Chapter 39%
The council room buzzed with chatter as I entered, but the moment they noticed me, silence fell. All eyes turned toward me. Nok had insisted I join the meeting in his absence, and while I didn’t exactly feel nervous, I could feel the weight of their expectations pressing on mex
Not exactly judging me but not sure I could deliver.
“Lady Lyria,” one of the elders, a silver–haired wolf named Orin, greeted. “We weren’t expecting you to attend “%
I gave a polite smile. “Alpha Nok requested it. He said I should observe and, if needed, share my insights.“3
A younger councilman chuckled lightly. “Insights? Forgive me, my lady, but council matters are often intricate. It’s not easy for outsiders to grasp the layers of politics and strategy we deal with.“%
I folded my hands, keeping my expression calm. “I wouldn’t call myself an outsider. After all, I’ve spent years studying diplomacy. battle strategies, and healing techniques. Perhaps I might surprise you.”
There was a murmur among them. Orin raised an eyebrow but gestured for me to take a seat.
As discussions about territory alliances, border disputes, and trade routes unfolded, I listened carefully. When they began debating whether or not to send reinforcements to a neighboring pack, I finally spoke up.8.
“With respect, why would we send reinforcements when the pack in question hasn’t upheld their end of the trade agreement for over three seasons?” Lasked
Orin frowned. “What do you mean?”
I leaned forward slightly. “They’ve been withholding resources–grain and medicinal herbs specifically. Their Alpha claims it’s due to poor harvests, but my contacts suggest they’re redirecting those supplies to other allies. If we send reinforcements without addressing this, we risk being taken advantage of.”
The room fell silent again S
“How do you know this?” another elder asked, skepticism lacing his tone!
“I make it a habit to stay informed,” I replied simply. “Nok trusts me to handle delicate matters, and I’ve worked hard to eam that
“And besides, since Nok would soon be my mate, this is also my pack 2
nour
Orin stroked his beard thoughtfully. “She has a point. Blindly offering aid could weaken
“I agree,” another elder added. “Lady Lyna, what would you propose?“;
ur position.”
I met his gaze steadily. “Send a small scouting party instead. Assess the situation first–hand before committing any forces. It shows we care without overextending ourselves.”
The room buzzed with approval, and Orin gave me a nod.
“You’ve clearly put thought into this. I’m impressed,” he admitted.
Their praise didn’t faze me. I knew the hours I’d poured into mastering these skills–politics, healing, battle strategies. I hadn’t done it for applause. I’d done it to prove myself to a family that never cared
The memory of my father’s voice rang in my head. “Women are emotional, Lyria. Leave the politics to the men.
I’d begged him once, just once, to let me join him on a diplomatic trip to nearby territories. I wanted to show him I could convince them to ally with us. He’d silenced me with a single look, his words cutting deeper than any blade
“You’ll only embarass us.“%
“If it had been Lilith, I have no choice then”
If you are there, it would get worse My mother would chip in. Lilith would smile proudly.
I shook off the memory, but it lingered like a shadow. Even when I’d offered to fight alongside Damon in battles, my father refused. He told me to stay behind and focus on “women’s duties.”
“Lady Lyria?” Orin’s voice pulled me back to the present.
“Yes?”
“You mentioned studying healing techniques,” he said. “We’ve been struggling to contain an outbreak in the northern villages. Do you have any suggestions?
I nodded. “I’d recommend using a mixture of honey, garlic, and certain herbs for infected wounds. It’s an old remedy, but highly effective. And for fever, willow bark tea works wonders.”
Another elder spoke up. “You know your healing well. Have you practiced much?“%
“Every chance I got.” I replied. “When my family didn’t see my worth, I decided to prove them wrong. I taught myself everything- diplomacy, combat, healing. And now, I’m here.”
There was a pause before Orin said, “Your family didn’t see your
