The Rejected daughter chosen by the Alpha (Maya and Atila) novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38

– ATILA

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After that bizarre visit from the younger Melrose daughters, I didn’t come home in the mood to talk about feelings or explain myself to anyone.

The High Summit of Alphas had been scheduled for two days-long before that humiliating scene in my own sitting room. I hadn’t warned Maya. I hadn’t warned Miss Langford. Not because I forgot, but because I chose not to.

Maya would never be able to watch her parents stand trial-not even after everything they’d done to her. And I refused to let her heart carry a burden that belonged to me alone.

The oval chamber at the training center had always felt like an ancient creature.

Not because of the wood-though it bore centuries of marks, grooves, and blade scars no one dared erase-but because of the sound. The way voices caught in the curved beams, drifted like smoke, then returned heavier than they’d left. As if the room itself weighed every word and passed judgment.

That morning, the air felt thicker. I could sense it before I even crossed the archway.

The hall was elegant in the way only tradition can be: high benches set in a semicircle, a central table carved from a single dark trunk, Moonville’s crest engraved into the floor in low relief. Behind my seat, an entire wall was covered in plaques- names of Alphas who’d ruled before anything resembling “civil law” existed.

That room was our tribunal. Our cathedral. Our battlefield without blood.

And today. I was going to spill political blood.

I took the central chair-the oldest one, the one that creaked on purpose, as if reminding everyone that a throne was never neant to be comfortable. The century-old Alphas were already there. Some wore silver hair and eyes that looked like they’d watched the world learn to breathe. Others kept the illusion of youth through the strength in their veins, but time still howed in their gaze.

scanned the semicircle and let the silence swell until it became unpleasant.

When I finally spoke, I didn’t need to raise my voice. The hall carried it for me.

‘Let’s begin.”

Alaric of the North Coast was the first to move. The old wolf had an irritating habit of acting like every meeting was a test 1 had to pass.

We’ve heard too many rumors, Atila.”

Rumors are a hobby for people with nothing to do,” I said, holding his stare. “I didn’t call you here for gossip.”

Brennan of Ash Valley cleared his throat. “Then why did you call us?”

‘Because there’s been a serious violation,” I said. “And because it affects Moonville’s balance.”

A subtle wave of attention rolled through the chamber. Backs straightened. Eyes sharpened. The word balance always woke

he elders.

Seraphine of High Stone tilted her head. “A violation by whom?”

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“The Melrose family.”

The name dropped like a coin into a well.

Alaric narrowed his eyes. “You mean the child.”

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“I mean the firstborn,” I corrected. “I mean the eldest daughter who should have been presented to our world, recorded in our codes, acknowledged before the pack… and instead was hidden and declared dead.”

Eamon of Coldwater raised a hand. “With respect, Supreme Alpha-many of us have heard the story. But a story isn’t a sentence.”

“Perfect,” I said, letting a humorless smile appear-just to press the blade in. “Then let’s talk about facts.”

1 pulled out a thick envelope, sealed with wax, and placed it on the table. The dry thud did more than any threat could’ve.

“I have midwives’ records. Statements from longtime servants. A Guardians’ Council report detailing route changes and unusual payments during the so-called mourning period. And I have confirmation that the firstborn did not die.”

Seraphine drew a slow breath. “Confirmation… from whom?”

“From me.”

A murmur traveled the room. The word mine coming from my mouth carried its own kind of authority-no embellishment required.

Dorian leaned forward. “And how do you confirm it?”

“Because she’s alive. Because she exists.” I let the next part land like a verdict. “And because she is my Luna.”

No one coughed. No one shifted.

It was the cleanest silence I’d ever heard in that chamber.

Alaric broke it first-of course he did. “You’re saying the Melroses hid their firstborn, destined to you.”

“Yes.”

“And you’re certain,” he pressed, “you aren’t confusing instinct with politics.”

“Alaric,” I said, calm enough to sound dangerous, “instinct keeps you alive when a blade is already at your throat. Politics keeps your entire territory standing when the enemy doesn’t use blades. I know the difference.”

Brennan spoke carefully. “And the motive? Why would they fake their own daughter’s death?”

