Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 323 Ava: Luna's First Trial (II)

I blink, taken aback by their united front. My gaze shifts between Vester and Vanessa, trying to process their suggestion. A knot forms in my stomach as the implications of their words sink in.

"You're suggesting that I lie." My words come out flat. Disappointment churns in my chest.

Vanessa shakes her head. "No, Luna. Not lie. We're suggesting a strategic approach to the truth."

"A strategic approach to the truth," I repeat, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. "That sounds an awful lot like lying by omission."

Vester steps forward, his expression earnest. "Luna, please understand. The pack is already on edge. If they were to learn that their Alpha's condition caused such widespread aggression, it could destabilize us further."

I run a hand through my hair, even though it isn't in my face. My hands just need something to do. They're shaking. "But isn't honesty important? How can I expect the pack to trust me if I'm not forthcoming with them?"

"Trust is built on more than just raw honesty," Vanessa says gently. "Sometimes, it's about providing the stability and leadership the pack needs, even if that means carefully managing certain truths."

My eyes dart to Aurum, still lounging on the floor. His golden gaze meets mine, and for a moment, I wish I could ask him what he thinks. But he can't answer, can he? And even if he could, would the wolf understand the nuances of pack politics?

I wish Lucas was here to take these reins. I'm not fit to make these decisions.

But he's not.

It's pointless to sit here and whine about it.

though

is rarely about what feels

Of course he'd say that. I'm not sure he has much empathy

isn't what keeps

in as well. The book isn't wrong. Sometimes

even by omission. But then again, I've never been responsible for an entire

you to fabricate a story. We will not punish any of these wolves for their actions. It is nothing more than window dressing. A quick hearing, listen to their words, and tell them

me. A little, anyway. "And what

would hold the hearing as normal. Listen to their accounts, show understanding for their actions while still emphasizing the importance of pack unity and control. Then, you'd issue a fair judgment. Knowing they weren't in their right mind,

from the pack feels fundamentally wrong. On the other, I can see the logic in their argument. If the pack loses faith

will roll in

willing to risk that over a

yes, morals are a big thing. A big, big

about when Lucas regains control?" I ask. "Won't the pack feel betrayed

"By then, the situation will have stabilized. And if handled correctly, it may never need to

But their faces are drawn, too. Vanessa's

aren't taking

their pack. Just

form a reminder of just how precarious our situation is.

you think?

to decide what kind of leader you