Chapter 106
Juno’s POV
The council hall buzzed with anticipation as we were led to our previous booth. All eyes turned to us, conversations pausing momentarily before resuming.
I scanned the room, relief flooding through me when I saw Evath’s booth empty. Amelia had kept her word. Across the chamber, Quentor sat scowling, repeatedly glancing toward Evanth’s vacant seat.
He’s angry, Seraphine observed. That’s good for us.
A female council member stood, addressing the
“Welcome, Alpha King Levenston.” Her tone was falsely warm. fiancée to this hearing. This is merely a questioning session, and only when she becomes Luna Queen would she have any
“Though I must question the necessity of bringing ght to attend such meetings.”
I felt Augustin tense beside me but kept my expression neutral.
“Azalea Gray,” Augustin replied, using her full name deliberately “Juno is here at my request. She will observe and question as I see fit. You will show her the respect due to her position, or you will answer to me.” His voice carried throughout the chamber. “My stance on Juno will not change. The council would do well to grow accustomed to treating
her as Clifflands‘ Luna Queen and my Luna.”
Azalea’s smile tightened. “As you wish. Now, to the matter at hand.” She cleared her throat. “It has come to our attention that you ordered soldiers to attack the Dawnshere region of Lakeside for failing to pay taxes, despite knowing these farmers cannot afford the development tax. This attack has forced Dawnshere’s people to seek protection from Kieran.”
Before Augustin could respond, I placed my hand on his arm and stood. “If I may, I have a few questions before my mate responds to these accusations.”
Sebastian Holbrooke nodded. “The floor is yours, Lady Juno.”
“Thank you.” I turned to face the council. “First, let me express my gratitude for your attention to this matter. However, this should be a question–and–answer session, not a trial. Councilor Gray, when presenting such serious allegations, the term ‘alleged‘ would be appropriate until facts are established.”
I paused, letting my words sink in.
“Now, my questions: Have you questioned the officer who led this battle? Where did the order come from? Who delivered this letter? Where did they get it from? Who gave it to them? Who received it directly from the Alpha King?”
I saw confusion spread across several faces.
“Once these questions are answered, Alpha King will address your concerns,” I continued. “I’m not trying to create problems; I simply need confirmation that the document truly came from my mate. If you cannot provide this proof, I will ask the council to investigate who benefits from this situation, who might want to frame the Alpha King, and who could succeed in doing so.”
The chamber fell silent. Then Quentor suddenly stood, his face contorted with rage.
“Where is Evanth?” he demanded. “What have you done to your brother, Augustin?”
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Chapter 106
Augustin rose slowly. “You would do well to remember how to again.” He growls. And I wonder why you and my brother seem this deception, I will deal with you myself.”
The tension in the room was palpable. Finally, Sebastian stood
dress me, Quentor. I will not overlook such disrespect
eager to see me fall. If I discover you’ve played a part in
“The council owes the Alpha King an apology,” he announced. was wrong of us to summon you without conducting a thorough investigation first. We will not make this mistake agd. He bowed slightly. “We will provide assistance to Dawnshere and inform him that you had nothing to do with this attack.”
Well done, came Bryloch’s voice through our mind link. You’ve handled this perfectly.
You’re a natural, Adryx added. Quentor looks like he’s about to explode.
Indeed, Quentor’s face had turned an alarming shade of red. He sat down heavily.
The council moved on to other matters, including reports of Kieran building forces to march on Clifflands. Several council members urged Augustin to send either Bryloch or Adryx with troops to counter the threat posed by Kieran and Matthew.
The emphasis on Matthew were particularly venomous, repeatedly emphasizing that he would join the war because his Luna had been taken away. These statements weren’t just attacking Matthew, they were also attacking me, but I couldn’t defend myself. Eventually, Adryx and Bryloch stepped in to intervene. I actually knew that Matthew was a pacifist who would never launch an attack without good reason, but I still had to remain silent, because if I defended him even once, I would inevitably be accused of remaining loyal to my ex–husband, and it might even cause trouble for Augustin.
The discussion grew heated, with some councilors insisting on immediate action to prevent Kieran from establishing a foothold at Clifflands‘ borders. Throughout it all, Quentor maintained a sullen silence, his expression darkening as he periodically glanced around the chamber seeking support.
Sebastian displayed a relatively fair–minded attitude, occasionally subtly checking more extreme statements from his
fellow councilors.
As the hearing concluded, the councilors filed out, whispering among themselves. Augustin exchanged meaningful glances with Bryloch and Adryx–all three aware that this was just the beginning of a larger game.
Quentor stormed out, several supportive councilors trailing in his wake. Sebastian gave Augustin a subtle nod of acknowledgment before departing.
I noticed several councilors looking at me with new respect as they left.
Walking out of the hall, I spotted an eagle circling above the distant mountains and resolved to emulate its vigilance in protecting the Levenston family’s interests.
As we reached our vehicles, Bryloch and Adryx congratulated me on my quick thinking during the hearing.
Sitting in the car returning to the manor, I held Augustin’s hand tightly. We exchanged a smile, his eyes filled with gratitude and admiration. Without words, we shared the triumph of today’s victory and concern for the challenges that surely lay ahead.
I knew one thing with absolute certainty: whoever was behind this plot would not stop. And neither would I.
The Broken Luna’s Sacrifice
