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.

I tell them, though their words

echoes in my mind. Politics is rarely about what feels

almost snort out loud. Of course he'd say that. I'm not

isn't what

as well. The book isn't

adds to my inner turmoil. I've never been good at lying, even by omission. But then again, I've never been responsible

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 to

little, anyway. "And what would

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, you can attribute it to stress and tell them you're letting it go this time, with a warning

fundamentally wrong. On the other, I can see the logic in their argument. If the pack loses faith in Lucas's ability to lead, especially

challenges will roll in

willing to risk that over a little thing like

are a big thing. A big,

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

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

decision is on my shoulders, not theirs. But their faces are drawn, too. Vanessa's eyes are a little red, as

taking this

their pack. Just

at Aurum again, his massive form a reminder of just how precarious our situation is. Then to Selene, her blue

you think? I

decide what kind of leader you want to be, she replies,