“They had a reason,” I said. “And it’s our job to drag it into the light.”

Alaric crossed his arms. “What do you want, Atila?”

I let the question hang for half a beat. I wanted them to feel it-this wasn’t a request. I wasn’t here to ask permission

“I want a formal judgment,” I said. “A public sanction. I want every Alpha in this room to understand that hiding a fated bond isn’t just an insult to me. It’s an insult to the system that keeps us from becoming a lawless pack”

Brennan nodded slowly. “What sanction?”

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Chapter 38

“First,” I said, raising a finger, “the Melroses lose their seat on any regional council for ten lunar cycles.”

Eamon’s eyes widened slightly. “That’s severe.”

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“It has to be,” I replied. “Second-full audit of their finances and any blood pacts made in the last twenty years. Everything. No exceptions.”

Seraphine’s voice dropped. “You’re opening their entire house.”

“They opened mine,” I said, “when they lied about my Luna.”

Dorian’s mouth curved. “I like it.”

Alaric didn’t smile. “And the third?”

“Third,” I said, my voice lowering, “direct restitution to the firstborn. Not gold-recognition. Title. Official protection.” I paused, letting the edge sharpen. “And internal punishment for everyone involved in the fraud.”

Eamon tilted his head. “You want names.”

“I want names.”

Brennan exhaled. “They’ll resist.”

“Let them.” I said. “Then let them learn.”

Seraphine pressed her lips together. “Who executes the judgment?”

“I do,” I said. “With a delegation of three Alphas from this chamber. One from the North, one from the East, and one from the Valley-so no one can claim this was the Supreme Alpha’s personal vendetta.”

Alaric lifted a brow. “You want transparency.”

‘I want inevitability.”

Dorian tapped the envelope. “Are you going to read it aloud?”

I am,” I said. “And I’m placing it on record.”

Brennan shifted on the bench. “This will reignite old conflicts.”

‘Old conflicts only sleep when we pretend they aren’t there,” I replied. “Today, I’m waking what everyone’s been tiptoeing

around.”

Eamon asked bluntly, “And if there’s backlash from Melrose allies?”

I met his eyes. “Then they learn with them.”

Seraphine gave a faint, almost amused breath. “You’re in a mood.”

Dorian propped his elbow on the table. “Are we voting, or did you already decide and just want witnesses?”

“We vote,” I said. “I respect ritual. Don’t confuse ritual with weakness.”

Alaric’s voice went flat. “Then put it to the floor.”

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Chapter 38

1 struck the wood once. The sound traveled like a command.

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“Motion. Sanctions against the Melrose family for fraudulent registry, concealment of a firstborn, and falsified death. Who approves all three measures as one?”

Brennan raised his hand. “Approved.”

Seraphine raised hers. “Approved-with the condition that restitution to the firstborn is done with her consent.”

“I agree,” I said.

Dorian lifted his hand. “Approved. Gladly.”

Eamon hesitated, then lifted his. “Approved.”

All eyes turned to Alaric. He made sure to take his time.

“You love a performance,” I said.

“I love caution,” he replied.

“Then give me your vote.”

Alaric finally raised his hand. “Approved.”

I let the air out slowly-not relief. Completion. When I spoke again, it felt like driving a nail.

“It’s decided

Eamon cleared his throat. “When does the delegation leave?”

“Tomorrow,” I said.

Brennan’s eyes widened. “Tomorrow?”

Seraphine tilted her head. “You’re going personally?”

“I am, I said. “The faster, the better.”

Alaric leaned forward. “And the firstborn… is she safe?”

“She’s under my roof,” I said. “Under my protection.”

Seraphine nodded with quiet respect. “Then let the Moon record it.”

“Let it record,” I answered.

I ended the meeting with another sharp strike to the table. “Adjourned. You’ll receive the terms in writing. No leaks No detours. Anyone who breaks that breaks with me.”

Dorian lifted both hands dramatically. “I’m not suicidal.”

“Good,” I said. “Then be discreet.”

They began to rise, and the chamber seemed to breathe again. I remained seated for a moment longer-because leadership exhausts you in ways no one sees. Then I stood and left without looking back.

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Chapter 38