28: Iris
I returned in a daze to the room to find Abel already fast asleep. The sight of Abel’s peaceful sleep was a stark contrast to the turmoil that had unfolded His small body was curled up under the thin blanket, his breathing steady and even. For a moment, I envied his innocence, his ability to find solace in sleep despite the horrors that had transpired
I moved sdenly, not wanting to disturb him. My mind replayed
ed the events in an endless loop–the cheers of the crowd, the weight of the sword, the lifeless eyes of my father Isank into a chair by the windows, my body heavy with exhaustion, but my mind too restless to even consider sleep Hours passed in a blur, the grey light of dawn giving way to the harsh brightness of day. But Abel did not stironer, a grace that I was glad for. I did not know how I was going to face him after what I had just done.
A knock on that door spooked me out of my thoughts, dread pooling instantly in my gut. What was happening again! With trepidation. I made my way to the door and opened to see a guard
“Luna” be bowed in greeting. It was the first time that any worker in the castle had ever even greeted not talk of referring to me by a title.
I nodded. “Yes!” I asked.
“You are needed in the Alpha’s throne room.” he said.
A lump formed in my throat, but I swallowed it down and attempted to put up a bold front. “Okay.” I replied. “Lead the way.” I did not even bother changing my dress, which was still stained with spots of my father’s blood.
I arrived at the throne rooms, preceded by the guard. “The Luna is here, Alpha,” he announced my arrival.
Dread gnawed at me as I stood in the center of the throne room. I looked around to see every member of the royal family, including lone. The usual smug and conniving expression on Rolan’s face had been replaced with obvious displeasure. It looked like his plan did not go as he had intended. The Zeca’s elders, too, were present with their condescending looks and pompous presence. There were others that I didn’t recognise were also present. By the air of authority that they exuded, they were high–ranking officials in that pack. Both men and women were in black uniforms that matched Cassian’s usual attire,
“Welcome Luna” Cassian was the first to acknowledge my presence without using a glare, unlike many of the others present.
1 bowed low. “Alpha,” I greeted, mirroring him. “I was told that my attention was needed”
Cassian sat on his throne, his piercing gaze never left me as I stood before him, the weight of the room’s collective scrutiny bearing down on me. The silence was heavy, expectant. I forced myself to remain steady, drawing on reserves of strength I wasn’t sure I possessed.
“Indeed, Luna” Cassian began, his voice echoing in the large room. There are matters of great importance to discuss ones that concem the future of our pack and your role within ir ”
He gestured for me to step closer. I did so, feeling the eyes of everyone present following my every move as though measuring me for a casket. Cassian’s expression was inscrutable, but there was a subtle softness in his gaze. One that I could not quite thom its mearing
“First and foremost,” be continued, “You must be introduced formally to those who aid in maintaining the balance of our great pack
He gestured around him at those who still looked upon me with less than obvious hatred. “You know my family, as they are now yours as well. But there are other that you will need to have knowledge of Cassian gestured to the group of Zetas who looked like they would prefer to be anywhere else.
“Introduce yourself to our new Lum,” he asked.
Begrudgingly, one finally spoke. The eldest Zeta, a tall man with silver hair and a scar rumming down his cheek, stepped forward reluctantly. He gave
stiff bow before straightening and addressing me with a formal tone.
“I am Zeta Marcus, chief advisor and head of the council of elders,” he began his voice carrying a hint of disdain. “It is a duty to counsel the Alpha and ensure the traditions and laws of our pack are upheld.”
He glanced at Cassian, then back at me, his eyes cold and scrutinizing. It is unusual for one so…new to be given such a position. We will be watching closely
I inclined my head in acknowledgment, suppressing the urge to look away from his stern gaze. The next elder, a stern–faced woman with piercing blue eyes, stepped forward.
“I am Zeta Flara, responsible for training and discipline within the pack,” she said curly. “Strength and loyalty are paramoun. I expect you to understand the weight of your new role.”
Her gaze was penetrating, as if trying to gauge my wombine. I nodded again, feeling a mix of anger and determination building within me. The other Zetas introduced themselves in a similar fashion, each one seemingly more displeased with my presence than the last.
Cassion watched silently, his expression unreadable but for the occasional flicker of assement in his eyes. When the introductions were complete, he rose from his throne, his commanding presence filling the room as it always did.
“Thank you, Zetas,” he said, his tone booking no argument. Your concerns are noted. However, Luna Iris has already proven her loyalty and strength in ways that few could. She is to be respected and supported as she takes on her new responsibilities”
Ha words were met with a murmur of reluctant agreement, and I felt a surge of gratitude towards him, despite the complex emotions rolling inside
- e. Cassian then turned his attention to his other side, where the other officials dressed in black were.
