Chapter 324 Ava: Luna's First Trial (III)

The main lodge is a humble log cabin with an open layout that somehow manages to feel both spacious and cozy. Exposed wooden beams stretch across the ceiling, and a massive stone fireplace dominates one wall. The furniture is simple but sturdy—all handcrafted, I'd bet.

There's a raised platform where I stand, and plenty of space for people to stand.

There are no rooms. No kitchens. I think they even said there isn't a bathroom.

I tug at the hem of my black shirt, which hangs a bit loose on my frame. The jeans I'm wearing are slightly too big as well, but they're the best I could find on short notice. My hair is pulled back in a simple ponytail, practical if not particularly stylish.

Not glamorous. Not intimidating. The best I managed to aim for is clean and presentable. Hopefully it's enough.

My fingers tap an anxious rhythm against my thighs as I watch shifters file into the room.

Calm down, Selene's voice echoes in my mind. You're radiating anxiety. They can pick up on it.

They can probably smell it.

Yes.

Ugh.

Straightening my shoulders a little further, I clasp my hands behind my back, trying to look confident and no-nonsense. Like I'm a leader, and not someone just fumbling around in this Luna role. Damn it. I want an instruction book.

No such thing, Grimoire says cheerfully. You'll have to make it up as you go along.

I liked it better when he was a book who couldn't talk to me at will.

That's cruel.

But honest.

beside me, ears pricked forward as she watches more wolves enter. They all incline their heads slightly

showing respect, Selene explains. They've all greeted you through the

me. "I can't hear it," I murmur,

you to hear, Selene replies,

I agree. We'll work on that,

idea of having a real pack bond, where I can

on it, but if

me. Delta Ryder, Vanessa's brother, leads several wolf shifters into the lodge, some sporting fading bruises. None are bound. All

The moment

I guess it's more of a moment I try to pull wool

straighten my posture, trying to project an air of authority I don't quite feel. Vester steps forward, his voice carrying easily

lack of a better

lists the charges.

victim. I keep my face carefully neutral, but a bead of sweat trickles down

fading bruise on his jaw, steps forward. Vester addresses him directly. "Jerrod, explain your actions on the night in

weight, his eyes darting between Vester and me. "It wasn't unprovoked," he growls. "That bastard Will's been running his mouth, saying our Alpha's

the crowd. People are standing a

It's a hot topic.

his face

lip steps forward, his shoulders drooped in shame. "I apologize, Luna. I don't know what came

I didn't know.

night. I don't know what came

and moves to the next

unfold, each eerily similar to the last. The words blur

out of

felt drunk, but I'd barely had

fight, and

to my senses, I couldn't understand what I'd

thoughts. "Luna Ava, how do you judge these

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