THE LUNA WHO CONQUERED DEATH novel Chapter 82

Episode 42-3

Episode 42-3

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“And if they bring too many enhanced soldiers? If we can’t overcome their advantages?”

“Then we fall back to contingency plans.” I’d already considered this possibility. “There’s a network of tunnels beneath the Pack House. Old, but functional. They live miles away. If we’re losing, we evacuate through the tunnels and regroup elsewhere.”

“That’s retreat.”

“That’s survival. I won’t throw away lives in an unwinnable battle.” I met his eyes. “But I don’t think it’ll come to that. We have something Blackthorne doesn’t.”

“What’s that?”

“Motivation. His warriors are fighting to maintain tradition. Ours are fighting for freedom, family, and the future Luna represents. That makes all the difference.”

We continued our inspection as the sun set. By the time we returned to the Pack House, I was exhausted but confident in our preparations.

I found Luna in the nursery with Katherine. My daughter was practicing shielding techniques, creating small barriers of silver light around her toys.

“Very good, Luna,” Katherine was saying. “Now try to hold it for thirty seconds.”

Luna concentrated, face scrunched with effort. The shield held for twenty-five seconds before flickering out.

“Almost,” I said from the doorway. “That’s progress.”

“Mama!” Luna’s face lit up. “I held it longer than this morning.”

“You did. I’m proud of you.” I sat on the floor beside them. “Can you shield other people? Or just objects?”

“Haven’t tried.” Luna looked at Katherine. “Can I try on Grandma?”

“If you’d like,” Katherine knelt down. “Go ahead.”

Luna placed her small hands on Katherine’s arm, concentrating. Silver light slowly wrapped around the older woman, forming a translucent barrier.

“Remarkable,” Katherine breathed. “I can feel it. Like wearing armor made of pure energy.”

“How long can you hold it, Luna?” I asked.

“Don’t know. Feels… easier than on toys.” Luna’s expression was focused but not strained.

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Episode 42-3

“Living things are easier to protect than dead things.”

That was a profound insight for a seven-week-old.

“Can you shield Mama too?”

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Luna extended her other hand to me, and the silver barrier expanded to include both of us. She held it for forty seconds before fatigue made her release it.

“That’s a useful gift,” I said, pulling her into my lap. “During the battle, if you stay in the bunker, can you shield the other children?”

“I can try.” She yawned, accelerated development making her tire quickly despite her power. “Keep everyone safe.”

“Exactly. That’s how you help. By protecting those who can’t protect themselves.” I rocked her gently. “You’re going to do great things, Luna. When you’re ready. But for now, being seven weeks old is enough.”

“Not just seven weeks. Smart seven weeks.” She yawned again. “Strongest seven weeks.”

“And humble too,” I said with a smile. “Now sleep. Tomorrow we train more.”

I carried her to her crib, settling her in carefully. She was asleep almost instantly, a tiny chest rising and falling with each breath.

“She’s extraordinary,” Katherine said softly. “And terrifying. That much power in something so

young…”

“I know. Believe me, I know.” I watched Luna sleep, feeling the weight of maternal love and fear. “But she’s also kind, thoughtful, and desperately trying to help. Those qualities matter more than power.”

“I hope you’re right. Because in three days, when Blackthorne attacks, the world is going to see what eighth-generation power looks like.” Katherine moved to the door. “Let’s hope it remembers that she’s a child, not a weapon.”

“They won’t remember. They never do.” I touched Luna’s hand gently. “But we’ll remind them. However, many times it takes.”

Three days until battle.

Three days until everything changed again.

Three days to prepare my pack, protect my daughter, and somehow survive the vision of my own death that Luna had seen.

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