The Wolfless Contract Luna (Grace and Ethan) novel Chapter 24

**Chapter 24: Lilith’s Poison Letter**

**Lilith POV**

The envelope from the Elder Council lies ominously on Damien’s desk, an insidious presence that seems to pulse with malice.

I observe him as he reads the letter for the third time, his jaw tightening progressively with each glance over the words. The paper crumples in his fist, a testament to his growing frustration.

“Separation,” he spits out, the word laced with venom. “They actually granted her separation.”

I carefully fold my hands in my lap, striving to maintain an expression of sympathy that I hope will soothe him. “It’s only temporary, isn’t it? Just until the Council—”

“It’s a dangerous precedent, Lilith!” He slams the paper down onto the desk, and I flinch—not out of fear, but because I know he expects me to react. “Can’t you see? Today it’s separation. Tomorrow, it will be divorce. And soon after, she’ll walk away with her entire pack.”

A knot forms in my stomach, not out of concern for Grace’s departure, but because he is absolutely right.

If Grace reclaims Aurorawisp, if she asserts her independence, then everything I have painstakingly built will collapse. Damien’s standing will diminish. My own position will be compromised. All of my meticulously crafted plans—

No. I refuse to allow that to transpire.

“What are you planning to do?” I inquire softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

“What can I possibly do?” He rakes a hand through his tousled hair as he begins to pace, his frustration palpable. “The Council has already made their ruling. That scoundrel Ethan and his grandfather have backed me into a corner.”

“Then maybe—” I let my voice tremble just a fraction, allowing a hint of uncertainty to seep in. “Perhaps we need to remind everyone who Grace truly is.”

He halts mid-step, turning to fix his gaze upon me. “What do you mean?”

“She abandoned her pack, Damien. She fled to another Alpha—a male Alpha who isn’t her mate. And now she’s residing in his territory, under his protection.” I hold his gaze, unwavering. “What does that look like to you?”

His expression darkens, the shadows of anger flickering in his eyes. “She’s sleeping with him.”

I don’t confirm or deny his accusation. Instead, I let the words linger in the air, heavy and toxic, as they weave their way into his mind.

“Everyone is so fixated on the separation, on the Council’s ruling,” I continue, my tone dripping with feigned concern. “But no one is asking the crucial question—why would she run to Ethan specifically? Why not seek refuge somewhere neutral?”

“Because they’re together,” he growls, his hands clenching into tight fists. “That witch—”

“And while she plays house with Stellarnight’s Alpha, her own pack suffers,” I assert, rising from my seat and crossing the room to stand closer to him. “The Omegas have been asking about her. They’re wondering when their Luna will return home. They’re questioning if she even cares anymore.”

It’s not entirely accurate; most of the Omegas hardly noticed Grace’s absence. But it will be true—after I’m done.

The gathering comes together more swiftly than I anticipated.

I send out invitations to every ranked female in the pack—Betas, Gammas, and especially the Omegas. I frame it as a “sisterhood gathering,” a chance to support one another in these trying times.

And they come. Of course, they do. Free food, free wine, and the promise of juicy gossip? Irresistible.

I greet each one at the door with a warm smile and a small gift—luxurious perfume for the higher ranks, delicate jewelry for the Omegas. Nothing ostentatious enough to appear as a bribe, but thoughtful enough to convey their worth.

“Thank you so much for coming,” I say to Beta Marissa, placing a small box into her hands. “I know things have been tense lately. I thought we could all use a night to simply… breathe.”

She opens the box, her eyes widening in surprise at the silver bracelet nestled inside. “Lilith, this is too much—”

“Nonsense,” I wave her off dismissively. “You work tirelessly for this pack. You deserve something beautiful.”

By the time everyone arrives, the main hall is alive with the sound of chattering women, glasses of wine clutched in their hands, admiring one another’s gifts.

I wait patiently until the alcohol has loosened their tongues, until the conversation flows freely. Then, I make my move.

“I’m just so worried about her,” I say to a cluster of Omegas gathered near the refreshment table, lowering my voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “About Grace, I mean.”

“The Luna?” One of them—Sara, I believe—frowns in confusion. “Why?”

“Well…” I glance around, pretending to ensure no one else is listening. “I probably shouldn’t say anything. But she’s been gone for weeks now. Living at Stellarnight. With Alpha Ethan.”

Sara’s eyes widen in shock. “She’s staying with another Alpha?”

“Perhaps.” I turn to face her fully, my expression earnest. “Perhaps someone should remind her where her loyalties should lie. Where her responsibilities are.”

Marissa’s jaw tightens in determination. “I’ll speak to the others.”

The letter takes shape overnight.

I don’t pen it myself—that would be far too conspicuous. Instead, I allow the Omegas to draft it, letting them pour their frustration and confusion into every line. I merely guide them, suggesting a phrase here, a demand there.

By morning, it’s complete. Signed by over thirty Omegas and several ranked wolves. A collective plea—or a threat, depending on how one interprets it.

*Luna Grace,*

*Your pack calls for your return. Your absence has been noted, your responsibilities neglected. We, the undersigned, demand that you come home immediately and fulfill your duties as Luna of Darkrock.*

*Should you refuse, we will have no choice but to petition the Council to revoke your status as heir to Aurorawisp Pack. A leader who abandons her people is no leader at all.*

I read it three times, satisfaction curling through me like smoke.

Perfect.

“Send it,” I instruct the courier, my tone firm. “Directly to Stellarnight territory. Ensure it reaches Luna Grace personally.”

He nods and promptly disappears.

I pour myself a glass of wine and settle into the chair by the window, envisioning Grace’s expression when she opens that envelope.

She’ll be faced with a choice. Return to Darkrock, submit to Damien, and fall back under our control. Or remain with Ethan and forfeit everything—her pack, her inheritance, her identity as Aurorawisp’s heir.

Freedom or responsibility.

I take a slow sip, savoring the moment, relishing the anticipation.

I long to witness what that foolish, lowly woman without a wolf will ultimately decide.