Chapter 205

• Meadow is silent, Sierra too, and the people's will are deafening me even in their sudden silence. I’m defeated. I can feel the rebellion around me, that despite seeing me rightfully as their Luna, they refuse to follow this command. I know I won't stand a chance in changing minds; all I can do is make a request. Hope, they listen.
• “I won’t lead you to death…. but I can’t stop you from coming. All I can ask is that you be smart. That you think about your skill set and the ones who need you here. Femmes, children, mates… that if you show up to come with me, you know you might not return. Don’t come if you know you won’t survive it. Don't be a martyr and give your life in vain. Future is as important as the fights we endure today.” I have no other way to try and persuade them, and I’m grasping at straws, wishing to God Colton was here. He would know what to do and say, and he would alpha tone them if they continued insisting on this stupid plan. He would never let the word of the pack out rule his decision this way. He would make them tremble if they dared question something he ordered. But then, Luna is not Alpha; her will is soft and gentle, not borne from being a seasoned warrior. Isn’t that why they rule as one?
• “I know it wasn’t the plan, Chica, but with the numbers…… you can’t deny it swings things in our favor.” Meadow’s caving too, seeing the way the packs swaying to protect me, and she can’t argue with it because she never agreed to me going in the first place. Tears roll down my face as I scan all the lowered heads and try to blot out the sea of emotions invading me from all sides. I can no longer tell what’s them and me, but it’s draining, and I’m suddenly too tired to keep fighting. I want an end to all of this.