Chapter 81

**Luna’s Leadership**

*Luna’s POV*

Like a second skin, the burden of my new duty as Beta fell over me, heavy yet manageable. I had questioned if I really belonged with Inna as his second-in-command for far too long. However, I was forced to take charge now because of the impending conflict with Alpha Magnus and the need to maintain the pack's strength.

I *wanted* to, too.

I was still seen by the pack as the healer, the warrior who had been reincarnated, and the Beta who had not yet shown her ability to lead in a peaceful setting. The calm times, the way people looked to you for direction, and the respect that was earned rather than demanded were all important aspects of leadership.

I worked with warriors who had formerly considered me a frail relic from a previous existence, and I spent my mornings supervising training sessions. I engaged them in combat, received their blows, and retaliated twice as forcefully. I wasn't here to be pampered, yet some people still hesitated—either out of misplaced chivalry or residual suspicion.

"Once more," I said, dabbing at my perspiration as I engaged Jarek, one of the most experienced fighters.

He paused, looking at the others as if he wasn't sure whether he should continue.

I grinned. "Are you anticipating my transformation into a damsel in distress?"

The training grounds were filled with a few giggles, but Jarek fell for it. I precisely sidestepped and locked his arm behind my back before sweeping his legs from beneath him as he attacked. I pinned him as he struck the ground hard and grunted.

Then there was silence.

A slow clap followed.

I turned to find Inna smirking knowingly as she watched while resting against a post.

I mumbled, "You're enjoying this too much," as I let go of Jarek and took a step back.

He nodded in agreement while scratching his wrist and pushing himself up. He said, "You fight like a Beta."

I arched an eyebrow. "I *am* one, for that reason."

The soldiers echoed another murmur of agreement. In a pack, showing respect was difficult, but in this particular instance, it was crucial.

My duties extended beyond combat to the core of the pack's everyday existence. I was in charge of internal affairs as Inna got ready for the battle with Alpha Magnus. I handled conflict resolution, managed resources, and made sure our troops had all they needed.

I was mediating a dispute between two families over hunting area one day in front of a number of pack elders.

With his arms folded over his chest, an elderly man said, "She keeps sending her sons into *our* land."

A lady said, "Because your family has been hoarding the best hunting grounds for years!"

I silenced them by raising a hand. I firmly said, "We *can't* afford this kind of division right now." "Uniformity is essential to our existence. A solution that works for *everyone* is what we need.

After much back and forth, a solution was finally reached: a hunting schedule that rotated to maintain fairness.

One of the elders, a lady called Miriam, stayed behind as they departed. She said, "You manage things like your mother did."

I tensed up. Even though I could still vaguely recall my previous existence, hearing that comparison made my chest constrict. "Is that advantageous?"

Miriam grinned. It indicates that you are a strong and wise leader. The pack notices. You are our Beta, not simply Inna's mate.

The phrases became ingrained in me.

I wasn't only a shadow of who I used to be. *Luna* was who I was.

I was just getting into my groove when a scout, with a pale complexion, burst into the council chamber.

Panting, he said, "My Beta." "On the western border, there has been an attack."

I felt my gut tighten. "Deaths?"

"Not at all, but the rogues' bodies were arranged in a certain way."

His eyes darkened when Inna came in just in time to hear those remarks. "A message."

I looked over at him. "We must witness it firsthand."

I felt a shiver go down my spine as we reached the border.

The remains of dead outlaws were arranged purposefully, a rudimentary *symbol* charred into the ground.

It was Alpha Magnus's mark.

A cau

tion.

A pledge.

There would be no conflict.

It had *started.*