Oppose

Leia – POV

"Explain. What did you find out, and what is Queen Heather planning?" I demanded. Jennifer glanced anxiously out the window, noting the security guards advancing on the hotel.

"I believe the Rebellion group has been caught this time," Jennifer whispered. "We need to teleport and fast." I clutched my backpack as Jennifer conjured a vortex. Moments later, we landed in an old wooden house that appeared long abandoned.

"Leia, while I was imprisoned, I learned that her resentment towards me wasn't solely because Veronica died in your realm. She despises the power you wield and feels threatened by it because—" Jennifer stopped abruptly, conjuring a piece of paper with magic.

"This is Queen Veronica's will. She modified a clause stating that if members of the clan become displeased with any of her descendants in power, Leia Agnor can either assume the role of Queen or appoint someone else," Jennifer read aloud, then handed me the document.

"Why didn't you present this earlier to those who oppose her reign?" I inquired.

"I did. And for that, I was branded a traitor and exiled, accused of colluding with the enemy responsible for Queen Veronica's death. The witch council back then believed Queen Heather's lies. I was summoned back to the clan to raise this issue again. They wanted to confront Queen Heather about her misuse of power. But upon my return, I discovered that the council members I was meant to meet had been murdered. And naturally, Queen Heather spun a tale that you, Leia Agnor, sent me to kill the Council witches," Jennifer elaborated.

"That Bitch," I hissed.

"I think it's high time I faced her directly," I declared.

"It would be a foolish move because she must know you're in the witch land by now. Using political moves against you could lead to a second war for your pack," Jennifer warned. "What about calling your mates here? We'd have more security."

"No, I will handle this mission. I don't want to trouble my mates, and I've promised myself I will successfully complete the missions I take on," I insisted. Jennifer looked unsure, unable to find words to respond.

"You can't stay hidden here much longer; we'll be discovered soon. We need to come up with a plan quickly," Jennifer urged.

"I'm going to the witch castle to assess the situation and then act," I said, determination.

"It's risky for you to go inside without a proper plan. It's a suicide mission," Jennifer cautioned.

"I know, but sitting back and letting time slip away is not the answer, especially when we're close to being discovered," I argued. Jennifer sighed, concern etching her face. "You need to stay low and hide. I suggest you get out of witch land. Susan has been so sad and crying her eyes out," I said, her face displaying concern at the mention of Susan.

Before Jennifer could reply, I opened a vortex. I knew she wanted to stay with me, but I couldn't risk her remaining behind after magical binds nearly killed her.

"Leia!" Jennifer gasped as I pushed her into the vortex, sending her back to the safety of the Black Moon pack Manor. I closed the vortex and took a few deep breaths, calming myself before opening a new vortex to the Witch Queen's castle.

I found myself on the castle's roof, disabling the watch guard securities and looking down at the captive rebels, chained and on display for the higher-ups. They were all there to bear witness, and Queen Heather, dressed in a royal gown, walked towards the center.

My heart pounded as the gravity of the situation hit me. I was alone in enemy territory, with no plan and only my wits and determination to rely on. I had to be cautious and think strategically to succeed in this mission and protect those I loved. It was a dangerous gamble, but one I was willing to take for justice and truth. The time for action was now, and I knew I had to move swiftly and decisively to make a difference.

"Every vortex in the witch land has been locked down. I believe Leia Agnor is here to return the prisoner, Jennifer, to her pack. She sent Jennifer to attack the council, and now she dares to infiltrate my land and align with the Rebellion group to free the captive Jennifer," Queen Heather declared. "This once-revered Rebellion group, which used to sing praises, has now turned traitor, aiding an outsider, a mere Luna of the Pack, against their own kind. I've done nothing to warrant this aggression, yet I've been attacked. This blatant hostility demands a bold response. I propose that we go to war with the Black Moon and Blue Wood Packs to redress the affronts they have caused our land."

Anger surged within me. Her deceptive rhetoric was intended to fan the flames of unrest, a toxic mix of envy and a vendetta to obliterate me. The lives of innocent pack members were once again in jeopardy. Making my way downstairs, I was seized by the female guards. They outnumbered me, but my intention was to confront Queen Heather face-to-face. Bound by their magic, they paraded me to the ground center, where Jess, Denia, and Venia were already detained.

"Queen Heather, we have Luna Leia in our custody," a guard announced loudly. Queen Heather's surprised eyes met mine, clearly not anticipating my audacious entrance.

"Queen Heather, your claims are baseless. I did not dispatch anyone to the Witch Land. Jennifer was beckoned to present documents that you seem so fearful of," I retorted. Her eyes narrowed at my defiance.

"Who would lend credence to the words of a mere prisoner?" Queen Heather retorted dismissively.

"Yet, it is our tradition to allow prisoners a platform to present their case and furnish evidence," a woman from the crowd interjected. Queen Heather shot her a withering look, silencing her, but the damage was done. I felt a surge of gratitude for the woman's bravery.

"I possess the evidence," I asserted, meeting Queen Heather's gaze, which revealed her apprehension. She clearly hadn't expected things to take this turn.