Chapter 8
212words
I answered to no Alpha—only to the Moon Goddess herself.
This was an ancient tradition; only those chosen by the Goddess could ascend to Queen Luna.
On my coronation day, Ares himself placed the sacred crown upon my head.
"You truly don't mind surrendering power to me?" I asked Ares quietly.
Ares looked at me with genuine respect. "You're extraordinary, Ella. You saved a cursed pack from extinction."
Only then did I learn the Night Wolves had been cursed by a vengeful witch, their suffering compounded by their Luna's death.
"From this day forward, Ella is Queen of the Night Wolves!"
The entire pack dropped to one knee.
"Long live the Queen!"
I took my place on the throne, accepting their loyalty.
Under my protection, the Night Wolves flourished.
We quickly became the dominant force in the Western Territory.
I dispatched scouts to monitor Silver Moon's decline.
Every third day, they returned with news.
"Silver Moon cub mortality has reached sixty percent."
"Adult wolves are succumbing to illnesses their healers can't treat."
"Neighboring packs are carving up their hunting grounds."
"Alpha Karl's authority is all but gone."
I listened from my throne, savoring the bitter justice of it all.
