Darkness swallowed Elara completely.

Somewhere beyond it, voices drifted toward her, distant and muffled, as though she were trapped beneath deep water.

“Luna Elara collapsed in her room,” the guard reported urgently as he hurried into the healer’s chamber. “She asked for food and water before she fell.”

The elderly healer immediately rose, concern tightening her expression.

“Take me to her,” the healer ordered, grabbing her medicine pouch before following him toward the Alpha House.

When they reached Elara’s room, the healer hurried inside and found her lying motionless on the floor, one hand curled protectively over her abdomen.

“Help me lift her onto the bed,” the healer instructed, her brows furrowing as she knelt beside Elara and checked her breathing.

The guard quickly obeyed.

Once Elara was settled, the healer pressed two fingers against her wrist. Her expression changed when she felt the weak pulse.

“She has barely eaten,” the guard explained anxiously, lowering his gaze. “She asked for food and water, but I had to wait for permission.”

The healer’s eyes sharpened.

“You should have brought them immediately,” she scolded, her voice firm as she examined Elara’s pale face.

“The Alpha ordered that no one disturb her until the council session,” the guard replied uneasily.

“Orders do not override a Luna’s health,” the healer said sharply before turning her attention back to Elara.

She placed her palm gently over Elara’s abdomen and closed her eyes.

A faint pulse of energy moved beneath her hand.

The healer’s expression shifted from concern to surprise.

“She is pregnant,” she whispered, her eyes widening as she examined Elara again.

The guard stared at her.

“But the Luna never told anyone.”

“She may not have known until recently,” the healer replied thoughtfully. “She is very early in the pregnancy.”

“Should I inform the Alpha?” the guard asked, his voice uncertain.

The healer glanced toward the locked door before looking back at Elara.

“Not yet,” she answered firmly. “She should wake up before anyone makes decisions concerning her child.”

The guard hesitated.

“But Alpha Cassian—”

“I said not yet,” the healer repeated, her stern expression silencing him.

“Yes, Healer,” the guard murmured before leaving.

The healer gently cleaned the cut on Elara’s shoulder and prepared a restorative drink.

“You poor child,” she murmured, brushing a strand of hair from Elara’s face. “You carried this secret alone.”

Hours later, the council chamber was crowded.

Cassian stood at the head of the table while Gideon Blackwood faced him.

“Alpha, the council cannot continue avoiding this matter,” Gideon said firmly, his hands clasped behind his back. “Seraphina is carrying your child. The pack needs certainty.”

Cassian’s jaw tightened.

“I have already said I will take responsibility for the child,” he replied, his gaze hardening.

“The elders want to know whether you intend to recognize the child as your heir,” Gideon pressed, his expression serious.

“The child is mine,” Cassian answered, his shoulders stiffening. “Of course I will recognize it.”

Murmurs spread through the chamber.

Elder Rowan leaned forward.

“And what of Luna Elara?” he asked carefully.

Cassian’s eyes hardened.

“She remains my Luna.”

“But if the Luna is also carrying your child, the succession becomes complicated,” another elder said, his fingers tightening around the table. “Two heirs from two mothers cannot be treated as though there is no conflict.”

“I know,” Cassian replied, his voice controlled.

Gideon stepped closer.

“Then you must decide which child will stand first.”

Cassian’s hands curled into fists.

“No,” he said coldly. “The child has not even been born.”

“That is precisely why the council is meeting,” Gideon countered. “We cannot wait until both children are born before deciding how the law applies.”

Before Cassian could answer, the doors opened.

A guard entered hurriedly.

“Alpha,” he called, his breathing uneven.

Cassian turned sharply.

“What is it?”

“The healer has been summoned to the Alpha House,” the guard replied nervously. “Luna Elara collapsed.”

The room went silent.

Cassian’s face drained of color.

“She what?”

“She collapsed in her room, Alpha. The healer is treating her now.”

Cassian immediately turned toward the doors.

Gideon followed him.

“Alpha, the council isn’t finished,” the Beta reminded him, his expression tense.

“My wife has collapsed,” Cassian snapped, his eyes flashing with anger. “You can continue without me.”

