Chapter 219 To Denounce A Luna
Chapter 219 To Denounce A Luna
Kristen's POV
A full week passes, and I find myself paralyzed by emotions and fear, reluctant to face the possibility of witnessing Calhoun's last breath.
The elders, sensing the weight of the situation, gather all pack members and call for my attention.
Reluctantly, I make my way to the gathering, where they confront me in front of the entire pack.
"We've consulted the pack doctors, Kristen. Calhoun has only a few days left," Elder Festus declares, his tone somber.
The weight of their words hangs heavily in the air as the elders present an ultimatum. I must either step down as Luna of the Greyhound pack or marry
Gregory, the chosen successor to the Alpha throne.
Disagreeing swiftly, I say, "Calhoun will not die. I won't entertain such decisions."
The elders, resolute in their stance, continue pressing me. Gregory, a mix of sympathy and determination on his face, steps forward and implores me to consider the proposal.
But I know it's all a facade. He's not truly who he claims to be. He just wants to take over Calhoun's place.
"I'm only 29, Kristen. I'm willing to step up, be a father to Aiden, and care for you and the child you carry. It's the best way to ensure stability for the pack, 11 he earnestly expresses.
Despite Gregory's plea, I stand firm. "I'll never marry anyone. I won't betray Calhoun like that."
The elders, unyielding in their decision, demand that I step down as Luna.
But I am unrelenting, declaring that I am the Luna of the Greyhound pack, and I have every right to make decisions regarding its leadership.
"Calhoun is still the Alpha, not dead, and you all cannot make such decisions in his absence," I say, staring around me with all forms of boldness. Not even caring that hundreds of whispers are going around the crowd, claiming Calhoun is gone and I am just telling lies after secretly burying him.
"He's still Alpha of this pack?" Gregory scoffs bitterly, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Calhoun is all skin and bones. As good as dead. Who knows if he's already taken his last breath by now."
"Enough!" I snarl, anger boiling within me. "I will not have you disrespect my husband like that."
"It's painful to admit that he's right, Kristen," Elder Festus directs this to me.
"I refuse to accept it," I retort, my voice firm. " Calhoun is the Alpha, and until he takes his last breath, no one else will replace him."
Gregory, frustrated by my defiance, interjects,"
Kristen, you're letting your emotions cloud your judgment. The pack needs a leader now, not an absent Alpha."
I stand my ground, my resolve unwavering. "I won't abandon Calhoun. I won't betray him." My chest is rising and falling because I have been shouting a lot.
"You need a man in your life, Kristen. You've shouldered too much burden alone, for a young Luna." Gregory says in a calm tone, trying to hide
how despicable he is.
"Fuck you!" I clamor at him, startling everyone.
And air thickens with tension.
How the fuck did I even get into this situation? They're frigging praying for Calhoun's death so someone else can take his place, and then marry me.
Tears brim to my eyes, but I hold them. I won't let them slip and appear weak in front of everyone,
mostly Gregory.
"I won't even accept to marry you if you were the last man alive," I direct this to him, making sure my voice sounds hateful as much as possible.
Elder Festus, his expression heavy with regret, declares, "Kristen, your refusal to cooperate forces us into a difficult decision. We have no choice but to denounce you as the Luna of the Greyhound pack."
"You can't do this! I've dedicated my life to this pack! "I protest, my voice laced with disbelief and
frustration.
Elder Adolphus adds, "We understand your loyalty, Kristen, but the pack requires stability and decisive leadership, especially in times of uncertainty."
"But denouncing me won't bring that stability. Calhoun wouldn't want this," I argue, desperation seeping into my words.
Gregory, impatient and seemingly frustrated, interjects, "The pack needs a leader who can make
decisions and guide us through these troubled times. If you can't fulfill that role, we have to find someone
who will."
"But you can't do this!" I protest, disbelief and frustration evident in my voice. "I've been loyal to this pack, and I won't abandon them in this time of
need."
Elder Festus, with a heavy sigh, responds, "Kristen, we understand your dedication, but the pack requires stability and leadership. Until Calhoun's fate is clear, we cannot afford uncertainty."
"Denouncing me won't bring that stability," I argue, desperation creeping into my words. "Calhoun wouldn't want this." I repeat.
Gregory, seemingly impatient, adds, "The pack can't wait indefinitely. We need a leader who can make decisions and guide us through these troubled times."
Nana Joyce, who used to be an enemy before the
whole curse thing, now comes to my side. She gently puts her hand on my shoulder, speaking with a mix of sympathy and urgency.
"Kristen, it might be time to think about the pack's future. Accept Gregory, let him lead in Calhoun's absence. It's the best chance for stability." Her words, though well-meant, make me resist. "Are
you telling me to believe Calhoun will die?" I look at Nana Joyce, regret in my eyes.
Nana Joyce sighs, her eyes showing the weight of the
situation. "I'm saying we have to face reality. Calhoun's condition doesn't promise a good future. The pack, and especially your children, need assurance and protection."
I shake my head, the turmoil inside me reaching its
peak. "I can't accept it. I won't lose hope for Calhoun."
Nana Joyce's grip on my shoulder tightens, silently acknowledging the struggle we both face.
"How can you be hopeful for an already dead man?"
Gregory suddenly starts laughing, irritating me with his mocking tone.
"Who is a dead man!?" A familiar voice yells, cutting through the noise like a lightning bolt. The entire gathering falls into an abrupt hush, whispers spreading like wildfire as people's eyes widen in disbelief.
"What's going on?" Nana Joyce asks, voicing the confusion that echoes through the crowd. The air is charged with anticipation, and then, there he is.
Emerging from the shadows, Calhoun steps forward, looking skinny but not as bony as the way I last saw him.
And a dangerous backflip occurs in my chest.