ELENA'S POV
I stand before the Continental Council with my three-day-old babies in my arms.
The Council chamber is a massive stone hall filled with the most powerful Alphas in North America. Fifty pairs of eyes watch me—some curious, some hostile, all judging.
I refuse to show fear.
"Alpha Elena of Northvale Pack," Elder Cornelius begins, his ancient voice echoing. "You stand accused of breaking three sacred laws. First, harboring a witch. Second, using dark magic on unborn wolf pups. Third, claiming territory without Council approval."
"I broke no laws," I say clearly. "I saved lives."
"The laws exist for a reason," another Council member snaps. "Witches and wolves are natural enemies. They've caused wars, massacres—"
"One witch saved my children's lives," I interrupt. "One witch stood with me when an entire pack tried to kill us. If your laws say I should have let her die, then your laws are wrong."
Gasps echo through the chamber. Nobody challenges Council laws. Ever.
"Careful, young Alpha," Elder Cornelius warns. "You're already on thin ice."
"Then let me break through." I step forward, and my silver wolf radiates power. "I used magic to save my babies because they were dying. Any mother would do the same. If that makes me a criminal, fine. But my children live. And I'd make the same choice again."
"Even knowing the magic changed them?" A female Council member leans forward. "Your pups have abilities no wolf should possess. They could be dangerous."
"They're three days old," I say flatly. "The only danger they pose is to my sleep schedule."
A few Alphas chuckle despite themselves.
"This isn't a joke," Elder Cornelius says sternly. "Magically-altered wolves are unpredictable. The last time we allowed such abominations to live, they started the Blood Wars."
"My children are not abominations." My voice drops to a growl. "Say it again, and Council or not, we'll have problems."
The temperature in the room shifts. Other Alphas tense, recognizing the threat.
Elder Cornelius studies me with new respect. "You have courage, I'll give you that. But courage doesn't change the law."
"Then what will?" I demand. "What do I have to do to keep my pack, my witch, and my children?"
"That's what this trial will determine." Elder Cornelius gestures to the audience. "We'll hear testimonies. Starting with Alpha Chase Rex of Silvercrest Pack."
My heart stops.
Chase enters from a side door, and I haven't seen him in three months. He looks terrible—thinner, exhausted, haunted. His eyes find mine immediately.
And in them, I see regret so deep it hurts to look at.
"Alpha Rex," Elder Cornelius says, "you claim these children are yours. Is this true?"
"Yes." Chase's voice is rough. "They're my heirs."
"The mother was rejected. That legally nullifies any claim—"
"I was manipulated into rejecting her," Chase interrupts. "My former mate, Lydia Blackthorn, poisoned Elena for months. Weakened her wolf. Made me believe she was unworthy." His fists clench. "I was a fool. These children are mine, and I'm claiming them."
The Council erupts in whispers.
"You can't claim them," I say coldly. "You rejected them before they were born."
"I didn't know—"
"You saw the pregnancy test on the floor. You stepped over it and walked away." I hold my babies tighter. "You chose your path. I chose mine."
"Elena, please—"
"Alpha Elena," I correct. "I'm not your rejected mate anymore. I'm an Alpha in my own right. And these children belong to Northvale Pack, not Silvercrest."
Chase looks like I've stabbed him. "I'm their father."
"Biology doesn't make you a father. Being there does." I turn to the Council. "He wants to take my children because his pride is wounded. Because he realized too late what he threw away. But I won't let him use them to ease his guilty conscience."
"Strong words," Elder Cornelius says. "But under pack law, biological fathers have rights—"
"Even if they're rejected mates?" I challenge. "Because if that's true, you're telling every rejected pregnant she-wolf that her abuser can come back and claim her children whenever he wants. Is that really the law you want to enforce?"
The Council members exchange uncomfortable glances.
"The girl has a point," the female Council member admits.
"However," Elder Cornelius continues, "there's another matter. Your witch, Sage Hartley. Where did you find her?"
My blood runs cold. "Why does that matter?"
"Because Sage Hartley was reported dead three years ago." Elder Cornelius pulls out a document. "Killed by rogues, according to her former pack. Yet here she is, alive and working magic with you."
Sage steps forward from where she's been standing in the shadows. "I faked my death to escape Alpha Garrett. He wanted to force me into marriage. When I refused, he tried to kill me. The witch who 'died' was an illusion spell."
"Illegal magic," another Council member accuses.
"Survival," Sage corrects.
