Cassian – POV
I pinched the bridge of my nose in annoyance as the council chamber descended into another heated uproar.
"Alpha, I still think we should have her executed. She's a danger to our pack," Luke said, his voice cutting through the noise. His suggestion sparked another round of agreement and dissent in equal measure.
"She is the cure to the curse," Leticia interjected, silencing the room in an instant. "A white wolf is a direct messenger of the Moon Goddess."
My eyes flicked over the older wolves seated to my right. Their expressions were sour, like they'd bitten into something rotten.
As expected, I smirked inwardly.
If Elara really was the cure, it would erase their excuse to challenge my authority. And they wouldn't be able to question my position as Alpha anymore. That wouldn't sit well with any of them—especially the ones who had been quietly plotting my fall.
Luke huffed, arms crossed. "She could be a spy from the rival packs."
"What if she was sent to destroy us? To get in under the guise of some so-called legend?" one of the older wolves barked. Another joined in quickly after.
I wasn't surprised. They were desperate for any reason to remove her from the picture. My eyes shifted to two others—Skylar's father and Leon's. The same bastards whose sons returned half-dead after trying to ambush me near Midnight Ridge.
I leaned forward with a casual smile. "What do you two think?"
They both stiffened, avoiding my gaze.
"We support whatever decision you make, Alpha," they muttered almost in unison.
Cowards.
They'd sent their sons to where they assumed I'd be vulnerable, hoping to deliver a blow to my power without getting their own hands dirty. But they underestimated me. As always.
My mind drifted to the parchment the seer gave me—the legend of the Moonbound. I still wasn't entirely sure what to make of it, but if what Elara said was true... then keeping her close might be wiser than locking her away.
I sat back in my chair, eyes sweeping across the room.
"We all know the lore surrounding white wolves," I began. "One just happens to wander into our territory during a blood moon—that's no coincidence."
I paused, ensuring every eye stayed on me.
"She told me things I didn't believe at first, but Leticia confirmed her story. So, I've made a decision." I steepled my fingers and exhaled. The full moon was near—I could feel it in my bones, in my wolf pacing just beneath my skin.
"I'm moving her to the main house."
Gasps echoed. Luke's eyes widened. The older wolves who opposed me fell silent. They knew better than to challenge me outright once a decision was made. Leticia offered a firm nod of approval.
If Elara truly is the key to breaking my curse, then leaving her in that cell is far too dangerous. Too many enemies in that building. Enemies who wouldn't hesitate to silence her.
The meeting dissolved shortly after, and we began to disperse.
Luke trailed beside me. "Are you certain about this, Alpha?"
I offered him a rare smile. "I am. I need to keep my eyes on her. If she's the cure... then she's also the greatest target."
Luke fell silent, understanding the unspoken threat. The council wouldn't hesitate to remove her if they thought it would preserve their influence.
We made our way down to the cells. Elara looked up as I stopped in front of her. There was no fear in her eyes. Only calm curiosity.
"You're coming with me," I said.
She stood wordlessly, almost as if she'd been expecting this.
She really was a mystery. I couldn't read her at all. The thought that she might be my mate... it still rattled me. That kind of fate was too cruel—or too convenient.
Luke unlocked her chains, and she stepped out of the cell with a quiet grace.
"Where are you taking me?" she finally asked as we walked toward the exit.
"To the main house. Where I stay."
The estate was expansive—split into various wings and districts. The council chambers were in one building, the training grounds in another, and the main house... well, it was far removed. A fortress built for isolation and control.
Only I, my beta, the seer, and the healer lived there.
Elara didn't respond. She merely turned her head to the window as the trees blurred past.
We arrived not long after. Leticia and the healer were already waiting, anticipation in their eyes.
"She needs to be checked," I said, gesturing.
Elara tensed.
Leticia gave her a kind smile. "Relax, child."
I watched her shoulders drop, albeit slightly. She nodded.
"Find her a room when you're done," I said, then turned and ascended the stairs.
I felt her gaze on my back the entire time.
Once inside my room, I dismissed Luke and poured myself a drink at the bar. The rich liquid burned my throat as I stepped onto the balcony, letting the wind hit my face.
Down below, I could see wolves reinforcing the bars around the cave behind the house—the one I had broken out of during the last full moon. My jaw clenched. My control had slipped then.
The curse was getting worse.
And yet, for the first time in years... a part of me dared to hope.
Maybe—just maybe—Elara really was the cure.