Chapter 79: Leadership Change

Claire’s POV

As I stood in front of the group of leaders and warriors, the weight of the occasion weighed heavy on my chest.  The battlefield, where so much had transpired, was covered in lengthy shadows as the sun was just starting to set.  Much had changed.

Everything was in disarray when Jared abruptly vanished.  For the time being, the rogues had been pushed back, but we all knew that this was just the beginning.  The fragile truce that had been established was already collapsing under the weight of uncertainty as a storm gathered.

Derek felt firm and comforting behind me, but even he understood that what was to happen now was beyond our control.  This has nothing to do with victories or defeats.  This has nothing to do with the renegades or the waning powers of Midnight Moon.

The future was at issue here.  My future.  Every one of our futures.

"Are you certain of this?"  Derek said softly, just to me.  He moved to stand next to me and silently supported me as his hand softly touched mine.

I nodded as a strong determination descended over me.  "I must do this.  For everyone.  For Redwater.

Derek didn't protest, but it was obvious that his jaw was tense.  Even though he had always been there for me, he understood that this would not be simple.  They split up the bunch.  Midnight Moon is like a broken mirror, with every fragment reflecting a distinct reality.  Jared's rule wasn't the only thing that had to go.  It was the deception, the manipulation, the dread, and all that had accompanied it.  Everything was too much.  It had continued long enough.

The rest of Midnight Moon's leadership stood in front of me, their faces cautious.  Alphas, Betas, and a few dependable fighters remained at their stations despite the recent turmoil.  They all waited anxiously as if they thought I would give in.  However, compromise was no longer an option.  I had endured too much to stand by and let the injustice go on.

I said, "The time for fear is over," in a firm but firm voice.  "Everyone has seen the devastation brought about by this leadership.  The moment for change has come.

I could feel all the wolves in the clearing staring at me as a murmur echoed through the throng.  The majority were scared, but others were inquisitive and some were furious.  Fear of the unknown and the possibility of losing all of their previous convictions.

I stepped forward and met the few surviving Midnight Moon commanders' gaze.  I paused for impact before saying, "Jared is gone."  However, we must get rid of more than simply him.  He was able to ascend in the first place because of the whole system.  Everything we've known has been corrupted by the power-hungry nature, secrecy, and corruption.

Alpha Rylan, one of the Alphas, walked forward, his greying fur just visible in the last of the light.  His voice was heavy with years of allegiance to the previous government, and his eyes were piercing.  "Claire, you can't simply destroy everything.  Jared has been our follower for years.  He gave us security.  He provided us with strength.

With my hands balled into fists at my sides, I stood erect.  "No, he didn't.  We lost everything to him.  He played tricks on us.  He created a pack based on fear rather than loyalty by using us to further his own goals.  This pack is a ticking time bomb and isn't stable.  It's time to disarm it, too.

There was a brief silence among the group.  I sensed their doubt, their incredulity.  But now I couldn't give up.  Too many people had suffered for too long, and too many lives had been destroyed.  Rebuilding and giving the Midnight Moon wolves a genuine opportunity for freedom and togetherness were the goals here, not retaliation.

I went on, raising my voice, "We no longer need one leader to control everything."  We need a new approach, one that prioritises equality and gives each person a voice.  where there is no fear and the pack may flourish.

"What do you propose?"  Alpha Rylan enquired in a rough voice.

I looked at Derek, who was standing far away from me, his gaze fixed on the Midnight Moon leaders.  He encouraged me to go on with a little nod.  "A council of Alphas, Betas, and trusted members from each pack," I added.  One individual is no longer in control.  Together, we make a decision.  Together, we decide on the course of action.

The notion hovered like a challenge.  Some exchanged glances, their expressions displaying unease.  Some, their brows furrowed in scepticism, were more dubious.

"You believe that everything can be changed in a single day?"  From behind came another voice.  Beta Hannah, a large, robust lady with wounds that indicated she had fought many wars, moved forward.  She had her arms folded firmly over her chest and her eyes squinted.  "We are not a group of helpless people.  You'd better have something to replace our customs if you want to destroy them.

I moved nearer and met her gaze.  "I'm not asking that the customs be abandoned.  I'm requesting that we figure out a different course of action. A manner in which we are not subject to authority. A manner in which we may have faith in one another.

There was a thick, heavy silence between us.   I could feel the pressure of not knowing what would follow pushing down on me and my heart was pounding in my chest.   Still, I believed in my heart that this was the only choice.   There was no going back.   Survival based on fear was no longer a choice.

The atmosphere was noticeably tense, and I was ready to say anything more when someone shouted up.

I will sit on your council.

Though simple, the message affected everyone rather much.

Heart racing, I turned to confront the speaker.   Rylan, the Alpha who had just recently spoken against me, was present.   But his eyes were no more defiant.   His shoulders sagged somewhat and his look had altered.

Using a more forceful tone, he said, "I'll join your council."   I have seen too much.   You are right.   Change time has arrived.

I became thirsty.   That caught me off guard.   Astonished, I just stood there for a second.   But then I started to feel a lot of relief.   Though it was a start, it wasn't the end yet.

Beta Hannah said, "I'll stand with you," using a harsh but strong voice.   The former approach is no longer useful.   We have lost too much.

One by one, others began to speak.   The dubious murmurs were replaced with whispers of agreement.   It was happening, although slowly.   The Midnight Moon wolves were tired of the present situation.   They had had enough of mindless obedience and concern for their lives.   They had greater aspirations. 

However, just when it appeared like things were going our way, a new voice interrupted the developing conversation. 

"Enough." 

A shiver ran down my back as I heard that cold voice.     My gaze strayed to the origin, and the moment I recognised the figure, my heart froze. 

Hello, Jared!

Leaning against the sun setting over the clearing, he stood at its edge.    His clothes were worn and his hair was matted with dirt, but he could still be identified.    He was back.

The audience gasped, and Derek reached out to me out of instinct.    He said, "Stay behind me," with a sigh.

But I stood perfectly still.    Gazing at Jared as he walked slowly forward, hands raised in a fake surrender, I could not help but stare.

Think you can simply eliminate everything?    A low, nearly growling, voice was used by Jared.    Would you believe that you can take back everything I have worked so hard to achieve?    Could you possibly influence what happens next?

Once again, the audience fell silent, but this time it was different.    A darker undertone pervaded it.    My heart raced for some inexplicable reason. 

Not only was Jared back, but he was furious.    Plus, I was under the impression he would not give up this time.

"I built Midnight Moon," he declared, his gleaming eyes declaring his fury.    "I delegated power to it.     That was my creation.     Are you seriously thinking that you can simply take it from me? 

Derek took a position in front of us, standing between Jared and me.     Bad news, Jared: you are out.     This is now complete. 

However, Jared's mouth contorted into a menacing grin.     Did you believe you had the victory?     Do you think you have defeated me? 

A tremendous, faraway, but audible howl shattered the silence before anyone could respond. 

Cautionary notes. 

Below us, there was a rumbling sound.