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.

them, though their words make too much

voice echoes in my mind. Politics is rarely about what feels right, little witch. It's about

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

what keeps

book isn't wrong. Sometimes protecting

I've never been good at lying, even by omission. But then

It is nothing more than window dressing. A quick hearing, listen to their words, and tell them to be careful in the future. We're addressing the situation, we are just not revealing certain

A little, anyway. "And

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, you can attribute it to stress and tell them

the other,

roll in like a

I willing to risk that over a

morals are a big thing. A big,

regains control?" I ask. "Won't the pack feel betrayed if they

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

too. Vanessa's eyes are a little red, as if she hasn't slept. Vester's face is grim and

taking

care about their pack. Just like

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

you think? I ask

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