Chapter 123
Juno’s POV
Roy drove us to the Alpha’s residence as evening approached. A young blonde woman, probably around twenty, let us in. Despite the poverty in much of Dawnshere, the Alpha lived comfortably his home hadn’t been damaged in the attacks.
Scarlett and I sat on a sofa in the living room, waiting. Alpha Elton joined us quickly, his expression making it clear he wasn’t pleased to see us.
“Why are you here, Luna Harrington?” he asked bluntly, his eyes cold as they assessed me.
“Please, call me Juno,” I said, keeping my voice steady despite his hostility. “I’m not married to the Alpha king yet, and I no longer carry Alpha Matthew’s claim.”
“So Augustin sends his women instead of coming himself?”
female messengers? Is this how Levenston men solve problems?”
obvious disdain. “First his father sends warriors to destroy us, then the son sends
Actually, he wanted to come personally, I explained, fighting to keep my temper in check. “He was prepared to face you himself, but I insisted on coming in his place. This misunderstanding needs to be resolved without further bloodshed.”
Alpha Elton turned away, his hands shaking and his lips trembling with suppressed emotion. The scent of grief and rage rolled off him in waves so strong I could almost taste it.
“His father took my wife and my sister,” he said, voice cracking. “Took them as ‘tributes‘ and we never saw them again. Twenty years I’ve lived with that pain. And now he sends people to kill my pack members? Burns our marketplace? Doubles our taxes when we can barely feed ourselves?”
“That’s why we’re here,” I said gently, understanding his pain. “We’re trying to get to the bottom of this, to make things right. Augustin is not his father. He’s been systematically dismantling the tribute system since he took power.”
I leaned forward, holding his gaze. “Someone is targeting Augustin, trying to force him out of power by turning territories against him. They’re using your legitimate grievances to fuel conflict.”
*Please understand,” I continued, “if this person succeeds, judging by their methods, none of the territories will be better off. They care nothing for your people’s suffering–they’re using it as a weapon.”
Alpha Elton shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping his throat. “Kieran’s Fireland is safe. He’s promised us sanctuary. I can take my people there, away from Levenston control once and for all.”
“No place is better than home,” I replied softly. “And Kieran has his own agenda. You’d be trading one master for another, and there’s no guarantee his promises will hold once you’re dependent on him.”
His jaw tightened, but I could see my words had hit home. “What do you want from me?” he asked, his tone slightly less hostile.
I opened my mouth to respond but suddenly felt bile rising in my throat. Scarlett noticed immediately.
Could we use your bathroom?” she asked urgently.
When we returned to the living room, Alpha Elton’s expression had softened slightly.
“Are you ill?” he asked, genuine concern in his voice. Why would Augustin send you–or let you come–in this condition?”
“It was my decision,” I insisted.
Alpha Elton studied me for a moment, then nodded. “Your efforts are admirable
I blinked in surprise. Matthew had been here?/
Your former husband told me much the same thing.”
‘Assuming things are as you say,” Alpha Elton continued, “how do we protect ourselves?”
“From now on, contact the Alpha, Beta, or Gamma directly to confirm any orders, I suggested. And as a show of good faith, Alpha King will fund
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development projects for Dawnshere—both to repair the damage and improve living conditions.
Alpha Elton’s smile spread from ear to eat. My words were music to his ears, and I was glad to ease his worries.
I need to know the name of the enforcer who issued the tax increase and led the attack on Dawnshere,” I said.
“Councilwoman Azalea issued the tax increase,” he replied. “As for the warriors who attacked us, they claimed to be from the Alpha King. Before they acted, they mentioned who sent them.”
“Do you know his name?” I asked eagerly.
Alpha Elton shook his head. “No, but I would recognize their face.”
That was enough to help us. In a few weeks, we’ll host a small luncheon at Levenston Manor,” I said. “Would you come? You could identify the culprit by looking at photos of all the warriors belonging to Clifflands.”
Alpha Elton agreed readily. “There’s a festival in Dawnshere tomorrow night,” he added. “Some of the alphas will be there. I’d like to invite you both to move
a hotel.” your things here. It’s not right for the future Luna Queen to stay in
He smiled warmly. “I understand why the Alpha King chose you.”
I wanted to decline and leave in the morning, but I knew that would seem rude and unde the progress we’d made: So instead, I accepted his invitation.
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