"Nevertheless, you deceived an entire pack. That's a serious crime." Elder Cornelius looks at me. "Tell me, Alpha Elena, why should we allow you to keep a fugitive witch in your pack?"
"Because she's family," I say simply. "Because she saved my children. Because she's more loyal than any wolf I've ever met."
"Loyalty doesn't excuse law-breaking."
"Then every wolf in this room is a criminal." I sweep my gaze across the Alphas. "How many of you have bent laws to protect your packs? How many have looked the other way when a Council rule didn't serve your interests? Don't pretend you're all saints."
Angry mutters ripple through the crowd.
"Enough," Elder Cornelius commands. "We will vote. All in favor of allowing Alpha Elena to keep her territory, her witch, and her children—"
"Wait!" A voice booms from the entrance.
Roman Blackwood strides in, looking smug.
"Elder Cornelius, I have new evidence that changes everything."
My stomach drops.
"What evidence?" Elder Cornelius demands.
Roman pulls out a photograph and hands it to the Council. "This is Alpha Elena three months ago, using her Luna magic to attack my wolves. Notice the silver glow? That's not normal Alpha power."
"So?" I snap.
"So," Roman continues, "silver Luna magic only appears in wolves from the Ancient Bloodlines. The royal families that ruled before the Council was formed."
Shocked silence.
"That's impossible," Elder Cornelius breathes. "The Ancient Bloodlines were wiped out in the Purge."
"Apparently not." Roman's smile is vicious. "Which means Alpha Elena isn't just some rejected Luna building a rogue pack. She's royalty. And under ancient law, royalty can't be tried by the Council—they can only be tried by other royals."
I stare at him, not understanding where he's going with this.
"Unfortunately," Roman says smoothly, "there are no other royals left. Except..." He pauses dramatically. "Except for me. My great-grandmother was from the Silvermoon Royal Line."
"You're saying you're royal?" Elder Cornelius looks skeptical.
"I'm saying I have more claim to judge her than you do." Roman turns to me. "And I propose a different solution. Instead of this trial, let Alpha Elena prove her worthiness the old way."
"What old way?" I demand.
"The ancient tradition of the Blood Moon Trials." Roman's eyes gleam. "Three challenges. Three tests of strength, wit, and leadership. If she passes, she keeps everything. If she fails..." He smiles. "She and her babies become part of my pack. As my property."
"That's barbaric!" Sage shouts.
"That's the law," Roman corrects. "Ancient law that supersedes Council law."
Chase steps forward. "You can't force her to—"
"I accept," I say clearly.
Everyone freezes.
"Elena, no!" Marcus protests.
"I accept the Blood Moon Trials," I repeat, looking Roman in the eye. "When do we start?"
Roman's smile widens. "One month. When the blood moon rises. I'll send you the details."
He leaves, and the chamber erupts in chaos.
Elder Cornelius bangs his gavel. "By ancient law, the Blood Moon Trials supersede this hearing. We are adjourned."
The Council files out. Chase tries to approach me, but Marcus blocks him.
"You just made a terrible mistake," Chase says quietly.
"No," I reply. "You made the terrible mistake six months ago. I'm just living with the consequences."
I walk out with my babies, my Beta, and my witch.
Outside, Sage grabs my arm. "Elena, the Blood Moon Trials—do you know what they are?"
"No idea."
"I do." Her face is pale. "My grandmother told me stories. The last wolf who attempted them died screaming. All three challenges are designed to be impossible."
"Nothing's impossible," I say, trying to sound confident.
"Elena." Sage forces me to look at her. "The last person who survived the Trials was executed anyway. Because the challenges don't just test your strength—they reveal your deepest secrets. All of them."
My blood runs cold. "What kind of secrets?"
"Everything. Your past. Your fears. Your true bloodline." Sage's voice drops to a whisper. "If Roman discovers who you really are—where your Ancient Bloodline actually comes from—he won't just take your babies."
"What will he do?"
"He'll kill you. Because Elena, I've been researching your power. That silver Luna magic?" Sage looks terrified. "It only appears in one bloodline. The bloodline that every Alpha in history has tried to exterminate."
"What bloodline?"
"The Moon Goddess's direct descendants. The First Wolves." Sage grips my hands. "Elena, you're not just royal. You're the last living heir to the throne that ruled before packs even existed. And if anyone finds out, every Alpha in North America will hunt you."
Behind us, I hear Chase's voice calling my name.
But I'm too frozen to respond.
Because I just agreed to trials that will expose the secret that could get me killed.
The secret I didn't even know I had.