章節 18: The Final Steps

(Azaria's Point of View)

Before I know it, morning has arrived, and I am jolted awake by the sound of Lilly's voice. "Morning Zari, you need to get dressed so you can have breakfast and leave on time." Her words are brisk, efficient, as she bustles around the room, gathering my things.

I sit up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I watch her. There's a tension in her movements, a subtle edge to her tone that tells me she's worried, though whether it's for me or for herself, I can't be sure. I know she's still undecided about whether she's coming with me today, and I don't want to press her. The thought of being truly alone if Stephanie doesn't come is almost too much to bear.

I sigh heavily as I get out of bed, making my way over to the closet to select my outfit for the day. I choose an all-white suit with a red blouse underneath the jacket, my white stiletto boots completing the ensemble. I slick my hair back into a low curly ponytail, taking extra care to ensure every strand is in place. As I apply my makeup, I take a moment to compose myself, to steel my nerves for what lies ahead.

Once I'm satisfied with my appearance, I reach for the two potions that Lilly had given me, downing them in quick succession. These potions are stronger than the ones I've been taking, designed to dull the pain of breaking the bond—or bonds, as the case may be. If it's the latter, they might wear off before I get back, which is one of the worst-case scenarios. That would give Ethan time to "help me heal," and I might not get another chance like this to leave.

Lilly said she would wait for me here after the meeting, and I will have to finish packing my things before we leave. She looked a little worried when she told me, but I'm unsure if it's for me or herself. I know she has her own fears and doubts, her own decisions to make, and I can't blame her for that.

I make my way down to the first floor, the familiar scent of breakfast wafting through the air. The dining room is already bustling with activity, pack members chatting and laughing as they enjoy their meal. I take a seat at one of the tables, picking at my food absentmindedly as I try to steady my nerves.

Ethan is taking a different limo, per the contract agreement, and Theo is handling most of the arrangements for me. Lilly is taking care of my more private matters, ensuring that everything is in place for our departure. I know I'm in good hands, but that doesn't stop the knot of anxiety that twists in my stomach.

As I finish my breakfast and make my way outside, I see the limo waiting for me, the driver standing by the door with a polite smile. I nod to him as I climb inside, settling into the plush leather seat. The door closes behind me with a soft click, and I lean back, closing my eyes as the car begins to move.

The ride to Lunar Haven is long and tedious, the landscape rolling by in a blur of greens and browns. I try to relax, to clear my mind of the doubts and fears that have been plaguing me, but it's easier said than done. The weight of the unknown presses down on me, the uncertainty of what lies ahead a constant, nagging presence in the back of my mind.

At some point, exhaustion overtakes me, and I drift off into a light sleep, my dreams filled with hazy images of the past and the future. When I wake, the driver is gently shaking my shoulder, his voice low and soothing. "We've arrived, Luna."

I sit up, blinking away the remnants of sleep as I peer out the window. My breath catches in my throat at the sight of the six-story building rising before me, its imposing structure a stark contrast to the peaceful surroundings. Lunar Haven—the place where all meetings, rituals, and balls for our alliances are held, and will finally gain my freedom.

The building is a marvel of architecture, a blend of modern design and traditional elements that create a sense of both grandeur and intimacy. The top floor is completely glass, allowing the moonlight to flood the space during rituals and balls, casting a magical glow over everything. The two floors below are reserved for the Alphas' and Betas' families, while the other rooms on the second floor are for the Gammas and their families, as well as other visiting members.

The ground floor houses the meeting rooms and a massive dining room, the kitchen tucked away at the back of the building. The third floor is dedicated to the family members who don't have to attend meetings—a tea room for the wives to gather and gossip, complete with a bar; a game room filled with everything from board games to video games; and a childcare center where all the children play, complete with a nursery section for the younger ones.

This building holds so many memories for me. It's the place I developed with my father when I was young, the place where I first met Ethan, and now, it's the place where I will gain my freedom. My heart swells with a mixture of nostalgia and determination as I step out of the limo, my heels clicking against the stone pathway.

I take a deep breath, the cool air filling my lungs, grounding me in the present moment. This is it. This is where everything changes. I straighten my shoulders, holding my head high as I make my way towards the entrance, ready to face whatever awaits me inside.

Lunar Haven, my sanctuary and my prison, my past and my future. And today, it will be the place where I reclaim my life.

As I walk along the halls of the first floor, I take in the renovations that have been made since the last meeting I attended. The corridors are wider, the walls adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of ancient battles and celebrations, each one meticulously woven with rich, vibrant colors that tell the story of our people. The floors, once plain stone, have been replaced with polished marble, gleaming under the light of the grand chandeliers overhead. The effect is almost disorienting, the changes serving as a stark reminder of how much time has passed since I was last here, and how much has remained the same.

Each step echoes through the hallway, bouncing off the high ceilings and the walls lined with portraits of past leaders, their eyes seeming to follow me as I move. I can feel their scrutiny, a silent judgment that presses down on me like the weight of a thousand expectations. But today, I am not here to satisfy their demands or fulfill their desires. Today, I am here to take my fate into my own hands.

I quickly remind myself, more so Nyrie, of today's mission and the importance of not opposing anything said against me. The goal is clear: leave without a fight. Every instinct in me screams against this, but I know it is the only way. Nyrie stirs within me, her frustration palpable.

