Chapter 234 The council chamber was still , but I could feel the tension crackling like a fire on the verge of exploding .
I sat at the head of the table beside Ramon , my fingers gripping the carved wooden edge .
My mind raced , trying to piece together the fragments of information Ivy and Cade had relayed Lorena .
A rogue army .
A war that wasnt just about revenge but about tearing down everything the werewolf hierarchy stood for .
I need answers , I said , my voice firm but low .
The gathered Alphas and elders glanced at one another , unsure who I was speaking to Ramon sat stiffly beside me , his jaw tight .
Weve been gathering intel for werks , he said , his tone clipped .
-Our scouts- Your scouts are too late .

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I interrupted , the frustration bubbling in my chest .
Shes already attacking .
Crescent Valley is in ruins .
How many more packs will fall before we stop her? He didnt reply , and I could feel his gaze on me , a mixture of anger and concern .
But I didnt have time for that .
Not now .
Who has direct information on Lorenas movements ? I demanded , scanning the room .
I need something concrete .
Patterns , Locations .
Anything Cade cleared his throat , his voice strained as he leaned forward .
His wounds from the ambush were fresh , the bruises dark against his pale skin .
Shes targeting the disgraced , he said .
Rogues , warriors cast out for breaking their packs code .
Shes offering them a place promising them revenge against the hierarchy that shunned them .
It wasnt surprising , but it was infuriating .
My chest burned as I thought about how Lorena could manipulate those who had nowhere else to go .
twisting their pain into a weapon Shes uniting them , Cade continued , his voice rough .
And shes smart about it .
Shes not just picking up rogues , shes recruiting those with skill .
charisma , and grudges .
She knows exactly how to hit us where it hurts , Shes building an army to dismantle us , I said quietly , more to myself than to anyone else .
Silence hung heavy in the room , but I could feel the weight of everyones stares .
This isnt just about Bloodmoon , Ramon finally said , his voice breaking the quiet .
This is about the entire system .
If she succeeds , the packs fall All of them .
The enormity of it all pressed down on me , and for a moment , I struggled to breathe .
My mind flashed to Elise and Elijah in my womb .
oblivious to the storm brewing outside .
She wont stop .
I said , my voice firm .
Not until everything weve built is gone .
Later that night , I found myself pacing in my room , the weight of the day refusing to let me rest .
The curtains fluttered with the breeze from the open window , but the cool air did little to calm the fire burning inside me .
I couldnt stop thinking about what Cade had said , about Lorenas army of the broken and bitter .
She was clever , targeting those who had been cast aside I stopped in front of the mirror , my reflection pale and tired .
My fingers gripped the edge of the vanity as I stared into my own eyes , searching for something … strength , perhaps , or clarity .
Shes always been like this , I whispered , my voice barely audible over the wind .
Using peoples pain to her advantage .
Twisting their weakness into her power My mind drifted to the past , to the times Id seen Lorenas manipulations up close .
She had a way of getting under your skin , of making you doubt yourself while she planted her poison .
It was how she had survived all these years , by breaking others to build herself up .
And now she was doing it again , on a much larger scale .
My fists clenched as anger surged through ine .
I couldnt let her win .
I couldnt let her destroy everything Id fought for , everything I loved .
I turned sharply , startled by Ivys voice .
She stood in the doorway , her expression wary but determined .
What is it ? I asked , forcing my voice to steady .
Weve identified a few of her recruits , Ivy said , stepping into the room .
Scouts caught sight of them near the northern border .
They were meeting with a group of rogues from the Shadowclaw pack .
Shadowclaw , I repeated , my heart sinking .
That pack had been dissolved years ago after their Alpha was executed for treason .
The warriors who survived had scattered , many of them turning rogue .
Shes targeting the ones with the most resentment , vy said , echoing Cades earlier words .
The ones who feel theyve been wronged by the packs .
Shes giving them something to believe in 1 nodded , my thoughts racing .
How many did the scouts see Dozens , she replied .
But thats just one meeting .
If shes coordinating this across multiple territories … She could have hundreds , I finished , my stomach twisting at the thought .
I didnt sleep that night .
Instead , I sat by the fire in the study , a map of the territories spread out before me .
My fingers traced the lines of the borders , my mind trying to stay one step ahead of Lorena .
She was calculating , methodical .
Every move she made had a purpose , and she never acted without a plan .
If I wanted to stop her , I had to think like her .
But as the hours dragged on , I found myself overwhelmed by the enormity of the task .
I wasnt just fighting for myself .
I was fighting for Bloodmoon , for my family , for the very system that held our world together .
Why me ? I whispered to the empty room .
Why does it always have to be me ? But there was no answer , just the crackle of the fire and the steady tick of the clock on the mantel .
I thought of Ramon , of the frustration and anger in his eyes earlier .
He didnt understand why I hesitated .
To him , the answer was simple : attack .
Fight fine with tire .
But I couldnt risk it .
Not yet .
Lorena wanted us to act impulsively .
She wanted us to rush in , blind and desperate .
And if we did , wed fall right into ber trap .
I leaned back in the chair , closing my eyes for just a moment .
Images of Elise and Elijah filled my mind , they are yet to come into this world in some months time , their tiny faces glowing with the innocence of children who knew nothing of war or betrayal .
When I opened my eyes , I felt a new resolve seule over me .
I didnt have all the answers yet , but I knew one thing for certain .
I couldnt do this alone the great hall .
The air was crisp , and the rising sun painted the walls in hues of At dawn , I called for Cade , Ivy , and the rest of the council to meet in th gold and orange , We need to act , I und , my voice c carrying across the room .
But not recklessly .
Lorena wants us to rush in without thinking , to play into her hands .
We cant give her that advantage .
What do you suggest , Luna ? Cade asked , his voice strained but steady .
We need in focus on intelligence , I replied .
We need to know where her recruits are coming from , where theyre gathering , and what their next move will be .
If we can cut off are supply lines and disrupt her plans , we can weaken her before she strikes The council murmured in agreement , and I felt a flicker of hope .
Every pack has a role to play .
I continued .
This isnt just about Bloodmoon .
If Lorena wins , she destroys everything .
We either stand together , or we fall alone ? As I spoke , I felt a spark ignite in my chest a fire that I hadnt felt in weeks .
Lorena might have been building her army , I M Was And I wouldnt stop until she was defeated .