Chapter 39

Emily’s POV

The council arrived before noon. It was a long line of Alphas and their Betas. As soon as they crossed into our territory, the streets fell silent. No one wanted to be seen. Everyone stayed inside, giving the Alphas the space they demanded.

I watched from the packhouse kitchen window as the cars and guards arrived.

And then, I saw Nathan.

He stood with his father, Alpha King Garrett. He was confident and untouchable. Stella was right beside him, looking perfect—exactly where a future Luna should be.

I looked away, a sharp pain in my chest. I thought that would be the end of it.

It wasn’t.

“Emily!” Dorothy, the head cook of the pack, rushed toward me. “I need help. One of the girls is sick. We are short-handed in the council hall.”

“I don’t think I should go in there,” I started.

“You’ll be fine,” she whispered, pushing a tray into my hands. “Just be quiet, be fast, and get out.”

The council hall