Nyrie, we have to remain calm. No matter what happens, we cannot react. We don't need them to see what Ethan has become, just for the to agree to free us, I say internally, trying to soothe her. Her growl is low but simmering, a reluctant agreement.

As we approach the last set of doors, the largest meeting room in the building looms ahead. This room, with its grand double doors and capacity to seat over 250 people comfortably, is where the most significant decisions are made. Today, thankfully, only those who are absolutely necessary will be in attendance. The hall outside is silent, the air thick with anticipation and the scent of old wood and polished stone.

My father will not be here today. He's been ill lately, or so I'm told, and only his Beta will attend to represent the Bloodwolf pack. A small blessing, as I had no desire to see my father today. His Beta is a much more understanding and compassionate man, one who has always treated me with kindness, unlike the cold indifference of my father. This works in my favor, as I was prepared to confront my father if needed, but with his Beta here, I might find a more sympathetic ear.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. Today is not about confronting the past; it is about securing my future.

Marcus and Theo will be here to represent the Thornwolf pack alongside Ethan. I'm unsure about Marcus's true stance, but Theo has always supported whatever I wanted, even if it means never seeing me again. I feel a pang of sorrow at the thought of leaving Theo behind. He has been like a younger brother to me, always looking out for me, always trying to make me smile. I never had the heart to tell him how truly miserable I was, how I felt trapped in a gilded cage with no way out.

"It's almost time, Azaria. We must be strong," Nyrie whispers in my mind, her voice a soothing balm against the chaos of my thoughts.

I know, Nyrie. We can do this. We have to.

Ethan and I will stand in the middle of the room, facing the Council. The Elders will be present as well, their presence a silent reminder of the weight of tradition and the judgment of our ancestors. They rarely voice their opinions to anyone but the Council in private, preferring to observe and keep records of all their knowledge to be passed down to the next set of Elders. Their temple, with its underground chamber full of past knowledge, holds secrets long forgotten among the packs. Secrets I have often wished I could access, to find some way to break free of the bonds that hold me.

The doors open with a low creak, and I am announced with a formal tone that echoes through the chamber. I push my shoulders back, holding my head high as I enter, refusing to show any sign of weakness. The room is mostly empty, the seats reserved for the pack representatives on the first two rows, facing each other across the aisle. The room itself is grand, with high ceilings and massive windows that let in streams of sunlight, casting a golden glow over the assembled crowd. The air is heavy with tension, a sense of anticipation that hangs like a shroud over the proceedings.

As I walk down the aisle, my eyes flicker briefly to the faces of those present. Most are familiar, their expressions a mixture of curiosity, concern, and disdain. The room feels cold, despite the warmth of the sun streaming in. Every face seems to blur together, a sea of judgmental eyes, until I finally see him.

Ethan stands at the front, his posture rigid, his face a mask of barely contained anger. Beside him is Marcus, his expression more reserved but no less intense. And then, to Ethan's right, I see her.

Stephanie.

She stands with her head bowed, her hands clasped in front of her, a picture of demure obedience. But I can see the tension in her shoulders, the tightness in her jaw. I know she is struggling, caught between loyalty and love, between duty and desire. My heart aches at the sight of her, and for a moment, my resolve wavers.

She made her choice, Nyrie reminds me, her voice hard and unyielding. Focus on the task at hand.

I force myself to look away, to focus on the path ahead. I cannot afford to be distracted, not now. I need to be strong, to show no weakness. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what comes next. I can feel the eyes of the Council upon me, their scrutiny a palpable weight pressing down on me.

As I reach the front of the room, I stop and bow my head slightly, a show of respect for the Council and the Elders. The room falls silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. I can feel the weight of their gazes, the unspoken questions that hang in the air.

"Luna Azaria," a voice calls out from the mezzanine, formal and commanding. It is Elder Jones, his voice carrying the authority of centuries of tradition. "You stand before us today under grave circumstances. Do you understand the seriousness of the accusations against you?"

I nod, my voice steady as I reply, "I do, Elder Jones. I am fully aware of the gravity of the situation."

"And do you have anything to say in your defense?" he asks, his tone neutral, giving nothing away.

I pause, considering my words carefully. "I do not seek to defend myself, Elder Jones. I only seek the truth to be revealed. I have nothing to hide."

The room is silent, the tension mounting with each passing second. I can feel the eyes of everyone upon me, their scrutiny a physical presence that presses down on me like a lead weight. I stand tall, refusing to let them see the fear that coils in my stomach like a snake.

"Very well," Elder Jones says after a moment, his voice calm and measured. "We shall proceed with the hearing. Let the truth be revealed."

As he speaks, the doors behind me close with a soft thud, sealing me inside the chamber. The sound echoes through the room, a final, irrevocable note that signals the beginning of the end. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what is to come. I can feel Nyrie's strength flowing through me, a comforting presence that steadies my nerves.

I can do this, I tell myself, my resolve firm. I have to.

With one last look at the assembled crowd, I turn to face the Council, ready to face whatever comes next. I know that this is only the beginning, that the real battle has yet to begin. But I am ready. I have to be. For my future, for my freedom, for my life.

As the proceedings begin, I stand tall, my heart pounding in my chest like a war drum. I can feel the weight of the room pressing down on me, the judgment of centuries bearing down upon me. But I will not falter. I will not break. I will stand strong, no matter what comes. For I am Azaria, daughter of Helena Alidan, and I will not be silenced. Not today. Not ever.