Chapter 58

Isla POV

Elder Thalen snorted, his mean face frozen in a frown. “And if we focus on food first, the rogue attacks might escalate, leading to loss of life and even property. Our priorities matter, yet some seem lost in trivialities.”

Elder Corvin added coldly, “Arguments over logistics are wasted breath. Internal unrest and dissent remain our greater danger. We can't have people dying or starving, that only leads to chaos.”

Elder Jorvan muttered, “I’m listening, but so far, none of these suggestions make sense. They're short-sighted, at best.”

Having listened long enough, I felt a suggestion coming in the back of my mind.

I shifted around in my seat, feeling resolve surge in my bones. “If I may-” I spoke up in the silence, and just like that, all eyes swung over to me, most of them unkind.

“You?” Lady Selara, a close friend of Tristan's aunt and someone I think of as a major bitch queen arched a brow, her tone sharp. “You dare to speak, Omega?”

Omega?

Isn't she aware that I have a name?

“Yes, I dare to speak because I have an idea.” I met her gaze coolly. “I suggest combining measures. Why don't we assign patrols to high-risk borders but stagger shifts to prevent weakness elsewhere? For food, redistribute surplus supplies strategically to the most affected regions. Both problems can be addressed without compromise.”

Roderic scoffed. “An Omega suggesting a strategy? Now, that's amusing.

Malric smirked. “She barely understands pack politics, yet proposes plans as if she's a seasoned soldier. Laughable.”

Thalen added, sarcastically, “Your suggestions aren't good enough. We're looking for feasible measures, not fantasy.”

Corvin’s voice was cold, regarding me with cool blue eyes: “I know you think that's smart, Luna but maybe you should stick to household matters.”

Jorvan leaned forward, blunt as ever. “She's just a Luna in name only. Her intellect is… limited.”

Selara laughed, the sound mocking. “I agree.”

Internally, I bristled at the way they were talking over my head like I wasn't sitting there.

But I didn't react. If I did that would be giving them what they wanted.

I drew a slow breath. “The strength of a pack,” I said calmly, “is not in silencing voices but in considering all perspectives. Ignoring counsel due to blood or status makes us foolish. Experience is gained by listening, not just titles.”

The murmurs ran through the council again.

Malric muttered, “Who is she to say?”

Thalen added, “Let’s say you're right, taking counsel from someone inexperienced can cost the pack dearly.”

He was trying to undermine me.

I didn't let him.

I met each gaze steadily. “Minor oversights unchecked become major crises. Leadership requires foresight, prudence, and openness to input from all who bear the pack’s welfare.”

The room stiffened, and most people were silenced.

An uncomfortable edge slithered through, some of the elders shifting in their seats.

I held my breath, pretty sure that someone would order me to leave.

Until a familiar voice cut through the noise, firm and unwavering. “That's enough!”

I turned around and looked.

It was Richard.

All eyes turned to him.

He stood tall, commanding attention.

His gaze found mine, shifting the energy in the chamber.

“She is the Luna,” Richard said. “Her judgment, intellect, and opinions are to be respected. This pack owes her acknowledgment, regardless of birth or rank.”

Tristan’s jaw tightened as if annoyed at Richard for standing up for me.

Even the elders’ murmurs became cautious. The discussion resumed, guided now by Richard’s watchful presence.

Shortly after the council meeting came to an end, I briskly walked out the door, aware that I wasn't welcome there.

Moving down the corridor, each step heavier than the last. My chest ached….not from the council battle, but from the storm raging in me.

“Isla.”

I froze.

I didn't need to turn around to know who it was. His voice, low and steady, wrapped around my nerves like fire.

“You shouldn’t be here,” I spat, turning to face him. “After all of this, after everything you’ve done… why are you here now?”

He stepped closer, hesitating. “Because I couldn’t stay away. I… I needed to see you, to know you were safe.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “Safe? You don't care about me, Richard, you never have! You’ve let me fight my battles while you… disappeared!”

“I… I know. And I regret it,” he said quietly, his dark eyes fixed on mine. “But I couldn’t… I couldn’t really talk to you before. I was scared, foolish. I-”

I cut him off, my voice rising. “Scared? You weren't scared, you're just a coward.”

His hand hovered near mine, trembling slightly. “Isla…please, listen-”

I scoffed, stepping back. “Listen to you? After all these years? After I trusted and loved you… and you…” My voice faltered, my throat tight. “You loved her. You left me for her.”

He flinched, guilt flashing across his face. “It wasn’t like that! I can explain, I swear-”

“Not like that?” I barked, laughing bitterly. “Richard, I remember everything. The nights we shared, the promises you made. And then… Berrilyn. You chose her over. And now suddenly, you're defending me? Am I supposed to care about that?”

His hand shot out and grasped mine, holding it firmly. “Yes! That is why I defended you in the council. Not for duty, not for politics… but because of who you are! Because I care about you, Isla. Always have!”

Heat shot through me at his touch, memories flooding back…. secret smiles, stolen glances, whispered confessions in shadowed hallways.

My pulse pounded.

I tried to pull away. “Don’t… don’t touch me,” I whispered, trembling. “Do you have any idea what you're saying? Or how much you’ve hurt me?”

“I know,” he admitted, his voice low, almost breaking. “That's why I need to talk to you, to explain everything. But not here. Not now.”

Footsteps echoed sharply, Tristan’s approach unmistakable.

Richard’s eyes widened in fear. He jerked his hand away, retreating a step. “I… I have to go,” he muttered, voice regretful, almost choked with emotion.

I swallowed hard, still shaken up by his words. “Yeah, whatever.”

He gave a brief nod, hesitation lingering in his dark eyes before he disappeared into the shadows.

I sank against the cold wall, my mind a whirlwind of anger, hurt, and memories, not sure what to do with this new…. development.