Chapter 181
Kayla
The press release went out early Monday morning, a joint statement from Nicholas and me that detailed everything that had happened with my father, William Straud, and their accomplices. The truth about their attempts to find Luporath, about the manipulation and murder, and about how they’d been willing to sacrifice anything—and anyone—to achieve their goals.
It took less than an hour for the news to spread worldwide.
By afternoon, social media was ablaze with reactions, most expressing shock and outrage. Pack members from territories from all over were calling for action, for justice, for the guild to step in and address the corruption at its very heart.
When the call came that evening requesting our presence at the guild hall the following morning, I wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or terrified.
“Alpha Reynolds, Luna Reynolds,” Kieran greeted us as we entered the council chamber, his expression unreadable. “Please, be seated.”
Two chairs had been placed in front of the semicircular table. Nicholas and I sat down, and I fought the urge to fidget.
“We’ve called you here today regarding the… significant allegations you’ve made public,” Kieran continued. “Before we proceed, we would like to hear your account, in your own words, of what transpired.”
Nicholas and I exchanged a glance, and he nodded slightly, indicating I should begin. I cleared my throat, ignoring the flutter of nerves in my stomach.
For the next hour, we laid out the entire story—my mother’s death and my father’s involvement, William Straud’s conspiracy to find Luporath, the imprisonment and torture of Grace, the poisoning of my father and subsequent awakening, the attack at the barn that nearly killed Emma.
We held nothing back, even the parts that painted us in a less-than-flattering light.
When we were finished, the chamber was silent. Chairman Kieran’s expression had grown increasingly grave as our tale unfolded, the lines around his mouth deepening with each moment.
“These are… disturbing claims,” he finally said, glancing at the other guild members. “And yet they align with certain… inconsistencies I’ve observed over the years.” He turned to the others. “We will deliberate on this matter privately. Please wait outside.”
We were escorted to the hallway, where we waited for over an hour. I couldn’t stop pacing the entire time, not even when my stomach began to roil with morning sickness and my head felt light. Nicholas gave up trying to get me to stop, and at one point, he wound up just pacing alongside me.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we were called back in.
My heart pounded as we took our places once more before the table. This was it—the moment that would determine our future, our safety, and possibly even our lives.
Chairman Kieran cleared his throat. “After careful consideration of your testimony and the evidence you’ve provided, the council has reached a decision.”
I held my breath, unconsciously reaching for Nicholas’s hand. His fingers closed around mine.
“We believe your account,” Kieran announced, and I nearly sagged with relief. “The council hereby orders the immediate arrest and imprisonment of Mr. Straud and Mr. Sterling, pending trial for their crimes against the pack system and werewolf society at large.”
Nicholas’s grip on my hand tightened slightly, the only outward sign of his reaction.
“Furthermore,” Kieran continued, “the death of Guildsman Gray will not be attributed to either of you. Evidence suggests he was complicit in these crimes and took his own life using silverbite poison to avoid facing consequences.”
I remembered Gray’s body, laying in that cellar. The foam at the corner of his mouth, the blue color of his skin. I nearly shuddered.
“Furthermore,” Kieran went on, “we’d like you to inform Grace that she is welcome to return to society if she wishes. She will be safe.”
I let out a small breath of relief. Grace would like that. At least, I thought she might. She’d grown quite the attachment to her cabin, though.
“And finally…”
He paused, his gaze resting squarely on Nicholas.
“Alpha Reynolds, your actions in uncovering the corruption within our ranks—corruption that I myself have failed to fully expose despite years of suspicion—are not only commendable but worthy of recognition.”
Nicholas straightened slightly beside me, his expression carefully neutral.
“Therefore, by unanimous decision of this council, we hereby appoint you, Nicholas Reynolds, as chairman of the guild, to serve alongside me in leading our institution into a new era of transparency and justice.”
I gasped softly. Nicholas had always dreamed of becoming a chairman. Now it was being handed to him, recognition not just of his lineage or power, but of his integrity and courage.
“Congratulations, Mr. Reynolds,” Kieran said, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his stern mouth. “You deserve this title.”
Nicholas inclined his head. I could tell he was trying to hold back a smile, trying to be professional. I, however, made no effort to hide my own. I let it stretch across my face like a banner. “Thank you, Chairman,” he said. “I am honored by your trust and will work tirelessly to prove worthy of it.”
Kieran then turned his attention to me, and my smile faded when that stern gaze locked onto me.
“Luna Reynolds,” he addressed me formally. “The guild would like to extend its formal apology for our failure to protect you and your mother from those who sought to exploit and harm you.”
I blinked, not having expected an apology. Or much of anything, really.
“Furthermore,” Kieran continued, “in recognition of your courage and leadership in these difficult circumstances, the guild hereby transfers full ownership and Alpha rights of Bluemoon territory to you, should you wish to accept them.”
My jaw nearly dropped. “But… I don’t have a wolf,” I choked out. “The guild always said—”
“You have exhibited more strength, wisdom, and leadership than many werewolves with centuries of lineage behind them,” Kieran cut me off. “Wolf or no wolf, the council believes you are the rightful Alpha of Bluemoon. You always have been. And we are sorry we didn’t see it sooner.”
It was unprecedented. Unheard of. A wolfless Alpha, a woman no less? The very idea flew in the face of everything our society had built itself around. And yet… it felt right. Bluemoon was my home, my birthright.
I glanced at Nicholas, who was watching me with pride shining in his eyes. He nodded slightly, encouraging me to make my own decision.
“I… I accept,” I said. “I will lead Bluemoon to the best of my ability, with or without a wolf.”
Kieran nodded, satisfied with my response. “Very good. Alpha Reynolds will retain leadership of Nightshade territory, while you will assume control of Bluemoon. Together, you will ensure both packs are properly governed. You are free to divide your responsibilities as you see fit.”
It would be a challenge, certainly. Two young Alphas, managing two territories while one of them also served as guild chairman. I’d still be Luna of Nightcrest, of course. Would Nicholas take on the responsibilities that would normally go to the Luna of Bluemoon? We’d have to sit down and seriously plan out our future. But we had handled much worse before, so I wasn’t worried.
“Now,” Kieran said, rising to his feet. The other council members followed suit, standing in a show of respect I had never witnessed before. “Is there anything else the council should address before we adjourn?”
Nicholas and I exchanged a glance. Of course, there was still so much left to uncover. Knowing us, there would always be some mystery, some problem to solve. But right now, we wanted for nothing.
“No, Chairman,” Nicholas finally answered for both of us. “We are satisfied with the council’s decisions.”
Kieran nodded once more, then extended his hand first to Nicholas, then to me. His handshake was firm, his gaze direct and unwavering.
“Very well. I wish you both congratulations, and good luck on your future endeavors.” He bowed his head slightly, a gesture of profound respect from one of the most powerful werewolves in the world.
“Alpha and Luna Reynolds… The guild honors you both.”
