The Alpha's Fated Outcast Rise Of The Moonsinger novel Chapter 331

Lyla

I stood at the head of the war room table, pointing at the map where we'd marked the last known location of the Dark One's forces. "We need scout patrols along these three ridges," I insisted. "If we can identify his new host early enough, we might be able to prevent another full-scale attack."

"The east ridge is still too exposed," I continued, dragging my finger across the parchment. "If he comes through the Vale, we'll be cornered between the cliffs and our own camps."

"We haven't picked up anything from him in six days, Lyla. How about you take it easy and rest? We have already planned out the strategy for an unexpected attack. We have the numbers now and are ready."

I didn't look up. "That's exactly what he wants. Lull us into stillness. Make us soft."

Clarissa crossed her arms. "He's not stupid. He won't charge unless he's sure he can break us."

"That's why we need to stay unpredictable," I said. "We keep rotating the scouts. Every two hours. And I want the eastern watchtower reinforced—double sentries."

Nanny sighed. "You've barely eaten; more than anyone, you need your strength. Just because you're a Moonsinger doesn't mean you're immune to rest."

I bristled at being spoken about as if I were a baby in the midst of grown-ups. "I'm perfectly capable of determining what I should and shouldn't be doing."

"With all due respect," Caius added carefully, "you've been pushing yourself too hard since Nathan's funeral. Even warriors need rest between battles, and we need you more than any of the warriors. But we won't be able to make the most of your power if the Dark One should attack now and you're exhausted."

Luna Vanessa nodded in agreement. "Lyla, please. You need to slow down. Else you'll burn out."

"So what? It is resting and slowing down that got us to this stage. This war has lingered longer than it should have, and I am tired of waiting. If you cannot support me, I will do it with or without your help."

The room went quiet for a heartbeat as everyone stared at me before Lenny cleared his throat gently.

"What she means is…."

"No," I cut in. "They know exactly what I mean. I won't sit around and play guessing games while the world prepares to burn."

Their concern irritated me more than I cared to admit. Yes, I was tired, and yes, the pregnancy was draining my energy faster than expected. But sitting idle while waiting for the next attack felt worse than exhaustion.

"Wars are not won with prophecies," I said sharply, "but by real fighting, not behind the tales of old, blind women."

The room fell silent. I immediately regretted my harsh words, especially when I saw the hurt flash across Nanny's face. She had been trying to explain more about the prophecy to me recently, about my heritage and responsibilities as a Moonsinger, but it was all vague.

Ramsey cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence. "Since we have key leaders from each Werewolf and Lycan pack present, there's something else we need to discuss." He straightened, his presence filling the room. "Blue Ridge Pack needs a new Alpha. It's not wise to leave them without leadership during these uncertain times."

He turned toward Luna Vanessa and Clarissa, who sat together near the centre of the table. "What are your thoughts on this matter?"

Clarissa, dressed in mourning robes since Nathan's death, looked up. "We'd prefer to hear others' suggestions first."

Elder Eldric spoke up immediately. "Since Luna Clarissa is pregnant with Nathan's child, Ramsey could appoint an Alpha Regent until the baby comes of age. That would maintain the bloodline's claim."

"That could take decades," objected Alpha Hayes from Stone Hill Pack. "Blue Ridge needs strong leadership now, not twenty years from now."

"What about Beta Jeremy?" suggested Lenny. "Nathan's father has been effectively running the pack alongside his son since Alpha Logan's death anyway."

Others chimed in with their own ideas—some proposing merging Blue Ridge with one of the packs in the south, others suggesting council leadership until a suitable Alpha emerged naturally.

When they had all spoken, Luna Vanessa nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you all for your input." Her voice was measured and dignified. "As an Elder of Blue Ridge and the widow of Alpha Logan, I've made my decision. Our children will rule in their father's stead."

A lot of the people present nodded their heads in agreement, and I smiled when I saw that most of them assumed she was speaking about baby Logan, her infant son with Alpha Logan—my stepbrother.