Chapter 57 Strategy
ARYA
“Show me the map,” Luca commanded when we got to his office.
Caspian pulled up a holographic display showing the supernatural territories. Green markers indicated acceptances, red for rejections, yellow for pending responses.
The map was more green than red.
“We’re winning,” I breathed.
“We’re gaining ground,” Luca corrected. “But don’t mistake support for the summit as support for unity. Many are coming out of curiosity. Or to assess whether we’re a threat.”
“Then we show them we’re not.”
“Little wolf, we ARE a threat. To the old ways, to corruption, to anyone who benefits from division.” His hand found mine. “That’s the point.”
He was right. We weren’t trying to be unthreatening. We were trying to be revolutionary.
“What about security?” I asked Caspian.
“Working on it. The Moonborne ancestral lands are remote, which helps. Single point of entry that we can control. Natural barriers on all sides.” He pulled up images of the location—a valley surrounded by mountains, with ancient ruins at its center. “The ruins themselves are structurally sound. We can hold the summit in the main temple.”
The temple in the image took my breath away. White stone covered in vines, with columns that reached toward the sky. Even in ruins, it was majestic.
“My ancestors built that,” I whispered.
“And you’ll restore it.” Luca’s voice was certain. “After the summit, we’ll rebuild it. Make it a symbol of the new era.”
A knock interrupted us. One of the staff members entered, looking nervous.
“Your Majesty, there’s someone here to see Luna Arya. He’s… insistent.”
“Who?” Luca’s voice went cold.
“He says his name is Ryker. And that she’ll want to see him.”
My heart jumped. Ryker was back.
“Send him in,” I said before Luca could refuse.
Luca’s hand tightened on mine. I felt his jealousy spike.
‘He’s my friend,’ I spoke softly. ‘Please.’
‘I know. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.’
‘You don’t have to like it. Just tolerate it.’
He sighed but nodded.
Ryker entered, and I was shocked by his appearance. He looked… different. He's filled out, he has more muscle definition. His hair was longer, pulled back. And there was a new confidence there, mixed with something else I couldn’t quite identify.
“Arya.” He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You look good..”
“I am.” I stood, moving toward him. Luca let me go, but I felt his attention tracking every movement. “I’m glad you came back.”
“Heard you were hosting a summit. Thought you might need extra security.” His eyes flicked to Luca, in an assessing way. “Your Majesty.”
“Ryker.” Luca’s voice was neutral. “Thank you for offering your assistance.”
“I’m not doing it for you.” Ryker’s bluntness was almost refreshing. “I’m doing it for her.”
“Understood.” Surprisingly, Luca didn’t seem offended. “Caspian will coordinate with you on security details.”
Caspian gestured for Ryker to follow him out. Before leaving, Ryker paused.
“Arya, can we talk? Later? Just for a few minutes?”
I glanced at Luca, who nodded stiffly.
“Of course. Find me at dinner?”
“Will do.”
After they left, Luca pulled me into his arms, burying his face in my neck.
“That was harder than I expected,” he admitted.
“What was?”
“Watching you smile at him. Knowing he loves you. Knowing part of you cares for him too.” His arms tightened. “My rational mind understands friendship. My Lycan wants to rip his throat out.”
“But you won’t.”
“But I won’t.” He pulled back, cupping my face. “Because you asked me not to. And I’d do anything for you. Even tolerate wolves who look at you like you’re the sun.”
“He doesn’t look at me like that anymore,” I said softly. “Did you see? Something’s changed.”
“I noticed. He’s different. Harder. Like he’s been through something.”
“Maybe that’s good. Maybe he needed to find himself away from me.”
“Maybe.” Luca kissed me gently. “But he’s still in love with you, Aeliana.” The sound of my name on his lips always makes my belly clench. “That hasn’t changed.”
I wasn’t so sure. But I didn’t argue, knowing it would just be a conversation that I didn’t want to have.
The rest of the afternoon was consumed by planning. Guest lists, security protocols, catering arrangements, speech preparation. Being a revolutionary apparently involved a lot of logistics.
By the time dinner rolled around, my head was spinning with details.
Dinner was more crowded than usual. Caspian had invited several of his lieutenants, along with Bardon and now Ryker. The large dining room felt almost full.
I sat beside Luca at the head of the table, his hand resting possessively on my thigh under the table. Every few minutes, his thumb would stroke small circles, a constant reminder of his presence.
Across from us, Ryker sat next to Caspian. They seemed to be getting along, discussing security measures and potential threats.
“The northern approach is vulnerable,” Ryker was saying. “If I were planning an attack, that’s where I’d come from.”
“Agreed. I’m planning to station fifty warriors there.” Caspian studied his tablet. “Do you think that’s enough?”
“Make it seventy-five. And add magical wards if you can.”
“We can arrange that,” Bardon interjected. “I know several witches who owe me favors.”
The conversation moved from strategy, politics, and old war stories. I found myself relaxing, enjoying the camaraderie.
Until Luca’s hand slid higher on my thigh.
I shot him a look. He smiled innocently, continuing his conversation with Caspian about border patrols.
But his hand kept moving. Higher and higher until I felt like I was being set on fire.