“But Seraphina?”

“Enough,” Cassian cut in, his voice leaving no room for argument.

He strode away, his thoughts consumed by Elara.

He had left her angry.

He had locked her inside their room.

And now she had collapsed.

When Cassian reached the Alpha House, the healer was waiting outside Elara’s bedroom.

“How is she?” he demanded, his breathing heavy as he approached her.

“She is stable,” the healer replied sternly. “But she is exhausted and severely weakened. She needs food, water, and rest.”

Cassian looked toward the bedroom.

“Can I see her?”

“She is awake now,” the healer answered before catching his arm. “But there is something you need to understand.”

Cassian looked at her.

“What?”

The healer lowered her voice.

“Luna Elara is pregnant.”

Cassian froze.

“I know,” he admitted quietly. “She told me this morning.”

The healer’s expression hardened.

“And yet she collapsed while locked inside her room?”

Guilt crossed Cassian’s face.

“I ordered her to remain there while I attended the council.”

“You ordered a pregnant Luna to remain alone without ensuring she had food or water,” the healer said disapprovingly. “Whatever your reasons were, Alpha, that cannot happen again.”

Cassian lowered his gaze.

“I understand.”

The healer stepped aside.

“She needs peace. Not another argument.”

“I won’t argue with her,” Cassian promised, his expression troubled.

He opened the door.

Elara was sitting against the headboard, her face pale and exhausted. A bowl of warm broth rested beside her, untouched.

“Elara,” Cassian said softly, his face filled with concern.

She looked away.

“Why are you here?” she asked weakly, her fingers tightening around the blanket.

“You collapsed,” Cassian replied, his brows drawing together.

“I know.”

“You frightened me,” he admitted, stepping closer.

Elara finally looked at him.

“You locked me in here.”

Cassian fell silent.

“And then you came back because I collapsed, not because you remembered that I was your wife,” she added bitterly, her eyes glistening.

“Elara, that isn’t fair,” Cassian replied, pain crossing his face.

She gave him a faint, bitter smile.

“Isn’t it?”

He had no answer.

Her hand moved protectively over her stomach.

“The healer told you.”

Cassian nodded.

“She did.”

“I didn’t want the whole pack to know yet,” Elara admitted, her voice guarded.

“Why?” Cassian asked, his expression softening.

“Because I needed time to understand what was happening,” she answered, holding his gaze. “I needed to know whether my child would be protected or treated like another piece on your succession table.”

Cassian’s jaw tightened.

“Your child will be protected.”

“By whom?” Elara asked quietly. “You?”

“Yes,” Cassian answered immediately.

“Then why did you lock me inside this room?”

His expression faltered.

“I thought I was protecting you from the council and the pack.”

“You don’t get to decide what protects me anymore,” Elara replied firmly, turning her face away.

Cassian stood motionless.

“Elara, I know I have hurt you,” he said, regret visible in his expression. “But I don’t want to lose you.”

Her eyes lifted to his.

“You already lost me.”

Cassian’s face fell.

Before he could respond, footsteps approached outside the room.

A moment later, Gideon’s voice sounded through the door.

“Alpha, the council has reached a decision.”

Cassian turned toward the door.

Elara’s fingers tightened around the blanket.

Neither of them knew what the council had decided.

But whatever waited beyond that door was about to change the future of Nightfang Pack—and their family.

Cassian stared at the bedroom door for several seconds before finally turning toward Elara.

Gideon’s voice came again from the other side.

“Alpha, the council is waiting,” Gideon called from outside, his voice carrying a note of urgency.

Cassian’s jaw tightened. He looked at Elara, who remained against the headboard with one hand resting protectively over her stomach.

“I have to go,” he said quietly, his expression troubled.

Elara held his gaze.

“Then go,” she replied, her face unreadable as she turned slightly away from him.

Cassian hesitated.

“I will come back,” he promised, his eyes lingering on her face.

“You said that before,” Elara answered softly, turning her eyes toward the window.

The words stopped him.

He wanted to respond, but nothing he could say would erase what had happened.

Cassian finally stepped outside and closed the door behind him.

Gideon stood in the corridor with two guards.

