Lala’s words about my father keep echoing in my mind, haunting me.
I try to push them away so that I can focus on the task at hand–preparing for the upcoming negotiations and the competition.
But they cling to me, tight, like claws digging into my chest, scratching at the edges of my thoughts.
I know she said those things to get under my skin, to provoke me, but there’s something in her voice, something cold and calculated, that makes me wonder if she knows more than she’s letting on.
Why would she even bring up my father? What connection could she possibly have to him?
I refuse to let myself dwell on it.
But then the reports come in. Rairity is the one who gives them to me, a frown creasing her forehead as she hands over the folder filled with data.
“Lila’s been accessing confidential Windhowl financial records,” she says, her voice low, barely above a whisper.
My heart stops. “What?”
Kairity nods, her eyes flickering with concern. “She’s been telling people–telling everyone–that you’ve mismanaged Windhowl’s resources. That the pack’s finances are in disarray, that you’re not fit to lead.”
I feel the world shift beneath me. The floor seems to tilt, and for a second, I wonder if I’m going to fall I swallow hard, forcing myself to stay steady.
This is just another game, another play in a larger battle. But the sting of betrayal is undeniable.
It cuts deeper than I want to admit.
“Some of the younger councilors are already questioning your ability to lead, Siena,” Rairity continues. “This could-
“I know,” I interrupt, my voice sharper than I mean it to be. “I know what this means.”
I want
to scream. I want to throw something to break the walls down, to tear apart every lie Lila has spread. But that would only make it worse, wouldn’t it? It would only confirm everything she’s told them about me.
I look at Kairity, trying to hold onto the last shred of composure I have. “What do you suggest?”
Rairity hesitates for a moment before speaking. “The council’s already listening to her, Siena. They’re already making their judgment. But you… you’ve got to face this head–on. Don’t give them the chance to doubt you.”
I nod slowly. She’s right. If I back down now, if I try to deny the accusations or make excuses, it’ll only confirm that I’m weak, that I’m afraid. I can’t afford to show weakness–not now, not ever.
I take a deep breath and push my anger down, forcing myself to think clearly. “Til meet this challenge. Directly.”
Kairity looks at me, uncertainty flickering in her eyes, but she doesn’t argue. “I believe in you,” she says quietly. “But be careful. Lila’s dangerous. She’ll do whatever it takes to make you look bad.”
I don’t respond. I don’t need to. I already know. But I can’t back down. I can’t let her have this victory.
I cannot let her eat me alive anymore than she already has
10:20 MUIT, 21 AD
Chapter 19
My nerves are strung faut. There’s too much on the line. Too much for me to lose.
It’s true, I had given my speech. I won the points Windhowd needed, I had laid down an irrefutable plan of action.
This is not the end–it can’t be
Stepping into the conference room, I force myself to stand tall, to project confidence, even though my insides feel like they’re being shredded by the weight of it all.
I glance at the other delegates, the representatives seated across from me. They look composed, ready. They’re expecting a game of cat and mouse, expecting me to dance around the issues, to offer them polished, carefully rehearsed answers
But I don’t
Instead, I take a breath, gather my thoughts, and open my mouth, my voice calm but firm as I address them. “Windhow has suffered.” I say, meeting their eyes, refusing to look away, “Our pack has faced adversity. But we have learned from it. We’ve become stronger, more resilient, more innovative.”
There’s a slight pause, a hesitation that ripples through the room.
They weren’t expecting this.
They weren’t expecting honesty, especially not from someone they’ve been told is nothing more than a figurehead, a pawn to the Alpha King.
I continue, pushing past the surge of doubt that wants to rise in me. “Our resources are limited, yes. But we’ve turned those limitations into opportunities. And I have a plan–a comprehensive plan–to turn Windhowl’s weaknesses into strengths.”
I pull out the development plan that I’ve spent weeks crafting, the one that could turn everything around for Windhowl. It’s bold, it’s risky, but it’s honest. And it’s the only way forward.
This will take far more than charismatic words.
