Three weeks had passed since everything around me had turned to ruins, our allies were gathering in the makeshift tent a little further away from where I lived, my father remained seated in the infirmary tent beside my mother who wouldn't wake up at all. The wolves from her former Howling Moon tribe were aiding us while the elders discussed what was to be done.
The memory was still fresh in my mind of when two wolves came back reporting that not a single body was found in the ruins, but they reinforced that no one could have survived. I managed my best display of grief and tears when I called Cassandra's family to inform them of her passing; her mother's screams were still echoing in my mind. At that moment, Lucian and her father were in the tent with the other elders, waiting for me.
"Zedekiah, do you have any information on who launched the attack?" Lucian's voice boomed the instant I entered the tent, followed by Safira. I noticed everyone exchanged silent glances while Lucian crossed his arms in clear disapproval.
"What is this woman doing here?" Cassandra's father practically bellowed, perhaps he had not gotten over the fact his precious daughter had caught us three years back, a faint smile crept onto my lips at that moment with the announcement I was about to make.
"I'm sorry your daughter died, Elijah Baumer, but Safira is here as my future Luna and thus protector of the entire Southern tribe." My words were not well received by anyone present.
Safira puffed out her chest with my announcement while Lucian seemed silent; his cousin, the leader of the Western tribe, was by his side, as if they were communicating with just a glance.
"My spies have reported that the alpha of the Northern tribe is expanding his territory, killing women and children along the way, and I suspect he has done something to my mother... The bombs wouldn't have been able to break down the barriers, unless our moon was impaired..." There was a certain solemn tone in my voice as everyone listened intently.
My mother was fine, perfect in fact, but she was about to pressure me about Cassandra's whereabouts, so this attack in the end might have been a blessing.
"I will send spies to the Northern tribe to find out their next moves, but I need to know if we can count on your loyalty." I spoke firmly, looking at everyone there, of course no wolf would be sent to the Northern tribe, I cared little for that attack after all it had killed two birds with one stone.
"Firstly, I want to move our people to the Eastern territory, here we are more vulnerable." Safira's voice cut through the murmurs of the elders, and quickly everyone's gaze shifted to her.
"Silence, woman, you don't speak here!" A wolf with gray hair and wrinkled eyes spoke harshly while glaring at Safira.
"I've already told you that Safira will be the future moon of this tribe, so she can and should speak." My voice was firm, the discomfort clear on every expression there, and I knew Safira wanted to laugh at it all.
"So, you will lead us?" Nathanael, Lucian's cousin, finally spoke after a long silence. I just nodded my agreement as Cassandra's father whispered something to Lucian and left the tent.
"As a wolf and second in command of the Eastern tribe, we're leaving. We will not stand by the cause of our little Cassandra's death." Lucian eventually spoke and at that moment I gathered all my willpower to not smile maliciously. Oh, if only he knew.
The nudge I got from Safira indicated I couldn't let my emotions show, the soldiers of the Eastern tribe were the best and with their departure, the others might see me as weak.
"Do not waste your time, the Eastern tribe has suffered a great loss and needs time to mourn. And if after that time they refuse to support you, know that the Western tribe will also join them in this decision." Nathanael said finally, leaving with Lucian by his side. The remaining wolves who stayed behind resumed speaking as my fists clenched in sheer distaste and anger.
(...)
"I told you it was too early to present me as your Luna!" Safira stormed into the tent reserved for us with a grave expression.
"Not even a body to present as that simpleton's and you already declare me your Luna? Zed, until yesterday I was a servant of the Moon… of your mother!" She was right as she spoke.
"You know sooner or later they would find out who my chosen was. I don't know what that girl has that made everyone like her and prefer her... Clearly, you are the perfect choice." I grumbled, scratching my forehead, overwhelmed by the barrage of information, I could only marry Safira with concrete proof that Cassandra was dead, meaning I needed a body to present to them, otherwise I would not be seen as their Alpha, my father still ruled, and my mother was still the moon. Just when I thought I was getting ahead, two steps were taken back.
I noticed Safira was hiding a small vial with white powder inside her garments, but I didn't bother to ask; I knew my chosen was as cunning as I, after all, she managed to incapacitate Cassandra years ago after the blonde gave me a concoction that made everyone in the house sleep deeply. Safira, my poisonous moon.
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