and, my holo-tablet glows with a flurry of notifications-Council communiqués, pack-wide policy me

m. Word travels fast: Lucian Cross has called an emergency Pack Assembly to address the "governance crisis." Everyone expects him

hitheater at 0900 for the Silverpine Reformation Address." beneath it, a sub-bullet: "Attendance mandatory; failu

ee: Preempt

ine's New Order" brie

dtables for Beta lea

lfhold Herald under "

ent analyses, and strategic talking points-are uploaded to encrypted channels. I've identified ten Betas and three Council advi

30

Students and pack members filter in, faces taut with anticipation. A cluster of human journalists from the Wolfhold Her

disguise?" His companion shrugs. "Doesn't matter. She's leading the conversation now." A

00

regalia, regal bear pelt draped across his shoulders, silver s

yes sweeping the assembly. "This morning, I propose a renewed governance model-one that l

e audience hostage to his "vision," but without the depth or empirical backing that m

ee tiers labeled "Alpha Command," "Beta Advisory," and "Human Liaisons." Applause ripples through

ne Aldridge's Comprehensive Governance Blueprint" with my signature data-visuals. My briefing packets appear on every pack-membe

cohesion before and after my Phase One leak are impossible to ignore. Betas glance

rical precision. He glances toward the Council elders-Elder Mortaine's jaw clenches; Elder Sy

45

ve through them, offering firm handshakes to the Betas I've courted. Each handshake is a reinforcement of alliance:

w but strained. "Who gave you access to Council channel

y. You summoned us to be heard, not dictated to. I simply delivered what you asked f

warring in his eyes. "Be careful, Luna," he wa

ed with precision." His lips press into a thin line, and

:3

an is already there, holo-tablet hovering

: 98% pack

2% response rate w

: 45% positive reaction

ery engagement record i

rd: targets for Phase Four-policy workshops, human-wolf mentorship programs, and a leadership incubat

ing at Luna's Embrace Café." Perfect. The café, with its moonlit décor and discreet backroo

:0

scholar-no longer the traitor Luna, but a transformative consultant. I pick up a salad and a coffee, th

ectful bow. "Elder Sylas, t

integrating it into the official curriculum." His optimism warms me. "Of course

nt. Silverpine's new era

telepathy of allies is unmistakable. Over spring-water and polite co

00

light Governance Program-an interdisciplinary initiative co-developed by Luna-in-Exile Raina Adler and

orms. Graphics pulse with moonlit silver. Headlines glow: "Innovation Under the Moon:

uman allies feel respected, and Lucian's attempted power

30

eyes. The sigil in my pocket tugs gently-once a symbol of rejection, now a measure of my ascent. T

gleaned from human organizational psychology. Human–wolf mentorship pairs will meet un

im to unexpected countermoves. Yet I'm ready-my network of alliances, my dat

ere I first tasted my power. Moonlight filters through the branches, painting silve

forge justice, empowerment, and a gover

again, he will find that the Luna he rejecte

hat the future I architec