Juno’s POV
I left Augustin with his military officers. I had another pressing matter to deal with.
I’ll catch up with you later,” I told him, placing a quick kiss on his cheek.
He caught my hand before I could leave. Be careful, Berry.”
I nodded, squeezing his hand reassuringly before heading out.
As I walked down the hallway toward my private sitting room, I couldn’t help but think about the poison incident. The pieces had been slowly coming together in my mind. Now that I had time to reflect, I know that my morning sickness during pregnancy had actually been a blessing in disguise. My body had expelled most of the poison before it could fully enter my bloodstream. Only trace amounts had made it into my system.
But the question remained: why would someone want to poison me? What was the purpose? To start a war between Augustin and someone else? To simply eliminate me? I’d been turning it over in my mind since Amelia had shared that story about Elton’s wife with me. Finally, I thought I understood.
I needed to discuss this with Alpha Elton. It was a delicate matter, but Scarlett and Freya would help, and I’d asked them to bring him to my sitting room. After our encounter in Dawnshere, I thought he might be more willing to listen.
As I rounded the corner toward my wing of the manor, I spotted three figures in the hallway. Freya and Scarlett were walking alongside Alpha Elton, but they’d been stopped by a fourth person, Amelia.
Even from a distance, I could see Amelia wasn’t well. Her usually perfectly styled hair was disheveled, her skin pale, and her hands trembled as she clutched at something. Her scent carried notes of fear and panic.
I quickened my pace to join them. “Luna Amelia,” I greeted her formally, noting how her eyes darted nervously between us.
“Juno,” she replied, her voice barely steady.
Scarlett and Freya exchanged concerned glances, while Alpha Elton looked uncomfortable.
‘Freya, Scarlett, would you mind taking Alpha Elton to the sitting room in my wing? I’ll join you shortly.”
I need to check on her. Something’s wrong, I linked Scarlett.
Scarlett nodded subtly. “Of course. This way, Alpha Elton.”
I watched them continue down the hallway, leaving me alone with Amelia.
“Let’s go somewhere we can talk privately,” I suggested, guiding her toward her room. The walls have ears these days, and we know some staff have been working for the organization.
Amelia nodded jerkily and allowed me to lead her. Once inside her quarters, she began pacing frantically, her breathing uneven.
“Amelia,” I said firmly, using her name without title to get her attention. “You need to calm down. Whatever’s happening, losing control won’t help.
She stopped and looked at me with wild eyes. “How can I be calm when everything is falling apart?”
“By remembering who you are,” I said, crossing the room to grip her shoulders firmly. I looked her directly in the eyes. “You are Luna Amelia Levenston. You’ve survived the death of your husband and countless political machinations. You cannot fall apart now. Your son needs you strong.*
“I don’t know if I can-”
“You can and you will, interrupted. “Don’t admit anything to anyone. Don’t argue with anyone. Just keep your head high and act like the Luna you’re supposed to be.
Her breathing began to slow as she focused on my words.
1/3
Chapter 252
Augustin has enough problems without worrying about you too,‘ I continued, softening my tone slightly. We all need to hold it together right i
She nodded, some of the panic fading from her eyes. “You’re right.”
I know my emotions have been all over the place lately, I placing a hand on my slightly rounded belly. Probably the hormones. But I need to stay focused-
What are you going to do?” she asked.
‘We’re going to clean house,” I told her. ‘Find everyone working for the organization. I need your help with that.”
And when you find them? What then? There was a strange light in her eyes as she asked this.
I felt a surge of anger. “Those willing to talk will be imprisoned. The others will be executed immediately.”
“But the law-
“The law won’t stop us, I cut her off harshly. “That’s what the traitors have been using against us. We’ve been playing by the rules while they’ve been breaking them. I’m tired of all this bullshit. They’re using cowardly tactics, sending others to do their dirty work instead of facing us directly.” I took a deep breath. “It’s time we showed them what real rulers do.”
Amelia stared at me, the fear on her face slowly replaced by a smile as she wiped away her tears. “Sound like a tyrant, she said, but there was approval in her voice.
“Maybe that’s what’s needed right now.”
“Do Bryloch and Adryx agree with this approach?” she asked.
I nodded. “They do.”
“And what about the regional leaders?”
“Kieran and Matthew will support us too,” I assured her.
AN
Amelia’s smile turned almost wicked. “Good. I’m tired of all the diplomatic talk. The packs need strong leadership.” She straightened her shoulders. “If we act decisively, it will force the ringleader to show themselves.”
I studied her carefully. Amelia was a smart woman. She’d obviously realized that in this lawless situation, she might escape her own crimes. So she seemed more relaxed.
‘I’ll wash up and join you,” she said, suddenly eager.
I nodded and left her to it, walking quickly toward my sitting room. As I moved through the hallways, I placed a protective hand over my stomach. I hoped Matthew and Kieran would indeed support our plan. We needed to end this chaos before my wedding and the Purple Moon ceremony. I wanted to experience those events in peace, not under the shadow of threats and violence.
When I entered the sitting room, Alpha Elton was laughing at something Scarlett had said, while Freya looked on with amusement.
“Alpha Elton,” I said, grabbing a glass of juice from the table and settling into a chair across from him.
“Luna Juno,” he replied with a nod. “Thank you for your hospitality.”
I smiled briefly, acknowledging his thanks, then let my expression turn serious.
Freya and Scarlett stopped laughing, looking between us.
“When Scarlett and I came to Dawnshere, we did so with good intentions,” I began. “We put ourselves at risk to investigate what was happening, and we treated you with respect.”
Elton shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He immediately noticed the change in my tone, his brow furrowing in confusion.
2/3
Chapter 252
I have no issues with you personally, Alpha Elton, I continued. But I need you to be honest with me about something.”
He nodded cautiously.
“Did you give your wife to Nathanael, or did she volunteer?‘ I asked bluntly.