“What did the council decide?” Cassian asked, his expression hardening as he faced his Beta.

Gideon exchanged a brief glance with the guards before answering.

“They want both pregnancies officially recorded,” he replied, his expression serious.

Cassian’s eyes narrowed.

“Both?” he asked, his brows drawing together in surprise.

“Yes,” Gideon replied, his expression remaining grave. “The council has ruled that neither child can be given formal succession priority before birth.”

Cassian’s shoulders relaxed slightly.

“That is reasonable,” he said, his voice calmer.

“It isn’t the entire decision,” Gideon warned, his face tightening with concern.

Cassian’s expression changed.

“What else?” he demanded, his gaze sharpening.

Gideon lowered his voice.

“Until the children are born, Seraphina will remain under the protection of the Alpha House,” he explained, his expression guarded.

Cassian frowned.

“She is already here,” he replied, his brows furrowing.

“The council wants her treated as the mother of a potential heir,” Gideon explained, his brows drawn together. “That means she will receive protection, medical care, and access to the nursery.”

Cassian’s gaze darkened.

“And Elara?” he asked, his voice becoming colder.

Gideon paused.

“The Luna retains her title and authority,” he answered carefully, watching Cassian’s reaction.

Cassian exhaled slowly.

“But?” he asked, his expression tightening.

“But the council wants both mothers protected under pack law,” Gideon replied. “They are also requesting that the two children be raised within the pack, regardless of which one eventually becomes heir.”

Cassian stared at him.

“They haven’t even been born,” he said, his expression hardening with disbelief.

“I know,” Gideon said heavily, his shoulders dropping slightly. “But the council wants to prevent conflict before it begins.”

Cassian’s jaw clenched.

“What about the nursery?” he asked, his voice low.

Gideon looked uncomfortable.

“They want Seraphina to continue using it,” he replied reluctantly.

Cassian’s expression hardened.

“That room belongs to Elara,” he said firmly, his eyes flashing with irritation.

“It was chosen because it is closest to the healer’s wing,” Gideon replied carefully, his expression apologetic. “The council believes moving Seraphina now could endanger the child.”

Cassian said nothing.

The decision left him trapped between two responsibilities.

His pack expected him to protect Seraphina’s unborn child.

His wife expected him to protect her.

And somehow, he had to do both without destroying his marriage.

“Anything else?” he asked coldly, his expression unreadable.

Gideon hesitated.

“Yes,” he replied, his face growing more serious.

Cassian looked at him.

“The elders want the Luna’s pregnancy announced to the pack tomorrow,” Gideon said, his voice cautious.

Cassian’s eyes widened slightly.

“No,” he replied immediately, his expression firm.

Gideon’s brows lifted.

“Alpha—” he began cautiously.

“Elara hasn’t agreed to that,” Cassian said firmly, his expression becoming protective. “The pack doesn’t need to know yet.”

“The council believes secrecy could create more suspicion,” Gideon countered, his expression tense. “If Seraphina’s pregnancy is already known and the Luna’s is hidden, the elders fear the pack will assume the Luna has no heir.”

Cassian’s hands curled into fists.

“I said no,” he repeated, his voice dropping into a warning.

Gideon studied him for a moment.

“Then you will need to convince the council yourself,” he replied, his expression resigned.

Cassian turned toward Elara’s room.

“I will,” he said firmly, determination settling across his face.

Inside the bedroom, Elara had heard enough.

She couldn’t make out every word, but she had heard the names.

Seraphina.

Her pregnancy.

The nursery.

The council.

She slowly pushed herself upright.

Her mind raced.

The council had made rules about her child without asking her.

She looked toward the door.

This time, she wasn’t going to wait for Cassian to tell her what had been decided.

When Cassian eventually returned, Elara was sitting at the edge of the bed.

He stopped when he saw her.

“You should still be resting,” he said, concern visible on his face as he looked her over.

“I heard the council,” Elara replied, her voice calm as she held his gaze.

Cassian’s expression tightened.

“You weren’t supposed to hear that,” he said, his brows drawing together.

“I am the Luna,” she reminded him, lifting her chin with quiet confidence. “And this is my child.”

