The Alpha’s Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger

Chapter 331: Changing Traditions

Lyla

I stood at the head of the war room table, pointing at the map where we'd marked the last known location of the Dark One's forces. "We need scout patrols along these three ridges," I insisted. "If we can identify his new host early enough, we might be able to prevent another full-scale attack."

"The east ridge is still too exposed," I continued, dragging my finger across the parchment. "If he comes through the Vale, we'll be cornered between the cliffs and our own camps."

"We haven't picked up anything from him in six days, Lyla. How about you take it easy and rest? We have already planned out the strategy for an unexpected attack. We have the numbers now and are ready."

I didn't look up. "That's exactly what he wants. Lull us into stillness. Make us soft."

Clarissa crossed her arms. "He's not stupid. He won't charge unless he's sure he can break us."

"That's why we need to stay unpredictable," I said. "We keep rotating the scouts. Every two hours. And I want the eastern watchtower reinforced—double sentries."

Nanny sighed. "You've barely eaten; more than anyone, you need your strength. Just because you're a Moonsinger doesn't mean you're immune to rest."

I bristled at being spoken about as if I were a baby in the midst of grown-ups. "I'm perfectly capable of determining what I should and shouldn't be doing."

"With all due respect," Caius added carefully, "you've been pushing yourself too hard since Nathan's funeral. Even warriors need rest between battles, and we need you more than any of the warriors. But we won't be able to make the most of your power if the Dark One should attack now and you're exhausted."

Luna Vanessa nodded in agreement. "Lyla, please. You need to slow down. Else you'll burn out."

"So what? It is resting and slowing down that got us to this stage. This war has lingered longer than it should have, and I am tired of waiting. If you cannot support me, I will do it with or without your help."

The room went quiet for a heartbeat as everyone stared at me before Lenny cleared his throat gently.

"What she means is…."

in. "They know exactly what I mean. I won't sit around and

than I cared to admit. Yes, I was tired, and yes, the pregnancy was draining my energy faster than expected. But sitting idle while waiting for the next attack felt worse than

with prophecies," I said sharply, "but by

had been trying to explain more about the prophecy to me recently, about my

leaders from each Werewolf and Lycan pack present, there's something else we need to discuss." He straightened, his presence filling the room. "Blue Ridge Pack needs a new

sat together near the centre of the table. "What are your

Nathan's death, looked up. "We'd

could appoint an Alpha Regent until the baby comes

Pack. "Blue Ridge

suggested Lenny. "Nathan's father has been effectively running the pack alongside his son

of the packs in the south, others suggesting council leadership until a suitable

voice was measured and dignified. "As an Elder of Blue Ridge and the widow of Alpha Logan,

I saw that most of them assumed she was speaking about baby Logan, her infant

birth to a son," asked Gamma Darius's replacement, "wouldn't that create

the seat is supposed to pass through Alpha Logan's direct

in everyone's minds. Clarissa straightened in her chair. Despite being pregnant, she still looked regal

finally

capable," Luna Vanessa finished for him. "She's well-versed in pack affairs and possesses an Alpha wolf. She

were rare in traditional packs like Blue Ridge, which had never had a woman rule them. The closest a woman had come to being involved in pack politics in Blue Ridge was a Gamma,

grows up? Knowing their father was the previous Alpha, how will

children will rule as Alpha," Luna Vanessa

the time comes, as it should have been originally. The pack will no longer be ruled by sentiment. An Alpha wolf or

older Elders scoffed. "That's not how

tears and regrets? Women have led the Moon Temple for centuries and managed perfectly well." Her voice grew stronger with each word. "Perhaps it's time for this dichotomy to end. An heir is an heir, regardless of whether they're male or female. As long as they have the basic requirement—possessing an Alpha or Luna wolf and being the firstborn true child of the Alpha—they deserve to

with my mother. "I like that approach.