THE LUNA WHO CONQUERED DEATH novel Chapter 76

Gathered to celebrate 76

Episode 40-2

I was nursing Luna while reviewing the reports, becoming adept at multitasking. “What’s he saying specifically?”

“That omega equality destroys pack hierarchy. Those daughter schools encourage rebellion. That female Aiphas upset the natural balance.” Marcus’s jaw tightened. “He’s also been saying that your reforms only work because you’re using ‘unnatural power‘ to control your pack.”

“Unnatural power?”

“Daughter gifts. He claims you’re manipulating pack bonds to force loyalty, that wolves here aren’t

choosing reform but being coerced by your abilities.”

I looked up sharply. “That’s a serious accusation.”

“It’s also completely false. Everyone here knows you’ve never forced loyalty,” Marcus gestured around.

“But he’s convincing some traditional Alphas that you’re a threat. That your daughter will be an even bigger

threat when she grows up.“”

Luna chose that moment to finish feeding and immediately said, “More

Marcus blinked. “Did she just…”

“She speaks now. Full words. Started last night.” I shifted Luna to my shoulder for burping. “Which is going to make those ‘unnatural power‘ accusations even more believable when people find out.”

“We need to control the narrative before Blackthorne does,” Marcus pulled up his tablet. “I suggest we invite neutral Alphas here. Let them see firsthand that wolves aren’t being coerced. Show them Luna is just a baby, not some supernatural weapon.”

“Except Luna isn’t just a baby,” Adrian entered with breakfast. “She’s developing at eight times normal speed. By the time she’s three months old, she’ll have the development of a two–year–old. That’s going to be impossible to hide.”

“Then we don’t hide it,” I made a decision. “We’re honest. Yes, Luna is developing rapidly. Yes, she has extraordinary power. But we’re raising her to be responsible, not weaponizing her. Transparency disarms

most accusations.”

“And if Blackthorne uses that honesty against us?” Marcus asked.

“Then we deal with it. I’m not going to hide my daughter or apologize for what she is.” I stood, holding Luna carefully. “Schedule those neutral Alpha visits. Let them come see the truth.”

The first neutral Alpha arrived two days later.

Alpha Catherine Wells from the Midwestern Territories, a wolf in her fifties who’d ruled her pack for three decades with quiet competence.

Episode 40.9

“Alpha Sera,” she greeted me formally. “Thank you for receiving me.”

Claim

“Alpha Catherine. Welcome to Crescent Moon.” I gestured to the sitting area where tea was laid out. Luna was in my arms, as usuak “I understand you have questions about our reforms.”

“I have concerns,” Catherine said, studying Luna with open curiosity. “Is this your daughter? The one who

healed your pack during the Covenant attack?”

“This is Luna. She’s five weeks old.” I adjusted Luna, so Catherine could see her better.

“May I?” Catherine extended her hands.

I hesitated, then handed Luna over. Catherine held her gently, and Luna studied the older woman with

those too–intelligent silver eyes.

“Hello, little one.” Catherine smiled.

“Hello,” Luna responded clearly.

Catherine’s eyes widened. “She S

“She does. Her is

“Extraordinary.” Catherina

fear what she represents.”

Celerated. Mentally, she’s about nine or ten months old at this point.”

handed Luna back carefully. “And terrifying, I imagine. For you and for those who

t

“You’re honest. I appreciate that.”

“I’ve lived long enough to value truth over diplomacy.” Catherine accepted tea from a server. “Alpha Sera, I need to know. Are the rumors true? That you’re using your daughter’s abilities to manipulate pack bonds, to force wolves into accepting your reforms?”

“No.” I met her eyes directly. “I’ve never forced loyalty. Every wolf here chose to stay, chose to accept the changes. Many disagreed with the reforms initially and left. I didn’t stop them.”

“Can you prove that?”

“Would you like me to open the pack bonds so you can feel them yourself? As an outside Alpha, you could sense forced connections versus natural ones.”

Catherine looked surprised. “You’d allow me that kind of access?”

“I have nothing to hide.” I reached out through my Alpha sense, carefully opening the bond network, so Catherine could feel the connections between my pack and me.

She closed her eyes, concentrating. Minutes passed. Finally, she opened them, looking troubled. “These bonds are stronger than any I’ve ever felt. But they’re not forced. They’re… chosen. Reinforced by genuine loyalty and respect.” She set down her tea. “Alpha Sera, your pack loves you. Truly. That’s rare.”

Episode 4