Cassian stepped closer.

“They want your pregnancy announced tomorrow,” he said, his expression troubled.

Elara’s fingers tightened around the blanket.

“Do you want them to announce it?” she asked, her eyes searching his face.

Cassian shook his head.

“No,” he answered firmly, his expression resolute.

“Why?” she asked, her brows drawing together.

“Because I want you to decide when you’re ready,” he answered, his expression sincere.

Elara studied him.

“And Seraphina?” she asked quietly, her expression guarded.

“What about her?” Cassian asked cautiously, his shoulders stiffening.

“Will she still have the nursery?” Elara asked, her voice controlled despite the hurt in her eyes.

Cassian hesitated.

“Yes,” he answered reluctantly, his gaze dropping for a moment.

Elara looked away.

She had expected the answer, but hearing it still hurt.

“They are protecting her because she is carrying your child,” she said quietly, her expression wounded.

“They are protecting the child,” Cassian corrected, his expression tense.

Elara looked back at him.

“And mine?” she asked, her eyebrows drawing together.

Cassian moved closer.

“Yours too,” he answered immediately, his voice firm.

“Then prove it,” she replied, her expression steady.

He frowned.

“How?” he asked, his face showing confusion.

“Stop making decisions for me,” Elara said firmly, her eyes holding his.

Cassian went still.

Elara placed her hand over her abdomen.

“I don’t need you to lock me away. I don’t need you to speak for me. And I don’t need you to promise that everything will be fine,” she said, her voice controlled but firm.

Her eyes hardened.

“I need to know the laws that govern my child,” she added, her expression determined.

Cassian watched her carefully.

“You want to meet the council?” he asked, his brows lifting slightly.

“Yes,” Elara answered immediately, her expression determined. “Tomorrow.”

“Elara, you’re still weak,” Cassian warned, concern returning to his face.

“I collapsed because I was locked in a room without food or water,” she replied, her voice controlled. “Not because I am incapable of standing before the council.”

Cassian’s face tightened with guilt.

“You shouldn’t have to fight them,” he said quietly, regret visible in his eyes.

“I shouldn’t have to fight you either,” Elara replied, her expression pained.

Silence filled the room.

Cassian lowered his gaze.

“I will take you to the council tomorrow,” he promised, his voice subdued.

Elara nodded.

“Good,” she replied calmly.

He moved toward the door, but her voice stopped him.

“Cassian,” she called softly, her expression suddenly serious.

He turned.

“If they expect me to fight for my child’s place, then I will,” she said, her voice steady and determined.

Her expression was calm, but something in her eyes had changed.

She was no longer waiting for someone to save her.

Cassian stared at her for a long moment before slowly nodding.

“I know,” he said quietly, his expression filled with understanding.

He left the room.

Elara waited until the door closed.

Then she looked down at her stomach.

“My child,” she whispered, her fingers resting gently over the tiny life inside her, “I don’t know what this pack will take from us.”

Her eyes hardened.

“But I won’t let them decide your future without a fight,” she vowed, her expression resolute.

Outside the room, footsteps stopped.

Cassian stood in the corridor, having heard her final words.

Elara was changing.

And if the council tried to push her into a corner, she would no longer simply endure it.

She would fight back.

CHAPTER SIX

THE LUNA’S DEFIAN

The council chamber was already filled when Cassian entered with Elara beside him.

Every conversation died instantly.

Elara felt the elders’ eyes settle on her stomach, but she refused to lower her gaze.

Cassian glanced at her with concern.

“You don’t have to do this today,” he murmured, his brows drawing together.

“I do,” Elara replied firmly, lifting her chin. “This concerns my child.”

Cassian studied her determined expression before giving a reluctant nod.

They took their places before the council.

Elder Rowan leaned forward, his weathered face stern.

“Luna Elara, the council has already reached its decision,” he stated firmly, folding his hands on the table.

“And I have come to question it,” Elara answered calmly, her expression composed.

Several elders exchanged surprised glances.

Rowan’s eyebrows rose.

“Question what exactly?” he asked, his voice measured.

