Chapter 17 Seventeen
The system didn’t have the heart… well, it literally didn’t even have one… to dampen Seren’s mood, but it had to.
\[Host, you do know that you have to study the influence the Burndels already have in the pack in order to attack them where it hurts\], said the system, pouring cold water on her excitement.
Seren immediately came down from cloud nine. She knew it wasn’t going to be easy to expel the Burndels, but she didn’t anticipate it would be this frustrating.
She plopped onto her bed and rested her face in her palms. Biting her lip, she thought, ‘Do I go outside for a field trip or should I just ask Kael for help?’
\[Host, I suggest you go on a field trip.\]
came the system, but it was ignored.
Seren tapped her foot repeatedly, then stopped abruptly and sprang up.
‘I can just ask my father!’
\[Host, are you sure that is wise?\]
the system interjected in its ever-neutral tone.
\[Lord Nightwind is quite the inquisitive man. You may reveal more than you intend to.\]
“I know, I know,” Seren muttered aloud, pacing the length of her room. “But what other choice do I have? Kael will definitely use this opportunity to tease me again probably with that smug ‘my mate’ face. Ugh.”
\[This system does not have facial recognition of Alpha Kael’s expressions, but your tone indicates deep irritation.\]
“That’s one way to put it,” she grumbled, dragging her hands down her face. “Alright, System. Operation ‘Snoop for Scandals’ begins now. This instant. ASAP. Immediately!”
\[Host, please rename that operation and do not be so dramatic.\]
‘Denied. The name stays—and hey, I’m not as dramatic as you!’
She straightened her Lamé, ran her fingers through her silver hair, and strode out of her room like she was about to face a council of gods.
The manor was quiet at this hour, except for the faint clatter of dishes from the dining room. Her father was probably in his study, knee-deep in scrolls, sipping that bitter moonleaf tea he pretended to like.
When she reached his study door, she paused. The carved runes on the wood shimmered faintly with warding magic. Her father never left anything unguarded not even doors.
‘System, can I knock dramatically without alerting him magically?’
\[No. But you can knock politely. That may yield better results.\]
She sighed and knocked anyway.
“Enter,” came Lord Nightwind’s familiar baritone, calm and commanding as ever.
Seren poked her head in first, then stepped inside. Her father looked up from a parchment, his dark eyes softening when he saw her.
“Seren,” he greeted, setting the quill aside. “It’s rare that you visit me voluntarily. Which is it, trouble or a favor?”
Seren smiled sheepishly. “A little bit of both?”
That earned her a sigh. “You’re truly your mother’s daughter.”
She ignored the jab and flopped gracefully onto the couch across from his desk. “Father, I’m quite curious about the Priestess and her mentee.”
Lord Nightwind raised a brow. “Katya and Nova? Half the pack worships the ground they walk on. You can see why many detest you for being the Alpha’s mate instead of the innocent Nova.”
Seren drummed her fingers on her knee. “I just want to… understand them better. How did they become so influential here?”
Her father leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. “A dangerous curiosity, my daughter. Why the sudden interest?”
‘Because they’re scheming witches trying to hijack my mate bond and possibly my Luna title!’ she thought. Out loud, she said sweetly, “Just trying to learn how influence works in the pack. You know, for future Luna… obligations.”
His lips twitched. “Ah. So Kael didn’t accept your rejection, I assume. He’s quite headstrong.”
She forced a laugh. “Something like that.”
He hummed, accepting her excuse. “The Priestess’s power comes from faith and necessity. Katya is not only Priestess but also Keeper of the Lunar Shrine, and that makes her indispensable. The wolves believe Selune’s favor passes through her.”
Seren frowned. “So, she’s basically the spiritual plug of the pack.”
“The what?”
“Never mind.”
Her father chuckled. “Yes, something like that. And her mentee Nova has always been presented as Selune’s chosen child. Together, they’ve built quite the image of a holy family, blessed by the moon itself.”
Seren crossed her arms, lips pursing. “Tch… holy family, my foot.”
“Language, Seren.”
“Sorry.” She leaned forward, eyes glinting. “So if their influence is built on faith… then to bring them down, I’d have to shake that faith.”
Lord Nightwind gave her a sharp look. “Seren, you’re walking a dangerous path. Are you planning something?”
Seren froze. “Planning? Me? Of course not! Just… thinking hypothetically.”
He didn’t buy it, but he let it go. “If you truly wish to understand influence, attend the next Moon Council session. You’ll see how wolves like Katya maneuver behind smiles. That should teach you more than I can.”
“That’s actually… not a bad idea,” Seren admitted.
\[Host, this would indeed be a suitable reconnaissance mission.\]
‘See? Even the System agrees…wait, no, not you, System!’
“Did you just call me a system?” her father asked, frowning.
Seren froze. “Uh… slip of the tongue?”
He sighed. “You need more sleep.”
‘Nice save,’ she whispered internally.
\[That was not convincing.\]
Seren stood up quickly. “Thank you, Father! You’re the best!” she said, darting toward the door.
“Seren,” he called, stopping her mid-step.
She turned, heart thudding.
“Whatever you’re planning,” he said quietly, “remember, truth is a double-edged blade. If you use it to cut others, make sure it doesn’t turn back on you.”
She blinked. “Noted, Father. Thanks for the ominous advice!”
And then she slipped out before he could elaborate.
But she still heard him call after her, “Come down soon for dinner!”
Back in her room, Seren shut the door and leaned against it, exhaling sharply. “Okay. Step one—intel. Step two—shake the faith. Step three—destroy the Burndels.”
\[Host, may I remind you that steps two and three are illegal without proper authorization from Alpha Kael?\]
“Oh, please. I’ll get Kael’s authorization after I figure out what exactly to expose.”
\[You could always flirt with him until he agrees.\]
Seren groaned. “I’d rather wrestle a rabid direwolf than go through another round of Kael’s smug smirking.”
\[Statistically, the direwolf would cause less emotional damage.\]
Seren snorted. “You’re not wrong.”
She grabbed a quill and parchment from her bedside table and began jotting down what she’d learned.
Burndels’ Influence Network:
Religious authority — Katya = Priestess + Lunar Shrine Keeper
Emotional manipulation — Nova = “Blessed daughter” image
Public devotion — followers + donations
Political protection — pack elders, probably bribed or enchanted
Seren tapped the quill against her chin. “So, to destroy them, I need to attack their faith and their credibility.”
\[Perhaps start with uncovering the ongoing lie they told the pack.\]
“Right. But I need proof. Kael said the pack must condemn them themselves, so I can’t just shout, ‘Hey everyone, those two are frauds!’ without evidence.”
\[You could infiltrate the Lunar Shrine.\]
Seren’s head shot up. “You mean sneak into the most sacred and heavily guarded place in Crescent Pack territory where the moonlight literally judges intent? Sounds perfectly safe!”
\[It was merely a suggestion.\]
She smiled, a dangerous gleam in her eyes. “No, System. For once, that’s actually a good idea.”
\[Host, you frighten me sometimes.\]
Seren stretched, thrill sparking in her chest. The Moon Banquet was only twelve days away just enough time to dig up the Burndels’ secrets. Since the Priestess’s holiness was built on a lie, Seren would expose it under Selune’s own light.
She stood by her window, watching the distant silver glow of the moon cresting the forest horizon. “You wanted a Luna, Selune? Fine. You’ve got one. But she’s going to be your most dramatic Luna yet.”
\[Host, this system detects elevated adrenaline levels.\]
“Good,” she said with a smirk. “Let’s give them a show.”
And with that, she left her room for dinner.