Chapter 41
The journey to Swift River territory stretched for hours through dense forest. I sat stiffly in the second vehicle, maintaining my composure despite the growing tension. Ahead of us, Raymond and Giana rode together in the lead car, occasionally visible when the winding road straightened.
Throughout the trip, I noticed a troubling pattern. Whenever our convoy stopped for brief rests or to navigate difficult terrain, I would approach Raymond to discuss diplomatic preparations. Each time, Giana would quickly pull him aside, whispering urgently.
After these exchanges, Raymond would regard me with increasing coldness, his eyes narrowed with suspicion. The pattern was unmistakable—she was actively poisoning him against me at every opportunity.
"We'll be arriving shortly, Luna," my driver announced as we approached an imposing wooden gate bearing Swift River's ancient crest.
Warriors flanked the entrance, standing at rigid attention as our vehicles passed. I straightened my posture, donning Luna Elena's exquisite circlet and preparing for the formal welcome.
Alpha Dominic and Luna Serena awaited us in the ceremonial courtyard. Both were imposing figures—Dominic tall and silver-haired with penetrating blue eyes that missed nothing, Serena elegant in traditional Luna regalia that emphasized her authority.
"Welcome to Swift River territory," Alpha Dominic announced formally. "We extend our hospitality to Blood Moon Pack."
I stepped forward as tradition dictated, prepared to present our ceremonial gifts—but Raymond abruptly pulled Giana ahead of me, positioning her between himself and the Swift River leaders.
"Alpha Dominic, Luna Serena," Raymond said with forced confidence, "allow me to present Delta Giana, my trusted advisor."
A whisper rippled through the gathered Swift River members. Luna Serena's eyes flickered briefly to me, then back to Raymond, her expression revealing nothing while subtly communicating everything.
"And of course, my Luna, Aurora," Raymond added as an afterthought.
Alpha Dominic's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly before he offered a ceremonial bow. "The Swift River Pack welcomes Blood Moon's Alpha, Luna, and... Delta."
The pause before Giana's title spoke volumes.
"We bring gifts to honor your hospitality," I said, stepping forward with the ceremonial box we had prepared. Inside were rare herbs that grew only in our territory, crafted silver pendants bearing both packs' symbols intertwined, and ancient scrolls detailing our shared history.
Luna Serena accepted the offerings with proper ceremony, her hands forming the traditional gesture of alliance as she touched first her heart, then her forehead. "Swift River Pack receives these gifts with gratitude and returns the honor."
An elder stepped forward, presenting us with their reciprocal offerings—specialized hunting tools forged by their master craftsmen, sacred water from their protected springs, and intricately carved wooden statues representing the founding wolves of both packs.
During the subsequent tour of Swift River's facilities, Giana committed one breach of protocol after another. She interrupted Elder Walsh's explanation of their sacred circle, touched a ceremonial spear despite clear warnings not to handle ritual items, and used an informal greeting when introduced to the pack's most revered elder.
"Our honored ancestors established these protocols to ensure harmony between visiting packs," Elder Walsh explained with strained patience after Giana's third faux pas.
"These seem so outdated," Giana replied with a dismissive laugh. "Don't you think it's time to modernize?"
The elder's expression turned to stone, and several Swift River members exchanged shocked glances.
"Traditions endure because they contain wisdom beyond individual preference," the elder replied with remarkable restraint. "Each gesture and word carries centuries of hard-won peace through blood and sacrifice."
I quickly intervened with diplomatic smoothness. "Elder Walsh, perhaps you could explain the significance of the moonstone circle? Delta Giana has expressed interest in understanding the deeper meanings behind our traditions."
The elder glanced at me gratefully, recognizing my attempt to salvage the increasingly uncomfortable situation.
The welcome feast that evening became another exercise in diplomatic damage control. Raymond seated Giana in my traditional place at his right hand, leaving me displaced and clearly diminished in status. Swift River members exchanged uncomfortable glances, the breach of protocol impossible to ignore.
"Luna Aurora," Luna Serena's voice cut through my discomfort as she approached with graceful purpose. "Would you honor me with your presence at a private tea ceremony? There are traditions I wish to discuss with one who truly appreciates their significance."
Her emphasis on "truly" was subtle but unmistakable.
In the private tea room, several Swift River elders engaged me in detailed discussions of Luna traditions, pointedly ignoring Giana despite her attempts to join the conversation.
"The Silver Moon Treaty of the third cycle established boundaries that have preserved peace for seventeen generations," Elder Rosemary explained, her gnarled fingers tracing the pattern on an ancient map. "Your understanding of these nuances preserves wisdom that might otherwise be lost."
"Your knowledge of the ancient protocols is impressive," she added, studying me with keen eyes. "Particularly for one so young."
"My training began when I was a child," I replied, accepting the ceremonial tea cup with proper reverence. "I've always believed that to lead effectively, one must first understand the foundations upon which we stand."
The elders nodded with clear approval, their pointed exclusion of Giana making their allegiance unmistakable.
When I excused myself briefly, I noticed Giana slipping away from the main building. Instinct propelled me after her, watching as she met briefly with a hooded figure at the territory's edge. Their exchange was quick but intentional, something passing between their hands before the figure melted into the shadows.
I was about to follow when Raymond's voice stopped me. "Spying on our Delta now, Aurora?"
"I was concerned about a guest wandering near the borders alone," I replied evenly.
Raymond stepped closer, voice dropping to a threatening whisper. "I expect you to make Giana feel supported in her new role. Stop undermining her at every turn."
"By pointing out when she violates protocols that could damage relations with our strongest ally?" I challenged.
"She's learning," Raymond snapped. "Unlike you, she doesn't have the luxury of years of—"
A young Swift River messenger interrupted our heated exchange. "Alpha Raymond, urgent news. Your father, Alpha Marcus, and Luna Elena have just arrived at our gates with a full honor guard."
Raymond's face drained of color. "What? I didn't invite them."
"Alpha Dominic did," the messenger replied with a slight bow.
Raymond stormed toward the main hall, finding Alpha Dominic overseeing preparations for the new arrivals.
"You went behind my back?" Raymond demanded loudly, causing conversations to halt throughout the room.
Alpha Dominic regarded him coolly. "I extended an invitation to an honored friend and ally. Is that a problem, Alpha Raymond?"
The challenge in his tone was unmistakable. Raymond fumed but said nothing more as our hosts turned their attention to the new arrivals.
That night, as I prepared for bed in my assigned chamber, I noticed a small piece of parchment tucked beneath my pillow. The handwriting was unmistakably Kane's:
Unfamiliar wolves at north and east borders. Not Swift River. Stay vigilant. I'm watching.
I clutched the note tightly, a mix of fear and relief washing over me. Whatever Giana had planned, at least we weren't facing it completely alone.
I carefully burned the note in the small hearth, watching the paper curl and blacken until nothing remained but ash. No evidence could remain of Kane's presence—not with Raymond already suspicious of our connection.
As I slipped beneath the blankets, my mind raced with possibilities. Giana's meeting at the border, Raymond's increasing hostility, the unexpected arrival of Luna Elena and Alpha Marcus, and now Kane's warning about unfamiliar wolves—all pieces of a puzzle I couldn't yet assemble completely.
One thing was certain: this diplomatic visit had transformed into something far more dangerous than I'd anticipated. As sleep finally claimed me, I resolved to maintain even greater vigilance in the days ahead. Lives might depend on it—perhaps even my own.
