THE LUNA WHO CONQUERED DEATH novel Chapter 69

THE LUNA WHO CONQUERED DEATH

Chapter 38: Ripples

The exposure of the Covenant hit the human world like a bomb.

Adrian released the evidence methodically over three days. First, financial records showing Apex Industries‘ illegal research funding. Then, documentation of kidnappings and disappearances. Finally, medical records were so disturbing that even hardened journalists had trouble reporting them.

What he didn’t release: anything explicitly supernatural.

“The story is simple,” he explained in a press conference, looking every inch at the corporate magnate.

“Apex Industries, under the direction of Dr. Malcolm Pierce, conducted illegal human experimentation. They kidnapped vulnerable individuals, subjected them to experimental genetic modifications, and attempted to create enhanced soldiers for private sale.”

“Mr. Wolfe, are you saying Apex Industries was creating supersoldiers?” a reporter asked.

“I’m saying they were conducting genetic experiments on unwilling subjects. The results were… disturbing.” Adrian pulled up images on the screen behind him. Carefully edited to show the horror without revealing too much. “These individuals suffered tremendously. Many died. The survivors are now in protective custody, receiving medical care.”

“Where is Dr. Pierce now?”

“Dead. Killed when his own facility collapsed during a raid by victims seeking justice.” Adrian’s voice was cold. “We’ve turned over all evidence to federal authorities. Multiple agencies are investigating.”

I watched from Crescent Moon, Luna sleeping against my chest.

“He’s good at this,” Katherine observed. “Telling the truth without revealing too much.”

“Years of corporate experience. He knows how to manage information.” I adjusted Luna carefully. She’d grown noticeably in just a week, already stronger than a normal preemie should be. “The question is whether humans will accept the story or start digging deeper.”

“They’ll dig. Humans always do.” Elena entered, carrying files. “But we’ve been careful. Every piece of evidence points to illegal human experimentation, not supernatural involvement.”

“What about the enhanced soldiers we captured? If the authorities demand, we turn them over…”

“We claim they’re too traumatized, need specialized care only we can provide,” Elena set down the files. “Katherine’s been studying them. Her findings are… concerning.”

Katherine pulled up medical scans. “The transformation process is irreversible. It fundamentally altered their DNA, splicing in genetic material harvested from supernatural beings.”

< Episode 38-4-

“Can you identify which beings?”

“Werewolf, vampire, witch. Some have traces of all three.” Her expression was grim. “The process was

incredibly painful. Most subjects died during the transformation. The ones who survived are permanently changed.”

“But still human?”

“Technically? Yes. But they can’t fully access the abilities they were given. It’s like having the hardware without the software.” She pulled up brain scans. “Their minds can’t properly process the supernatural aspects. It’s driving some of them insane.”

I looked at the scans, feeling unexpected pity. These humans had volunteered for transformation, yes. But had they truly understood what they were agreeing to?

“Can we help them? Ease their suffering?”

“Luna could probably heal them. But…” Katherine hesitated.

“But using my infant daughter to heal enemy soldiers is problematic on multiple levels.”

“Exactly.”

A soft knock. Marcus entered, looking troubled. “Alpha, we have visitors. The European Council is back. All

three of them, plus two more.”

My good mood evaporated. “What do they want?”

“They’re demanding we turn over the European students, claiming we kidnapped them. And they want to see proof that you’re… fit to lead.”

“Fit to lead?”

“They heard about Luna’s premature birth, about her injuries in Seattle. They’re questioning whether an alpha who can’t protect herself should be protecting others.” His jaw tightened. “It’s political maneuvering. They want you to appear weak.”

“Then let’s show them how wrong they are.” I stood carefully and handed Luna to Katherine. “Full formal reception. I want every reformed pack Alpha present via video conference. They want politics? We’ll give them politics.”

An hour later, I stood in the formal receiving room wearing full Alpha regalia.

The European Alphas had indeed brought reinforcements. Sophia Blackwood, Klaus Weber, and Jean Laurent were joined by two others I didn’t recognize. All five radiated old power and barely concealed

contempt.

Behind me, projected on screens, were Diana from Clearwater, three other reformed pack Alphas, and representatives from six Daughter communities.

“Alpha Sera.” Sophia’s voice was icy. “Thank you for receiving us.”

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