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…."

what I mean. I won't sit around and play guessing games while the

to admit. Yes, I was tired, and yes, the pregnancy was draining my energy

by real fighting, not behind the

harsh words, especially when I saw the hurt flash across Nanny's face. She had been trying to explain more about the prophecy to me recently, about my heritage and responsibilities

silence. "Since we have key 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 Alpha. It's not wise to leave them without leadership during

together near the centre of the table. "What are

since Nathan's death, looked up. "We'd prefer to hear others' suggestions

appoint an Alpha Regent until the baby comes of age. That would maintain the bloodline's

take decades," objected Alpha Hayes from Stone Hill Pack. "Blue Ridge needs

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

own ideas—some proposing merging Blue Ridge with one of the packs in the south,

nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you all for your input." Her voice was measured and dignified. "As an Elder

present nodded their heads in agreement, and I smiled when I saw that most of them assumed

Darius's replacement, "wouldn't that create conflict over the

seat is supposed to pass through Alpha Logan's direct bloodline. Instead of appointing a

as her words registered in everyone's minds. Clarissa straightened in her chair. Despite being pregnant, she still looked regal and very much the Luna that

finally sputtered.

him. "She's well-versed in pack affairs and possesses an Alpha wolf. She is more suited to be Alpha

they 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,

"What happens when Nathan's child grows up? Knowing their father was the

will rule as Alpha," Luna Vanessa

been originally. The pack will no longer be ruled by sentiment. An Alpha wolf or a Luna

leading Blue Ridge?" One of the older Elders scoffed. "That's not how

what has men's rule brought us but 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

surprised to find myself agreeing wholeheartedly with my mother. "I like that approach.