Chapter 259 Taside the grand hall , Alples Roderick sat stiffly on his throne like chair , his jaw tight and his mind racing .
His advisor , an aging wolf with streaks of gray in his hair , stood nervously before him , holding a letter in trembling hands , Its confirmed , Alpha the advisor said , his voice low and hesitant .
Lorena is dead .
The Bloodmoon pack and their allies have won the battle .
The rogues have scattered .
Rodericks fingers drummed against the armrest of his chair , the only outward sign of his rising unease .
He had spent the last few days pretending the war beyond his borders didnt exist , convincing himself that neutrality was the best course of action .
Now , that decision was coming back to haum him The hull was silent except for the faint crackling of the fire in the hearth , Roderick leaned forward , his piercing eyes fixed on the advisor.
How did it happen ? The details are scarce , the advisor admitted .
But its said that Sonia , the Luna of Bloodmoon , and Alpha Ramon led their warriors into battle under the blood moon .
The allied packs stood with them , Silverpaw , Moonray, Greystone .
Furclaw .
Together , they crushed Lorenas forces .
Her death las already become a tale of legend .
Roderick clenched his fists , his thoughts a storm of regret and apprehension .
He had refused to join the alliance when Sonia and Ramon had come to him , their pleas for unity dismissed with cold indifference .
Theyll handle it , he had said at the time , his tone dismissive .
The Bloodmoon pack always does .
Why should I risk my warriors for a fight that doesnt concern us ? But now it was clear .
His refusal had not only alienated him from the Bloodmoon pack but also from the allied packs who had stood with them.
The news of their victory was spreading like wildfire , and with it came the stories of those who had refused to fight .
Roderick stood abruptly , his movements sharp and agitated .
This changes things , he muttered , pacing the length of the hall .
The Bloodmoon packs strength has grown tenfold .
Sonia and Ramon are no longer just leaders of their pack , theyre symbols of unity and power .
And L ..
His words trailed off , the weight of his mistake pressing down on him .
He had thought neutrality would protect his pack , but instead , he had isolated them , creating enemies where there could have been allies .
What should we do .
Alpha ? the advisor asked cautiously .
Roderick stopped pacing , his expression dark .
What can we do ! Ive made a grave error , and now the Bloodmoon pack has every reason to see us as adversaries For the first time in years , Roderick felt uncertain , his usually unshakable confidence rattled by the storm of consequences he now faced .
His reputation as a calculating and strong leader meant nothing if his decisions had painted a target on Blackthorn .
He turned back to the advisor , his gaze hard and questioning- What are the people saying about Bloodmoons victory ! The advisor hesitated , then spoke carefully .
Theyre calling Sonia and Ramon the saviors of the packs .
The allied Alphas have pledged unwavering loyalty to Bloodmoon , and theres talk of a formal council to cement their unity .
Its a victory unlike any weve seen in decades .
Rodericks chest tightened .
A council an alliance born of bloodshed and trust forged in war .
He had not just missed an opportunity ; he had placed himself outside the fold entirely He sank back into his clair , the firelight casting shadows across his sharp features .
Theyll see me as weak , he said , more to himself than to the advisor .
Or worse , a coward Luna Sonia and Alplu Ramon came to my door , and I turned them away .
Now , when the packs look for leaders .
theyll turn to Bloodmoon , and to the others who stood with them .
Blackthorn will be an afterthought .
their enemy .
Perlups … the advisor began , his voice tentative , perhaps theres a way to repair this .
To show them that Blackthorn isnt th Rodericks eyes flicked to him , sharp and probing And how do you suggest I do that ? Theyll see through any hollow gestures .
* Not if you grein person the advisor replied , lowering his voice .
Humble yourself before them .
Acknowledge your mistake and offer your loyalty .
Its the only way to metal this ride The words stark Roderick like a slap .
Humili , had never been his strength ; his pride as Alpha of Blackthorn was as much a part of him as his claws and fangs .
But as much as the idea itung , he couldnt ignore the truth in the advisors suggestion .
The Woodmoon packs albance had reshuspect the balance of power .
If he didnt act now , Marktlun would be left holated and vulnerable .
They wont trust me , Roderick said , his voice quiet but be .
Not after what I did .
