Chapter 117 117
Venessa’s POV
Kimberly was dragged toward the interrogation room with little ceremony.
Pack members who had witnessed her capture began hurling whatever they could grab stones, debris, curses at her as she was pulled away. It happened quickly, fueled by fury that had barely cooled from yesterday’s attack. She had helped our enemies strike us once… and then guided them back again today.
Had she been working for them all along?
The ease with which she betrayed her own people unsettled me. It felt wrong too quick, too careless.
Anger burned in me, but Denzel was beyond that. He was livid.
And I understood why.
He was her Alpha. He had protected her, ensured her family’s safety, taken responsibility for her as one of his own. This was how she repaid him.
Judging by the expressions on the faces of our top officers, Kimberly’s path forward would be brutal. They were furious personally offended by her treachery. As much as it saddened me, she had earned their wrath.
I stayed behind to address the pack while Denzel followed the kappas hauling Kimberly away. I didn’t envy her fate, but she had chosen it. She had actively tried to help Tremaine crush us.
We were still reeling from the first assault, still bleeding, still mourning and she had led our enemies through the woods for a second strike.
She deserved what was coming.
The pack began to gather, and suddenly the air shifted.
“Luna! Luna! Luna!”
The chant rose loud and strong, full of gratitude and conviction. I stood there, listening, stunned by how quickly things changed. Not long ago, these same people had whispered that I was useless that Jalisa would have been a better Luna.
How quickly people forgot.
Tyrell stepped in, raising a hand to quiet them so I could speak.
“They will not be coming back again,” I said firmly.
Cheers erupted.
“Go home and rest,” I continued once the noise died down. “I strongly advise all non-warriors to relocate to the bunkers. Supplies will be delivered daily to those sheltering there.”
Silence followed. I could feel their hesitation they wanted to stay, to watch, to be part of what came next.
“As capable as we are of defending ourselves,” I said, “we will not risk unnecessary casualties because of these strange beings.”
Their faces were somber now.
“If you choose not to go to the bunkers, that is your decision,” I added. “But know that the option is open if you need protection. You do not have to die.”
They murmured their thanks.
I was about to dismiss them when Tyrell cleared his throat.
“May I address them, Luna?” he asked respectfully.
The courtesy felt strange. There had never been a time when Tyrell was kind or even civil to me. But personal feelings had no place here.
“Yes, you may, Delta,” I said clearly.
I made sure everyone heard it.
Denzel hadn’t yet announced Tyrell’s new rank, so I did. It was unfortunate, really. Tyrell had the strength of an Alpha and would have made an exceptional Beta but loyalty mattered more than strength. That was why Rayon held the position.
Still, the surprise rippled through the crowd. Tyrell met my gaze and smiled slightly, understanding what I had done.
“People,” he began, “it is a privilege to stand under true royalty and true power. But you must understand what it is you are fighting.”
He paused, gathering their attention.
“Those creatures were once like us. Shifters. They chose to abandon Mother Moon and swear themselves to a new god Eshera. The mother of lies, corruption, and deception.”
A hush fell.
“She made them promises,” Tyrell continued. “And in exchange, they sold their souls. That is why they are what they are now.”
Fear flickered in their eyes.
“Guard your hearts,” he warned. “A silent war is raging between Atabey and Eshera, and we are caught in the middle. We are Atabey’s children. This is our world and Eshera wants to claim it.”
He didn’t soften his tone.
“People like Kimberly opened themselves to that corruption. For reasons only they understand. Know this there will be no mercy for those who switch sides.”
The weight of his words crushed the air.
“Well,” Tyrell said finally, “now that you know where those shifters get their unnatural abilities, you may all return home.”
They dispersed slowly, fear and worry etched into their faces.
“You didn’t have to be so blunt,” I told him once they were gone.
He shook his head. “Then you should have stopped me if you disagreed.”
He was right.
“They needed the truth,” he continued. “So they can recognize it when corruption comes for them.”
I sighed. “You’re right.”
He glanced toward the corridor. “Shall we see what Kimberly has to say assuming Alpha Denz hasn’t beaten her unconscious yet?”
I couldn’t help it I laughed softly.
“You can call us by our names, you know,” I said. “Denz is still your friend. That’s why he defended you and Jalisa during the hearing instead of casting you out.”
Tyrell lowered his head.
“I don’t think we can ever go back to how things were,” he admitted. “I ruined that. I betrayed him… twice. The thought makes me sick.”
“We all made mistakes,” I said gently. “But you still have time to make things right. Don’t waste it.”
I met his eyes.
“Denzel needs the people he loves now more than ever. Don’t let your past rob you of the chance to be there for him when he needs you most.”
His eyes shone with unshed tears as he nodded.
“He is still your friend, Tyrell,” I said.
Together, we walked back into the packhouse.