Chapter Sixteen
Louise's POV
The moment the servant's voice reached my ears, my blood boiled.
"Alpha King requests an urgent council meeting he seeks the presence of you lady tess, Luna Louise, you are not invited."
My hands curled into fists.
Not invited? Me?
The audacity.
My jaw clenched. "Not invited?" I muttered under my breath, my teeth gnawing at my anger.
Tess, standing beside me, placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.
"Maybe it's for a different issue, and it's better you aren't there"
I shook her off. "Better? Tess, better for who? For him? No. I won't stay out of something that I know will concerns me my destiny my right!"
Tess sighed softly, her hand lingering briefly on mine. "If you go, be careful. Don't let your anger control you."
I ignored her warning. Anger was my fuel.
And today… that fuel would burn through the palace walls.
I stormed toward the council chamber, my shoes echoing against the marble floors. Every step reminded me that I was no longer just a visitor or an outsider. I was something more… something that bastard is trying to sideline.
Third-Person POV
The council room smelled faintly of burning candles and aged wood. Kyle, seated at the head of the table, frowned as the elders shuffled papers. Dave and Lypon flanked him, their expressions calm but alert.
Louise stopped just inside the doorway, taking in the room in one sweeping glance. Burgundy red silk hugged her form, embroidered with threads that glinted like molten gold. Her hair was styled to perfection, her presence commanding the space like she had always belonged.
Kyle's sharp gaze fell on her. His jaw tightened. "Luna Louise… this is unexpected."
"I could say the same about your attempt to sideline me," Louise replied, her voice steady, but edged with fire.
Whispers rippled through the room. Elder Oslo raised a brow, while Elder Kappa leaned forward, curiosity piqued.
Louise's eyes flicked to Kyle. "You fear me because of a prophecy? Because of some mark or destiny you don't understand? You call it a threat… but it's simply my right. I am the Divine Mendora Luna, chosen to serve this kingdom alongside it's king. And I will not be silenced."
She lifted her hands subtly, and faint wisps of silver light swirled around her fingers, the subtle shimmer of her newly awakened power.
Kyle's lips pressed into a thin line. He could feel it her strength, her presence. It gnawed at the walls of his control. "You cannot just.."
"I can," Louise interrupted, stepping closer. "Other women in this kingdom hold power. Queens, warriors, shamanesses… and yet, you try to make me smaller than I am. Why? Why can't I have the same rights as them?"
Elder Oslo's voice broke the tension. "She has a point, Alpha. Her power is undeniable. Her presence… vital. Sideling her would be a mistake."
Elder Kappa nodded, adding, "This Luna is not only strong, but clever. She commands respect. The pack needs her at your side,hell even the entire kingdom not hidden behind doors."
Dave and Lypon exchanged glances, both leaning slightly forward. "We agree," Dave said firmly. "Her place is with the council. Her judgment can't be ignored."
Kyle's fists clenched at his sides. Inside, old fears clawed at him memories of betrayal, of loss, of his mother's greed that nearly destroyed the family dynasty. But Louise… she was not her. Not even close. And yet… the sting of the prophecy, the mark, the sheer force of her presence it rattled him more than he would ever admit.
Louise's eyes met his, unwavering, fierce. "I will not be cast aside. Not by destiny, not by you, and certainly not by fear. Accept me, Alpha… or be left behind as the kingdom moves forward."
A tense silence fell. Then Elder Kappa leaned back, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Elder Oslo gave a subtle nod. Kyle's lips tightened, and for the first time, he realized… she had won.
Third-Person POV
Later that night, in a dark, eerie room far from the council chamber, hooded figures gathered. Wicked grins curled across their faces as they whispered among themselves.
"She grows stronger," one hissed.
"And his mind," another added, "already begins to fracture under the weight of his past."
Laughter echoed through the shadows, malicious and low. They reveled in the idea that Louise's sudden rise in power might destabilize the Alpha further.
Kyle's POV
The door to my private quarters creaked open, and Elder Mareth stepped inside. Her presence carried quiet authority.
"You cannot let your past dictate your future, Kyle," she said softly, eyes piercing. "Louise is not your mother. She is not greedy, nor relentless. She shows no trace of her destructive habits. Your mother made choices out of selfishness. Louise… is different."
I scowled, pacing the room. "She is too powerful. Too… untamed."
Mareth shook her head. "She is your mate, Kyle. Not your enemy. Love her, build with her, enjoy your time with her ,stop fearing shadows from your past. She is the future, and you need her by your side."
Her words struck deeper than I wanted to admit. I wanted to resist, to retreat into control and tradition, but… a part of me knew she was right.
And somewhere in the back of my mind, a spark of realization formed I had been given a second chance. Not to repeat history, but to forge something new.
Louise's POV
I sat in my chambers later, the glow from my new powers still faintly illuminating the room. Tess lingered nearby, always vigilant.
"You… overheard him?" I asked softly.
Tess nodded. "Yes. He fears what your powers could do… like his mother once did. But I think… he will come around."
A strange calm settled in my chest. For the first time, I felt not just purpose… but direction.
"I won't be sidelined," I whispered to myself. My wolf stirred, senses tingling.
"Not by destiny. Not by him. Not by anyone."
Tonight marked the first night I claimed my place not just as the Divine Mendora Luna, but as a force Kyle would have to respect and fear.