Sonia will see this for what it is , an act of desperation .
Perhaps , the advisor admitted .
But desperation can still be a powerful motivator .
Show them sincerity , and they may give you a second chance And if they dont .
He hesitated , swallowing hard .
At least theyll know youre not their eneiny .
1/3 Chapter 239 Roderick rose again , his minid racing .
He could see Sonias face in his memory , the way her amber eyes had burned with resolve when she and Alples Ramon had stood before him .
They had offered him a chance to stand with them , to be part of something greater .
And he had thrown it away too consumed by his own doubts to see what was at stake .
He clenched his fists , the weight of his pride warring with the reality of his situation .
Prepare the envoy , he said finally , his voice clipped .
Ill go Blondinoon mysell .
The advisor blinked in surprise , then nodded quickly .
Yes , Alpha TM The preparations were swift but thorough .
Roderick ensured that the best of Blackthorns warriors would accompany him , not as a show of force , but as a symbol of his packs strength and respect .
He selected gifts that spoke to Bloodmoons history and values , rare herbs for their healers .
weapons forged by Blackthorns finest smiths , and provisions for their warriors .
By midday , the envoy was ready .
As Roderick stood at the gates , his second in command approached , his expression uncertain .
you sure about this , Alpha ? he asked .
Roderick glanced at him , his gaze steady , Im not sure about anything anymore , he admitted .
But I wont let my pride doom Blackthorn .
The journey to Bloodmoon was quiet and tense .
Rodericks thoughts churned as the familiar forests gave way to the rocky terrain near Bloodmoons borders .
Memories of his refusal to join the alliance haunted him , each one sharper than the last .
When they reached the Bloodmoon estate , the sight of the fortress sent a fresh wave of unease through him .
The gates , once a symbol of strength and protection , now seemed to loom like a judgment .
The guards recognized him immediately , their expressions unreadable as they stepped aside to allow the envoy entry .

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Inside , the tension was palpable .
Warriors moved through the estate , their movements brisk and efficient despite the exhaustion that hung in the air .
The scars of battle were everywhere , splintered wood , scorched stone , and the faint scent of blood still lingering .
Roderick dismounted , his every step heavy as he was led toward the main hall .
He could feel the weight of the stares on him , the whispers that followed in his wake .
When the doors to the hall opened , he saw them Luna Sonia and Alpha Ramon seated at the head of the long table , their presence commanding Sonias gaze met his immediately , her amber eyes sharp and unyielding Alpha Roderick , Ramon said , his voice even but cold .
This is unexpected .
Roderick inclined his head , his posture stiff , Alpha Ramon , Luna Sonia .
Thank you for granting me an audience Sonia didnt speak , her eyes narrowing as she studied him .
The silence stretched , heavy and suffocating .
Finally , Roderick took a deep breath and stepped forward came to me , asking for my help .
I refused .
I let I owe you both an apology , he said , his voice steady despite the tightness in his chest .
When you came my pride blind me to what was at stake .
And for that , I am truly sorry .
y come to us after the Sonias gaze didnt waver , but her expression softened slightly .
And why now ? she asked , her voice calm but sharp .
Why battle is won ? Because I see now what I couldnt before , Roderick admitted .
Youve united the packs in a way that hasnt been done in generations .
Youve shown strength , not just in bande , but in leadership .
I was wrong to turn my back on you , and I can only hope to earn your trust in time .
Ramon leaned back , his eyes narrowing as he considered Rodericks words .
Trust isnt easily earned , Roderick , he said .
Especially when it was thrown away so easily .
I know .
Roderick said , his voir low .
But I will do whatever it takes to prove that Blackthorn is not your enemy The hall was silent for a long moment , the tension thick enough to cut .
Finally .
Sonis spoke , her voice softer now .
Time will tell , Roderick , Actions speak louder than words .
If you truly mean what you say , then prove it , not to us , but to the pack you turned away from .
Roderick nodded , his expression grim .
You have my word As he left the hall , the weight of his decision settled over him .
He had taken the first step , but he knew the path to redemption would be long and ( rniglit will dullenge As Roderick returned to his pack , a messenger arrived with news of strange movements near Blackthors borders .
The rogues may have scattered , but the shadows they left behind had not disappeared .