. Take it or face the Hunters alone.”

He deflated. “Fine. Protective custody.”

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“Marcus, secure him. Full security detail.” I turned to Adrian. “We need to warn the other reformed packs. If the Hunters are targeting Daughter supporters…”

“Diana and Clearwater are priority targets.” Adrian was already on his phone. “I’ll coordinate with their

security chief.”

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