THE LUNA WHO CONQUERED DEATH novel Chapter 70

Episode 38-2

“Council Member Sophia, To what do owe this unexpected visit?”

“We’re here regarding the seventeen European wolves you’re holding against their will.” She pulled out documents. “We have signed statements from their Alphas demanding their return.”

“Signed statements? Or signed orders?” I kept my voice level. “Because the students here gave testimony about abuse, imprisonment, and suppression of their gifts. Those aren’t wolves being held against their will. Those are refugees seeking asylum.”

“Refugees?” Klaus’s laugh was harsh. “They’re pack members who abandoned their duties. Under Council

law, Alphas have the right to reclaim them.”

“Under which Council law? North American or European?” I gestured to the screens behind me. “Because

I’ve consulted with our Council, and they support asylum rights for persecuted supernatural beings.”

One of the new Alphas spoke up. “Alpha Vincent Moreau, Paris Northern Territory. With respect, this isn’t

about asylum. You’re doing European pack structure by encouraging young wolves to abandon their

packs.”

“I’m offering education to daughters who’ve been denied it. If European packs are losing members, perhaps they should examine why their wolves prefer exile to staying home.”

“Your arrogance knows no bounds,” Sophia said coldly. “You restructure one pack and think you can

dictate to all of us?”

“I don’t dictate to anyone. I offer an alternative. Your wolves can choose to return home anytime they want.” I pulled out my tablet. “Would you like me to ask them? Right now? In front of everyone?”

Sophia’s expression tightened. “That won’t be necessary.”

“I insist.” I activated the intercom. “Katherine, please bring Marie, Brigitte, and the other European students to the receiving room.”

Five minutes later, seventeen young women entered. They ranged from seventeen to twenty–four, all looking nervous but determined.

“Ladies,” I addressed them directly. “These Alphas have come to bring you home. They say I’m holding you against your will. Is that true?”

Marie stepped forward. “No, Alpha. We’re here by choice.”

“And if you wanted to return to your home packs, would I stop you?”

“You’ve never stopped anyone from leaving.” Brigitte’s voice was firm. “You’ve only offered us the choice to stay and learn.”

I turned back to the European Alphas. “There’s your answer. They choose to stay. Under North American

Episode 38-2

Council law, asylum seekers cannot be forcibly removed.”

“This isn’t over,” Klaus growled. “The European Council will lodge formal complaints. We’ll bring this before the International Supernatural Court.”

“Please do. I look forward to explaining to an international body how European packs treat their daughters.” I smiled coldly. “I’m sure the testimony will be fascinating.”

The threat landed. Sophia’s face went pale.

“You wouldn’t dare expose our internal matters to international scrutiny.”

“Try me. You came here making demands, threatening my students, questioning my fitness to lead. I’ve shown you courtesy by receiving you at all.” I let power flicker around me, subtle but unmistakable. “But my patience has limits. These students stay. If you want to challenge that, take it to the International

Court. Otherwise, this conversation is over.”

The room was silent. On the video screens, the reformed pack of Alphas was smiling. Diana gave me a

subtle thumbs–up.

Finally, Jean Laurent spoke. “Perhaps we were… hasty. Alpha Sera, would you be willing to compromise? Allow European Alphas Supervised visitation with their former pack members? Give our wolves a chance

to return home voluntarily?”

It was a reasonable request. Probably the best I’d get.

“Supervised visits are acceptable. One hour, in a common area, with witnesses present. The students can decide if they want family contact.” I looked at the seventeen women. “Does that seem fair?”

They conferred quietly, then Marie nodded. “We can accept that. Some of us would like to see our

families.”

“Then it’s settled.” I turned back to the European Alphas. “Scheduled visits, supervised, no coercion. Violate those terms, and you’re banned from my territory permanently.”

“Agreed,” Jean said before Sophia could object.

J

“Good. Marcus will coordinate scheduling.” I moved toward the door. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a daughter to feed.”

I left them standing there, probably furious at being dismissed but unable to do anything about it.

In the hallway, Diana’s image popped up on my phone. “That was brilliant. You gave them exactly enough to save face while losing nothing.”

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