“You have decided that Seraphina should continue receiving special protection because she is carrying a potential heir,” Elara replied, her fingers resting lightly against her stomach. “Yet my child is also an Alpha’s child.”

“That is correct,” Rowan acknowledged, his expression cautious.

“Then why is one pregnancy being treated differently from the other?” Elara asked, her brows drawing together.

An elder shifted in his seat.

“Because Seraphina’s pregnancy was known first,” he explained, his expression uncomfortable.

Elara’s eyes sharpened.

“Known first does not mean the child is the rightful heir.”

The room fell quiet.

Cassian watched her closely.

Elder Rowan leaned back.

“You are challenging the council’s interpretation of pack law,” he said, his expression hardening.

“I am asking you to follow the law fairly,” Elara replied, her voice steady.

Gideon stepped forward.

“Luna, the council is trying to prevent conflict between the two potential heirs,” he explained, his expression serious.

“Then stop creating the conflict yourselves,” Elara countered, her gaze fixed on him.

A few elders shifted uncomfortably.

Cassian’s jaw tightened, but he remained silent.

Elara looked around the table.

“I was told yesterday that neither child would receive succession priority before birth,” she said, her voice controlled. “If that is true, then neither mother should receive privileges that place one child above the other.”

Elder Rowan’s expression darkened.

“You misunderstand the decision.”

“Then explain it to me,” Elara demanded, her eyes unwavering.

Rowan folded his hands together.

“Seraphina is under the protection of this pack because she carries the Alpha’s acknowledged child,” he explained firmly. “Her access to the nursery and healer is not a declaration of succession. It is protection.”

“And what protects me?” Elara asked, her expression wounded but composed.

“The Luna holds her position,” Rowan replied, his tone matter-of-fact.

Elara’s fingers curled slightly.

“My title does not protect my child.”

Silence followed.

Cassian finally spoke.

“She is right about that,” he said, his expression serious as he looked toward the elders.

Rowan turned toward him.

“Then what do you propose, Alpha?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Cassian’s expression tightened.

“I propose that both pregnancies receive equal protection.”

An elder shook his head.

“That cannot be done.”

“Why?” Cassian asked, his eyes narrowing.

“Because Seraphina’s pregnancy has already been integrated into the pack’s succession planning,” the elder replied, his expression firm.

Elara stared at him.

“So nothing changes?”

Rowan looked directly at her.

“No.”

The single word settled heavily over the chamber.

Elara took a slow breath.

“And if I refuse?”

Several elders stiffened.

Rowan’s expression became colder.

“You are the Luna,” he said firmly. “But the council governs matters concerning the pack’s succession.”

Elara’s gaze moved to Cassian.

“Will you stand with me?”

Cassian’s eyes met hers.

“Elara—”

“Will you?” she repeated, her voice quieter but more wounded.

Cassian’s face tightened.

“I will protect you and our child,” he promised, his expression sincere.

“But will you reject their decision?” Elara asked, searching his face.

Cassian hesitated.

That hesitation answered her.

Something inside Elara went still.

She nodded slowly.

“I understand.”

Cassian stepped toward her.

“Elara, please—”

“I said I understand,” she replied, her expression calm despite the pain in her eyes.

She turned back toward the council.

“If this is the future you have chosen for my child, then I cannot remain here.”

Cassian’s eyes widened.

“Elara,” he warned, his expression suddenly alarmed.

She looked at him.

“I came here hoping my Luna title meant something,” she said quietly, her voice steady. “But if I cannot protect my child, then the title means nothing.”

Rowan’s expression hardened.

“Are you threatening to leave the Nightfang Pack?”

“No,” Elara answered, her chin lifting. “I am telling you that I will.”

The chamber erupted into murmurs.

Cassian moved toward her.

“You cannot leave like this,” he said urgently, his face filled with disbelief.

Elara looked at him for a long moment.

“I already have a reason to leave.”

Her hand settled protectively over her stomach.

“My child.”

Then she walked toward the doors.

No one stopped her.

And behind her, Cassian remained frozen as the reality of her decision finally struck him.

Elara was leaving Nightfang Pack.

And this time, he wasn’t sure he could bring her back.