KIARA’S POV
“Did she buy it?” I asked apprehensively the moment Richard returned.
“She did. You were right. She is proud and arrogant. We just had to play the flattering card. She was gracious enough to give you five days to mourn the death of your mate. But…”
“But what…”
“I have a feeling that we can’t trust her to keep quiet. She is probably planning something.”
“I know that, Richard. She is slier than a fox. We have to remain alert at all times. I let out a deep sigh and asked, “Did the Alphas agree to the meeting?”
“Yes they did… but it did require some convincing.”
I felt a sudden queasy sensation in my stomach and bile rose to my throat. I rushed to the bathroom and threw up violently. By the time I was done, I felt drained to my bones.
The whirring sound of the flush resounded behind me as I trudged outside slowly.
“Are you alright, Luna? If you want we can cancel the meeting.” Richard said in a worried smile.
I groaned slightly as I placed my hand on my stomach. Drawing in a deep breath I said, “I am fine. It is just the pregnancy. Go and prepare for the meeting…”
“But Luna…”
“We don’t have the luxury to cancel the meeting, Richard. It would be nearly impossible to get them to meet again. So, just go and make preparations.”
He bowed and was about to leave when I called out, “Don’t tell Nivaan or Valence anything? They will probably try to keep me cooped up in a room. You know we can’t afford that…”
I closed my eyes and placed my hand on my stomach. My lips stretched into a weak smile as I thought about the little one growing in my womb.
I couldn’t imagine him growing up without his father’s love. No! The moon goddess could not be so ruthless. I was sure that Kevin was alive. He would return to us soon…
***
I drew in deep breaths to calm myself. It was as if every nerve in my body was tingling with nervousness. It didn’t help that my head felt light and the queasy sensation in my stomach hadn’t settled yet.
The large wooden door creaked open as I gave it a slight shove. Four pairs of eyes turned towards me, grilling into me.
I don’t know where I found the courage from but I did walk up to the head of the table and sat with grace. My voice sounded a bit squeaky as I said, “The Luna of the Mystical Pack welcomes you.” I looked at each one in the eye as I addressed them one by one, “Alpha Rodreo, Alpha Knossos, Alpha Alex, and Alpha Orville.
All I got in return were dirty looks. They didn’t even nod in acknowledgment. There was no point in beating about the bush. They were obviously not interested in developing friendly relationships with me.
I cleared my throat and said, “We all know that Ariana slaughtered Alpha Gilkins and his men ruthlessly…” I just couldn’t bring myself to say Kevin’s name. So, I left him out of it.
Drawing in a deep breath I tried to say in a confident voice, “We are planning to retaliate and…”
Before I could complete my sentence Alpha Rodreo piped in, “I have already made it abundantly clear that I am not willing to go on a suicide mission! Why call us again and waste our time?”
“I wouldn’t dare Alpha Rodreo. There have been new developments that will ensure that ours is not a suicide mission.”
Alpha Oriville burst out laughing and said, “I would like to know what makes you think you can fight against the witches. Are you that gullible?”
I smiled at him pleasantly and replied, “I am not gullible Alpha. I just like to be prepared. One of my comrades is a witch too. She knows how to keep us protected from magic…”
“And how will she do that?” Rodreo asked crossing his arms.
“Unfortunately, I can’t disclose the details unless you pledge allegiance to our pack. I am sure you all will understand this…”
Alpha Orville scratched his head and said, “Even if you have a way to fight against the witches, what is there in this for us?”
“The Golden Box has been compromised and the spell has been broken. So, the witches are free to use magic in Auroville. As far as I know, Ariana’s intentions are quite clear. She wants to rule over Auroville. Sooner or later, she will come for all of you…”
Though I was desperate for an answer, I had to give them some space if I wanted them to think with an open mind. My presence would only cloud their judgment.
Jumping to my feet I said, “I will let you think over this.” I walked out but before leaving I popped my head through the door and added, “Maybe, this is the only chance you have… Once Ariana has defeated us, she will become stronger…”
Then, I closed the door lightly and trudged back to my bedroom. I could see the stars dance in front of my eyes. this had turned out to be more draining than I imagined.
I flopped on the bed with my head nestled in my hands. I didn’t know what would happen next. I didn’t know how I would manage to defeat an army of witches and werewolves when I couldn’t even shift. But, I knew what I was fighting for.
All my life I had accepted whatever fate doled out to me but not this time. This time I would fight against it till my last breath.