Chapter Eighty Nine - When She Turns - Damian's POV

The hall feels colder than usual as we walk through it. Each step feels heavier than the last. I barely am able to contain the fire simmering beneath my skin. Maya walks quietly beside me, her face a mask of emotions. Her presence is the only thing keeping my wolf contained. The door to the main hall is open when we arrive. Most of the pack is already here and ready to hear what we have to say. Conversations fall to murmurs the second we step inside. All eyes are on us, including Luce's. Maya stiffens slightly, and I instinctively move a half step in front of her. Not because I think she needs protection, but because I need to shield her from the scrutiny of their gazes. My eyes move to Luce's, who is leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, wearing a satisfied smirk like she's been waiting her whole life for this moment. Tiffany stands nearby, tension rolling off of her in waves. Her eyes dart between me and Luce. Evelyn catches my eye and gives a slight nod. She spread the world before Luce had a chance to do much damage. I clear my throat to address them. 'Everyone, you're probably wondering why I've called a meeting." No one answers, but no one looks away either. So, I continue. 'There has been someone in the pack who wishes to cause harm to the future luna. I thought I was clear when I said she is the key to the prophecy, but some of you must not understand what that means. And I'm only going to say this one more time. She is here because she was meant to be. Maya is not a threat or an outsider. She is one of us now and mine. Very much mine." The last words hang in the air like a brand. It's now or never. Luce laughs mockingly. 'Yours? Or the prophecy? It doesn't say anything specifically that you have to mate with the one who is fated, does it? Where I'm standing, it looks like you're confusing the words with foolishness." Maya flinches beside me, but I don't look away from Luce. 'Careful, you're treading close to a line you won't be able to go back from." Her gaze narrows. 'I'm not the only one concerned. You've gone soft. You've risked our lives for someone who doesn't even understand what it means to be a wolf." 'She's learning," Evelyn says from across the room. 'And she's done nothing to deserve what you are trying to do. She's human and until she is fully willing, she can't be bitten and claimed. The prophecy will take time and you know it requires the fated one to be willing." 'She's not even one of us," Luce snaps. 'And if she wants to be, then she should have to prove herself just like any other luna." There it is. The challenge. It's not direct, but heavily implied. Silence falls again. 'Are you issuing a challenge? Because if it is, it won't be for luna. I'll accept it as a challenge against me and snap your neck." Luce doesn't even blink. 'If she wants to stay, then she should be prepared to defend her place. That's how it has always been and you can't step in for her. Isn't that right, elders?" Her gaze moves to the elders and I feel Maya stiffen beside me. The tension in her body is taunt and she trembles. But I don't give Luce the satisfaction. Instead, I let the answer roll through me. 'Then I hope you're ready. Because if you push this, I will be stepping in. She is human and the one who will free us of the curse looming over us. I won't risk her death. Once she has accepted it, if you want to challenge her after that, then I will allow it." Luce's smile slips for a moment. And in that moment, I know this isn't over with her, but the elders accept what I've said. The moment stretches, taut as wire. The silence weighs heavier than any shouted argument. Around us, pack members shift. Some are relieved, but others are barely contained, which tells me just how many are against this and believe in Luce. No one speaks until the eldest of the council, Marrak, rises slowly from a seat near the far wall. I had almost thought he hadn't shown up because I didn't see him over everyone else's head. His voice is grave with age. 'The law has always been clear. A challenge can't be issued to one who has not accepted the bond. Maya has not consented to being claimed. Therefore, no challenge can be issued. This means Luce's declaration is null and void." A ripple of murmured agreement follows. Luce's eyes narrow as she looks at the others. This isn't going the way she hoped. Her jaw ticks with annoyance. 'So, what? We all are just going to wait until she decides if she wants to play queen to your cursed throne? If she's even the key, then what? Does she get a pass and not earn it?" Marrak stares down at her. 'You would be wise to remember your place. This is not about titles." Luce's mouth opens as if to argue, but Tiffany steps forward before she can get another word in. 'You've said your piece and you've embarrassed yourself enough. If you truly care about the pack, you'll stop trying to tear us apart over the one person who will save us." Luce's stare turns icy, first to Tiffany, then to me, and finally to Maya. But she doesn't speak again. Instead, she turns sharply and storms out of the hall, the sound of her footsteps echoing like thunder. Evelyn rushes to Maya's side, pulling her close. 'It's going to be okay." Marrak turns to me. 'You've bought her time, so use it wisely. Don't stop her training. She'll need it when she's turned. If she's standing beside you in the end, she'll have to be strong enough to hold her position." I nod. 'She will be." I believe it and don't have a choice. But as soon as the room starts to break apart, the pack disperses and I can't ignore the weight on my shoulders. This was just the first shot fired and won't be the last. The war is only beginning. I watch the last of the pack slip through the heavy doors. The tension doesn't fade, even with them gone from the room. This room has seen blood spilled before, and it might again soon if Luce keeps pushing her luck. I turn to Maya. She stands stiffly, Evelyn still holding onto her as if she might collapse at any moment. Her eyes are wide. I don't blame her. She just got pulled into old traditions that is hard to be prepared for when you are human. But she hasn't run, and that means something. I close the small space between us. 'She won't stop, will she?" Maya asks softly. I shake my head. 'No, not until someone puts her in her place, but I'm not worried." Her lips press into a thin, tight line, and I can see so many questions storming behind her eyes. She simply nods, pulling free of Evelyn's arms, and comes closer to me. I gently wrap my arm around her shoulders, mostly out of shock. 'We have time and we'll continue your training." The prophecy may have chosen us, but I'm choosing her. And I'll burn this whole world before I let her be taken down. Right as I pull her closer, Simon comes running through the doors, panting for breath. 'It's a rival pack. They're here, and it's going to be a fight."