---- "Any other questions?" Kaelen scanned the room. Marcus stood up. "Alpha, what does the Moonridge pack say about this? Their support is vital to us." Asmart, sharp question. I almost wanted to clap for Marcus. Kaelen looked a little tense. ''The Moonridge pack ... I'm sure with Sera's help, they will understand." "Of course," I said calmly. "I've already sent word to my birth pack about this 'special situation." Their response... should arrive soon." Kaelen's expression shifted slightly. He clearly heard the threat in my words. The meeting ended, and the pack members left in small groups. I was about to get up when Kaelen stopped me. "Sera, please wait." ---- Once the hall was empty, it was just the three of us - me, Kaelen, and Lyra, standing in the corner. "you handled that well," Kaelen said, coming closer, his voice low. "This is important for the pack." "and for you?" I looked him straight in the eye. " Is this important to you?" He avoided my gaze. "I have to do this." "Because of 'bloodline protection'?" I scoffed. " Such a noble excuse." "It's not an excuse!" he suddenly got agitated. " That cub really needs my power!" "and what about my needs?" I took a step forward. "What about the cub in my belly? Your first heir?" My words hit him like a slap. Yes, I was pregnant. Only a few weeks, but as his Alpha mate, he should have sensed it. ---- He and Marcus had even confirmed he knew it that day. "You..."" He looked at me, shocked. "Why didn't you tell me?" "T was planning to announce the happy news at the Silver Moon Ceremony," I said calmly. "But now, it seems that will have to be postponed." Kaelen turned pale, finally realizing how serious things were. "This changes nothing," Lyra suddenly spoke up, moving to Kaelen's side. "My cub is more fragile. It will die without the Alpha's protection. Yours... is strong enough." A flash of malice in her eyes sent a chill down my spine. "T understand," I said, stepping back, my expression calm again. "In that case, I will 'think of the bigger picture.' But remember, Kaelen, ---- every choice has a price." Leaving the council hall, I went straight to the sacred grove. Elder Elara's projection was already waiting for me. "It's worse than I thought," I said quietly. "The second step of the Moon Eclipse Unbinding must begin as soon as possible." "Are you sure, child?" the Elder's voice was full of worry. "This will cause irreversible damage." "He already made his choice," I said, touching my stomach. "Now, I have to make mine." For my unborn child, and for my dignity.