“On my side here are the Gammas,” Cassian continued, then regarded them. “Introduce yourself to our new Luna.“
Unlike the Zeta, their faces were unreadable, musks of neutrality. I could not tell what they were thinking or how they felt towards me…
One stepped forwand, a tall, lithe woman with dark hair tied back in a severe firald. Her eyes were slurp and calculating
Tam Gamma Selene, head of explounge and intelligence,” she began, her voice low and precise. “We work in the shadows to protect the pack from estenial and buenal threats, Our methods are unmentional, but nur resides are undeniable,”
She glanced at Cassian, then fuck at me, her gaze assessing, “We value stealth, vigilance, and loyalty above all. Prove yourself capable, and we w ensure you remain informed and secure,” It sounded like a dare
Dinclined my head, acknowledging her role mid absorbing her words. She looked like the last person in the world in mess with
Anodier Gamina, a stocky man with a searroil face and piercing greeneyes, stepped forward next. “Tam Gamma Thone, in charge of reconnaissance and covert operations,” he said: “Our task is to gather intelligence, salintage enemy plam, and strike vwildy and sidetely when needed”
I nodded, feeling a little bit more overwhelmed with each introduction. The other Gammas introduced themnelves as well, each one emphasizing the critical nature of their roles in protecting, the pack.
Cassian watched silently, and when they were dour, he thanked them. Then he turned to that built man beside him. If Cassian was the tallest perinn that I had ever laid eyes on, this one had to be the second,
Cassins gestured to him. “Introduce youmeln”
When the man’s brown eyes landed ons toe, I involuntarily helmy breath. Lovely to make your acquaintance,” he said. “I am Beta Landon” he introduced with a wink that caught me so off guand, laughter tore out of my that. When was the last time that I experienced such open warmth‘ ft was scary that I could not recall. It had been so long, lone had been kind, huu Landon was a different type of friendliness. It felt foreign but pleasant.
“Nice to meet you too, Beta Landon,” I replied with a pleasant expression that mirrored his own.
Trave, everyone except for the Luna,”–
Cassian’s order sucked away the flicker of joy. My smile faded as I felt the atmosphere shift once more as the room began to empty. The Zetas and Gammas filed out silently, then the royal family, Only Casian and I remained, the vast throne room suddenly feeling even larger and more oppressive
“Iris,” Cassian whispered, before his fingers gently grasped my chin inclining my face up to his. “I understand that today has been difficult.” he began. his to surprisingly gentle. “But it was crucial”
I nodded, the events of the day still raw in my mind. ‘Tunderstand. Alpha.” I replied.
He studied me for a moment, his piercing eyes softening slightly. “I did not bring you here to intimidate you, Iris. I brought you here to show you the support system that surrounds you, flawed though it may be.”
I took a deep breath, absorbing his words “Tappreciate that, Alpha,” I managed.
In places like this, I am Cassian to you,” he mid. “You mast have questions plaguing you. Ask away.”
I nodded. “But doesn’t this change everything! I am simply supposed to give you an heir. Why a
vall of thie
“It’s simple, Iris. Convenience,” he answered.
“Convenience!” I asked, confused.
“You have no home to go back to, and I need a Luma to present a united front for my pack. We need balance, and you can grant that by being by my side. You need a home, a place to call yours, let this be that place. For the mentione,” He added. “It will come with its challenges, but anything is better thun being a packless rogue or a fugitive of your former pack.”
Understanding dawned on me slowly, and I found myself nodding in relictant agreement. Cassian’s words made sense in a harsh, pragmatic way Despite my initial resistance, there was a strange comfort in the idea of having a place to belong, even if it was within the confines of this unfamiliar pock
“But schon about Abel!” Lasked, the concem for my brother weighing heavily on my mind “He’s just a child. How will he fit into all of this?
Cassian’s expression softened, a hint of empathy flickering in his eyes. “Abel will be cared for, Iris. He is part of your family, and therefore, part of
Tensure that he is projected and provided for, just as I would for any member of our pack.”
mune as we
His words offered some measure of resaanrance, laut Léouldn’t shake the feeling of uncine that lingered in the pit of my stomach. The thought of Abel being thrust into this unfamiliar world, filled with politics and power struggles, made my heart ache. But there was no home to go back to. No pareat to care for him. I was all he had left.
“He will have you and me as well,” Cassian assured, as though reading my mind.” And I will protect you as a husband does his wife,”
If I could protect the only family Had left, I would take the opportunity, however unorthodox it was. He would be cared for. He would never be Inuri again. I would ensure his safety the way I could not exaure my chill’s or my mother’s. Flocked eyes with Cowsin, his dark eyes bore into ine But it was a gaze without a hint of malice or cruelty. However, unconventional my relationship with him was, he had shown himself to be a far better on than Kavriel had ever been. I was better off with a man that would defend me in the eyes of all Claim me as his wife and as leader of his pack. I was fortunate to have an be my Inshaal, even if the reasons were not the most usual. But it was enough. I would not be ungrateful even if it would not always be the case. Right there I made my decision.
“Thank you, Cassian,” Inclined my head. “I promise to uphold my vows as your wife and as Luna of your pack
“Of our pack,” he corrected quietly. “In our park, wise,”
My heart skipped a brat, my stomach lunched, but it was nowhere near an unpleasant feeling looked away so he would not see my cheeks flush.
“And Tris…” He said, his valer becoming even more gentle. Hooked up at him again, he retrieved a parchment. “Your father left you a letter.”
29: Iris
