CHAPTER 103: CONCERNED PACK MEMBER???

The room felt tense, as if everything was on edge.

Adrien sat confidently in the council seat at the front of the hall. His expression was hard to read, but he stole a few glances at Seraphina.

Emerald watched him from her own seat off to the side, arms crossed loosely, looking calm. She could feel a tense energy in the air, almost like static. Seraphina hadn’t said anything yet, but just having her there made the atmosphere uncomfortable.

The court session started like any other, moving at a slow pace. They handled small issues like minor disputes, a land border change, and a request from the hunting division... nothing out of the ordinary.

Adrien handled them calmly, but Emerald saw the tension in his shoulders, and she knew why.

After a while, Seraphina cleared her throat. "I have a question," she said, adjusting herself in her seat.

"I was wondering," she said lightly, "since we’re discussing traditions... what’s the word on our Luna?"

The room went still.

Adrien didn’t blink, but Emerald saw the way his fingers tightened on the armrest.

"It’s been years since the Crimson Howl Pack had a Luna," Seraphina continued with an air of innocent curiosity, "And as per tradition, the Alpha usually names a Luna not long after succession. Most already have one by the time they step into power."

An elder on the council nodded slowly. "That’s... not untrue."

Another chimed in. "We granted Adrien time. His brother’s death was abrupt. But truly, the people have been waiting."

Adrien leaned in, speaking in a calm voice. "I have a mate."

Seraphina turned in her seat, tilting her head ever so slightly. "You have a mate," she said. "That’s one thing. Having a Luna is something entirely different."

A ripple of murmurs moved through the gathered crowd.

Adrien’s jaw clenched. "What exactly are you getting at, Seraphina?"

She stood, smoothing down her skirt. "Nothing," she said sweetly, walking slowly past the seated wolves. "Just a concerned former pack member sharing an observation."

As she passed Emerald, she offered a smirk.

Emerald resisted every instinct to bare her teeth.

Seraphina moved toward the centre and faced the council. "I only mean to remind everyone what the Luna represents. She’s not just a partner to the Alpha; she’s also a leader, a stabilising presence, a figure of strength and guidance. She’s someone chosen for her devotion to the pack, someone with the people’s trust."

Adrien’s gaze didn’t move from her. But Emerald could feel it; he was trying not to explode.

Seraphina continued, "I’ve watched our traditions for years. I was raised on them. The Luna isn’t just a ceremonial partner. She oversees counsel with the Healers, trains the young women of the pack, maintains the inner court..., represents stability..."

Emerald stood slowly. "And who exactly are you to speak on the pack’s stability?"

Seraphina turned toward her, the same calm smile on her lips. "I’m no one, just a concerned pack member..."

"Who left," Emerald cut in. "You turned your back on Adrien, on your pack, and now you come strolling in, suddenly concerned about tradition?"

"I never stopped caring," Seraphina replied smoothly. "I just didn’t have the luxury of staying."

"Right," Emerald said, stepping forward. "But you have the luxury of stirring the pot now?"

"I’m merely pointing out the obvious," Seraphina said. "A Luna should care for the people, for the future of the pack. Not be a political... entanglement."

Emerald tilted her head. "Is that what you think I am?"

Seraphina’s gaze flicked to the council. "I think you’re just a convenience... An outsider with ties to multiple Alphas... three, if I may mention. A... gold-dusted opportunity."

Emerald raised a brow. "Gold digger? Really?"

"If the shoe fits."

Emerald scoffed. "You’ve got one thing wrong." She glanced around. "I don’t have three Alpha mates; I have four. If you’re going to insult me, at least get your facts right."

The room grew silent again.

"I didn’t ask any of them to claim me. I didn’t manipulate my way into their lives. They chose to be with me." She turned back to Seraphina. "Something you clearly know nothing about."

Seraphina’s eyes darkened, but her smile remained. "You think being wanted means you’re worthy?"

"I think not being abandoned does."

Adrien rose from his chair. "Enough."

Both women turned to him.

Adrien stepped down from the dais, walking toward them slowly but with absolute control. "This conversation ends here."

"Adrien..." Seraphina started.

He held up a hand. "I won’t have you insult Emerald in this hall," he said in a commanding voice. "You forfeited your right to speak on our traditions when you abandoned them. And you forfeited your voice in my court the day you rejected me."

Her lips parted, but no sound came.

"You wanted to make a point, Seraphina? You’ve made it. You’ve made sure everyone saw your performance. Now go home. This isn’t your place anymore."

The finality in his voice silenced the room.

Seraphina opened her mouth again, but one look from Adrien shut her down.

"Meeting adjourned," he said, not sparing her another glance. He walked off without another word, his cloak sweeping behind him.

Emerald didn’t wait; she followed.

The moment they stepped outside into the marble hallway, Emerald muttered, "She really said gold digger."

Adrien sighed. "I’m sorry."

"You better be. I was two seconds away from burying her under that council table."

They didn’t make it far before a voice called after them.

"Adrien!"

Both of them stopped.

Seraphina’s heels clicked on the floor as she walked behind them, looking tense.

Adrien turned. "What do you want now?"

She paused. "I meant what I said. I wasn’t trying to start a war. I just wanted to speak my mind."

"And what about what you did in there?" he asked. "Calling her names. Painting her like some manipulator?"

"I just said what others were already thinking."

"Don’t," Adrien snapped. "Don’t twist this into concern. You knew exactly what you were doing."

Seraphina moved in closer... way too close for comfort.

Emerald shifted instinctively, her wolf instincts kicking in. She reached out and lightly grabbed Adrien’s arm, pulling him behind her in a protective and possessive manner.

Seraphina saw it. Her eyes flicked down to Emerald’s hand, then back up to her face. Finally, she glanced at Adrien, her expression softening.

"We could’ve ruled together," she said.