Tangled

323 Ava: Luna's First Trial (II)

I blink, taken aback by their united front. My gaze shifts between Vester and Vanessa, trying to process their suggestion. A knot forms in my stomach as the implications of their words sink in. "You're suggesting that I lie." My words come out flat. Disappointment churns in my chest. Vanessa shakes her head. "No, Luna. Not lie. We're suggesting a strategic approach to the truth."

"A strategic approach to the truth," I repeat, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. "That sounds an awful lot like lying by omission."

Vester steps forward, his expression earnest. "Luna, please understand. The pack is already on edge. If they were to learn that their Alpha's condition caused such widespread aggression, it could destabilize us further." 2

I run a hand through my hair, even though it isn't in my face. My hands just need something to do. They're shaking. "But isn't honesty important? How can I expect the pack to trust me if I'm not forthcoming with them?"

"Trust is built on more than just raw honesty," Vanessa says gently. "Sometimes, it's about providing the stability and leadership the pack needs, even if that means carefully managing certain truths."

My eyes dart to Aurum, still lounging on the floor. His golden gaze meets mine, and for a moment, I wish I could ask him what he thinks. But he can't answer, can he? And even if he could, would the wolf understand the nuances of pack politics?

I wish Lucas was here to take these reins. I'm not fit to make these decisions.

But he's not.

It's pointless to sit here and whine about it.

"It feels wrong," I tell them, though their words make too much sense.

Grimoire's voice echoes in my mind. Politics is rarely about what feels right, little witch. It's about

what works.

I almost snort out loud. Of course he'd say that. I'm not sure he has much empathy for people's struggles.

Empathy isn't what keeps you alive.

Selene, surprisingly, chimes in as well. The book isn't wrong. Sometimes protecting the pack requires tough choices.

Their input only adds to my inner turmoil. I've never been good at lying, even by omission. But then again, I've never been responsible for an entire pack before.

"Luna," Vester says, his voice softer now. "We're not asking you to fabricate a story. We will not punish any of these wolves for their actions. It is nothing more than window dressing. A quick hearing, listen to their words, and tell them to be careful in the future. We're addressing the situation, we are just not revealing certain details."

10:59

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323 Ava: Luna's First Trial (II)

His words soothe me. A little, anyway. "And what would that look like, exactly?"

Vanessa steps closer, her expression sympathetic. "You would hold the hearing as normal. Listen to their accounts, show understanding for their actions while still emphasizing the importance of pack unity and control. Then, you'd issue a fair judgment. Knowing they weren't in their right mind, you can attribute it to stress and tell them you're letting it go this time, with a warning for

the future."

I chew on my lower lip, weighing the options. On one hand, the idea of withholding information from the pack feels fundamentally wrong. On the other, I can see the logic in their argument. If the pack loses faith in Lucas's ability to lead, especially now when we're so vulnerable...

Those alpha challenges will roll in like a storm.

Am I willing to risk that over a little thing like morals?

Okay, yes, morals are a big thing. A big, big thing. But so is my mate's life.

"What about when Lucas regains control?" I ask. "Won't the pack feel betrayed if they find out

later?"

Vester shakes his head. "By then, the situation will have stabilized. And if handled correctly, it may never need to come to light at all."

The weight of the decision is on my shoulders, not theirs. But their faces are drawn, too. Vanessa's eyes are a little red, as if she hasn't slept. Vester's face is grim and tight.

They aren't taking this lightly.

They care about their pack. Just like Lucas does.

I look at Aurum again, his massive form a reminder of just how precarious our situation is. Then to Selene, her blue eyes watching me intently. What do you think? I ask her silently.

I think you need to decide what kind of leader you want to be, she replies, maddeningly unhelpful.

1

I'm not here to make your decisions for you, Ava. I'm here to support the decisions you make. Unless you want to start eating someone's pups. Well, obviously I'm not going to do anything that horrible.

Then what are you worried about?

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "Okay," I say finally, my voice steadier than I feel. "I'll do it. But I want to be clear-we're not lying." Vanessa and Vester exchange a look of relief.

"That's a wise decision, Luna," Vester says, his face a little more relaxed than before. Not by much, but some.

This choice doesn't rest comfortably in my heart, but the necessity is clear in my mind. Maybe it's a terrible decision. Maybe it's objectively wrong. But it's the decision I've made. I'll take 10:59

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323 Ava: Luna's First Trial (II)

responsibility for it.

"When should we hold this hearing?"

"As soon as possible," Vanessa suggests. "The sooner we address this, the less time there is for rumors to spread."

"Alright," I agree, straightening my posture. "Let's aim for this afternoon, then. Vester, can you arrange for the involved parties to be brought to... where do we usually hold these hearings?"

"The main lodge would be appropriate," he replies. "Most will not attend the hearing, but it has space in case they wish to."

"Perfect. Have them brought to the lodge at..." I glance at the clock, calculating, "...three o'clock. That should give us enough time to prepare." And by prepare, I mean I need a shower. And maybe to find some clothes that make me look a little more authoritative and less like a homeless child. 2