THE LUNA WHO CONQUERED DEATH novel Chapter 78

< Episode 41-1

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Episode 41-1

THE LUNA WHO CONQUERED DEATH

Chapter 41: Building Alliances

The reformed coalition grew rapidly over the next three weeks.

Alpha Catherine kept her word, formally aligning her Midwestern pack with Crescent Moon. Within days, three more neutral Alphas visited, saw the truth, and joined our cause.

Diana’s Clearwater Pack had always been with us. Now four other reformed packs added their strength to our alliance.

Nine packs total. Against Blackthorne’s seventeen.

“We’re still outnumbered two to one,” Marcus said, reviewing force estimates. “Even accounting for our warriors being better trained, those are difficult odds.”

We were in the war room. Me, Adrian, Marcus, Katherine, Elena, and now Alpha Catherine via video conference. Luna sat in a playpen nearby, building towers with blocks and occasionally levitating them with power bursts.

“Stop that, sweetie,” I said absently when a block floated past my head. “We talked about controlling your gifts.”

“Sorry, Mama.” Luna’s vocabulary was expanding daily. At six weeks old, she spoke like a toddler. “Block goes up.”

“Block stays down unless you’re practicing with Grandma Katherine.”

“Yes, Mama.”

I turned back to the strategy discussion. “We need more allies. What about vampire covens? Witch circles? Other supernatural species have as much to lose as we do if traditionalists

win.”

“Vampires won’t involve themselves in werewolf politics,” Elena said. “They have their own power struggles. Witches might be more sympathetic, especially since some witch bloodlines produce daughters.”

“What about the fae?” Adrian suggested. “They’ve maintained neutrality for centuries, but they oppose oppression in any form.”

“Fae alliances are tricky,” Katherine warned. “They always demand payment, and their idea of fair trade is complicated.”

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Episode 41-1

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“We’re running out of options,” I stood, pacing. “Blackthorne is gathering allies faster than we are. If we don’t find a way to even the numbers, this war is over before it starts.”

Luna dropped her blocks suddenly. “Bad man coming.”

Everyone froze.

“What did you say, Luna?” I moved to her quickly.

“Bad man. Coming here. Soon.” Her silver eyes were distant, unfocused. “Sees me. Wants me.”

Maya’s prophetic abilities. Luna was having a vision.

“Luna, focus on Mama. What do you see about the bad man?”

“Old. Angry. Scared.” She blinked, eyes refocusing on me. “Scared of me.”

“Blackthorne,” Marcus said grimly. “He’s coming here.”

“Why would he come to enemy territory?” Adrian asked.

“To assess the threat firsthand. To see Luna.” I picked up my daughter, holding her protectively. “He’d heard the rumors about her power. He wants to see if they’re true.”

“That’s incredibly bold. Or incredibly stupid.” Catherine’s voice came through the speaker. “Sera, if he’s coming, this is an opportunity. Not to attack, but to negotiate. Maybe we can avoid war entirely.”

“Or he’s coming to scout our defenses before attacking.” Marcus’s hand moved toward his weapon. “We should prepare for either possibility.”

“When, Luna?” I asked gently. “When is the bad man coming?”

“Tomorrow. Sunset.” She touched my face. “Don’t let him take me, Mama.”

“Never. I promise.” I looked at my advisors. “We have until tomorrow to decide. Do we receive him diplomatically or treat him as a threat?”

“Both,” Adrian said. “Receive him diplomatically while being ready for treachery. Full security detail, warriors positioned throughout the meeting area, but maintain the appearance of courtesy.”

“Agreed. Catherine, can you be here in person by tomorrow?”

“I’m already en route. Should arrive by midday.” Her image nodded. “If Blackthorne sees multiple Alphas united against him, it might make him reconsider military action.”

“Or convince him we’re a bigger threat than he thought.” I set Luna back in her playpen.

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