The Alpha’s Barren Luna

CHAPTER SIX

THE LUNA’S DEFIAN

The council chamber was already filled when Cassian entered with Elara beside him.

Every conversation died instantly.

Elara felt the elders’ eyes settle on her stomach, but she refused to lower her gaze.

Cassian glanced at her with concern.

“You don’t have to do this today,” he murmured, his brows drawing together.

“I do,” Elara replied firmly, lifting her chin. “This concerns my child.”

Cassian studied her determined expression before giving a reluctant nod.

They took their places before the council.

Elder Rowan leaned forward, his weathered face stern.

“Luna Elara, the council has already reached its decision,” he stated firmly, folding his hands on the table.

“And I have come to question it,” Elara answered calmly, her expression composed.

Several elders exchanged surprised glances.

Rowan’s eyebrows rose.

“Question what exactly?” he asked, his voice measured.

“You have decided that Seraphina should continue receiving special protection because she is carrying a potential heir,” Elara replied, her fingers resting lightly against her stomach. “Yet my child is also an Alpha’s child.”

“That is correct,” Rowan acknowledged, his expression cautious.

“Then why is one pregnancy being treated differently from the other?” Elara asked, her brows drawing together.

An elder shifted in his seat.

“Because Seraphina’s pregnancy was known first,” he explained, his expression uncomfortable.

Elara’s eyes sharpened.

“Known first does not mean the child is the rightful heir.”

The room fell quiet.

Cassian watched her closely.

Elder Rowan leaned back.

“You are challenging the council’s interpretation of pack law,” he said, his expression hardening.

“I am asking you to follow the law fairly,” Elara replied, her voice steady.

Gideon stepped forward.

“Luna, the council is trying to prevent conflict between the two potential heirs,” he explained, his expression serious.

“Then stop creating the conflict yourselves,” Elara countered, her gaze fixed on him.

A few elders shifted uncomfortably.

Cassian’s jaw tightened, but he remained silent.

Elara looked around the table.

“I was told yesterday that neither child would receive succession priority before birth,” she said, her voice controlled. “If that is true, then neither mother should receive privileges that place one child above the other.”

Elder Rowan’s expression darkened.

“You misunderstand the decision.”

“Then explain it to me,” Elara demanded, her eyes unwavering.

Rowan folded his hands together.

“Seraphina is under the protection of this pack because she carries the Alpha’s acknowledged child,” he explained firmly. “Her access to the nursery and healer is not a declaration of succession. It is protection.”

“And what protects me?” Elara asked, her expression wounded but composed.

“The Luna holds her position,” Rowan replied, his tone matter-of-fact.

Elara’s fingers curled slightly.

“My title does not protect my child.”

Silence followed.

Cassian finally spoke.

“She is right about that,” he said, his expression serious as he looked toward the elders.

Rowan turned toward him.

“Then what do you propose, Alpha?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Cassian’s expression tightened.

“I propose that both pregnancies receive equal protection.”

An elder shook his head.

“That cannot be done.”

“Why?” Cassian asked, his eyes narrowing.

“Because Seraphina’s pregnancy has already been integrated into the pack’s succession planning,” the elder replied, his expression firm.

Elara stared at him.

“So nothing changes?”

Rowan looked directly at her.

“No.”

The single word settled heavily over the chamber.

Elara took a slow breath.

“And if I refuse?”

Several elders stiffened.

Rowan’s expression became colder.

“You are the Luna,” he said firmly. “But the council governs matters concerning the pack’s succession.”

Elara’s gaze moved to Cassian.

“Will you stand with me?”

Cassian’s eyes met hers.

“Elara—”

“Will you?” she repeated, her voice quieter but more wounded.

Cassian’s face tightened.

“I will protect you and our child,” he promised, his expression sincere.

“But will you reject their decision?” Elara asked, searching his face.

Cassian hesitated.

That hesitation answered her.

Something inside Elara went still.

She nodded slowly.

“I understand.”

Cassian stepped toward her.

“Elara, please—”

“I said I understand,” she replied, her expression calm despite the pain in her eyes.

She turned back toward the council.

“If this is the future you have chosen for my child, then I cannot remain here.”

Cassian’s eyes widened.

“Elara,” he warned, his expression suddenly alarmed.

She looked at him.

“I came here hoping my Luna title meant something,” she said quietly, her voice steady. “But if I cannot protect my child, then the title means nothing.”

Rowan’s expression hardened.

“Are you threatening to leave the Nightfang Pack?”

“No,” Elara answered, her chin lifting. “I am telling you that I will.”

The chamber erupted into murmurs.

Cassian moved toward her.

“You cannot leave like this,” he said urgently, his face filled with disbelief.

Elara looked at him for a long moment.

“I already have a reason to leave.”

Her hand settled protectively over her stomach.

“My child.”

Then she walked toward the doors.

No one stopped her.

And behind her, Cassian remained frozen as the reality of her decision finally struck him.

Elara was leaving Nightfang Pack.

And this time, he wasn’t sure he could bring her back.