A Luna for the Lycan King novel Chapter 72

Chapter 72

Allissa

The thick canvas of the white tent muffled the sounds from the outside. I stood behind the gathered leaders, my eyes fixed on the map spread across the makeshift war table. Darren was right in front of me, and I watched as his fingers moved over the parchment. The centaur prince to his left growled low in his throat, shaking his head. “That leaves the eastern villages exposed. We can’t risk it.”

“And if we pull back to defend them, we lose our advantage in the mountains,” countered the harpy queen, her wings rustling with agitation.

I bit my lip, my mind racing as I considered the implications of each strategy. The complexity of inter–species politics had never felt more daunting. One wrong move could shatter fragile alliances, doom innocent lives.

My gaze drifted across the tent, taking in the assembled leaders. Battle–worn and weary, they bore the marks of our recent struggles. A bandaged arm here, a haunted look there. When my eyes landed on Asta, standing quiet and watchful on the far side, I wondered if she knew more about my father than her brother had let on. I planned to pull her aside after this so we could talk, even though it was late.

“What if we—” Darren began, but I barely heard him. My

Chapter 72

thoughts had turned inward as I heard loud wailing near the infirmary. We had lost another one, and from the sounds of it, someone’s brother. I clenched my fists at my sides, willing myself to focus. We would only lose more without a proper strategy, and the species bias was getting in the way of our planning.

2/8

The Elf King’s emerald eyes narrowed. “Perhaps sacrificing the outlying villages is our only option. We can’t defend every—”

“Excuse me?” I interjected, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Are we seriously considering throwing innocent people to the wolves? Or, well, the vampires in this case?”

A hush fell over the tent. I felt Darren’s mind brush against mine, a mix of pride and concern flowing through our bond. The other leaders exchanged glances, some amused, others affronted.

I planted my hands on the map–covered table, leaning forward. “Look, I get it. War is messy. But those villages aren’t just dots on a map. They’re families, children, elders who can’t defend themselves. If we start sacrificing our own people, what the hell are we even fighting for?”

The Dwarf Queen, her tan skin marred by a fresh scar, raised an eyebrow. “And what would you suggest, young lycan?”

I squared my shoulders, meeting her gaze. “We get creative. Use our strengths. We have all these species on our side. We have power and strengths the other side does not. The forest spirits can create illusions to confuse enemy scouts. Werecats are

Chapter 72

masters of guerrilla tactics. And I bet those villagers have a few tricks up their sleeves, too. We don’t abandon them. We empower them.”

3/8

“She is right. We can arm those villages with the means to stall and protect themselves until help arrives.” Ivan spoke up, giving me a small nod. I felt Darren’s hand brush over my back.

“What about reopening the strongholds? The fortresses that can be locked? Villagers can go and live there until the war is over? At least give them the option.” Darren pointed his other hand at the map. “We all have strongholds throughout these areas. We get word to them so they can plan accordingly.”

“Honestly, that is the best move. The vampires will look for strength and go for those who are weak.” Finn’s eyes studied the leaders around the table. “We are not accomplishing anything by drawing a line for sacrifices.”

A flicker of movement caught my eye. Asta’s eyes met my gaze and she gave me a subtle head nod.

I straightened, my heart quickening. “I need some air,” I muttered, careful not to draw attention.

Where are you going? Darren’s voice resonated in my mind.

I’ll just be outside. I moved back, stepping outside the tent. I know he wanted me close, but I had been wanting to speak to

Asta.

Stepping out, the cool night air caressed my skin, a welcome

Chapter 72

4/8

respite from the stuffy tent. It was dark except for the moonlight and the bonfires spread across the field.

Asta stood motionless several yards away, her posture rigid as a statue. As I moved closer, she turned and her eyes locked onto

mine.

“Allissa,” she began, her tone measured and low. “The

weretigers have been investigating your father’s disappearance since we first discovered his watch many years ago.”

I bit my lip, willing myself to stay quiet and let her continue. I had so many questions, but I knew she had something to tell me.

“Our scouts have uncovered… disturbing information,” Asta continued, each word deliberate and heavy with implication. “There are signs that point to demonic involvement.”

The world seemed to tilt beneath my feet. Demons? My mind reeled, struggling to process the implications. I swallowed hard, forcing down the bubble of panic rising in my chest.

“What kind of signs?” I managed to ask, proud that my voice didn’t betray the tremor I felt inside.

Asta’s eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze sweeping the camp before returning to me. “Residual energy signatures, consistent with demonic portals. And…” she paused, her usual cool facade cracking for just a moment. “We found traces of your father’s scent near one such location.”

My breath caught in my throat. Demons. Portals. My father’s

Chapter 72

5/8

scent. The pieces were falling into place, forming a picture too terrifying to contemplate. But I had to know more.

“Tell me everything,” I demanded, my sass slipping through despite the gravity of the situation. “And don’t you dare sugar–coat it, Asta. I need the truth, no matter how ugly.”

Asta’s eyes met mine, her gaze unflinching. For a moment, I saw a flicker of something before her mask of cool detachment slipped back into place. Pity, perhaps? My heart raced, hope and fear warring within me.

“The truth, Allissa,” Asta began, her voice low and measured, “is that our investigation has led us to believe your father may have been taken by demons to be harvested.”

“Why?” I choked out.

“I think they seized an opportunity. Took the patrol and your father. A strong, alpha bloodline … but I think they were hoping

for-”

“My blood.” I breathed out, watching her nod her head. They took my father, thinking he might be of royal descent. “Maybe he isn’t dead.”

“Those are dangerous thoughts. If demons took him, they have either harvested or enslaved him. In either case, you can’t get him back. Realistically, a powerful alpha like your father … they would have drunk his essence and eaten his vital organs.”

There is a difference between knowing someone is dead and

Chapter 72

6/8

hearing about what might have happened to them. My chest constricted, and I felt my nose stinging. Tears threatened my eyes as I looked at Asta.

“You were young, so you don’t remember, but your parents were kind to us. There was a time when food was scarce. A plague killed our livestock, and your parents came to the werecals‘ aid. They helped us, and even helped repopulate our livestock. They brought us food… we owe so much to them. I know you were probably wondering why we have put so much effort into searching for your father. This was why. If it wasn’t for the species being at odds, we would have come for you and your mother. We couldn’t cross the border without risking war. Maybe we should have—”

“No, you would have provoked a war or risked death.” I shook my head, knowing they could not have come for us. “I appreciate that you have been searching for him. Honestly, it was more than what my own kind did.” My parents were gone, and regardless of how it happened, for my mental health, I couldn’t dwell on it. However, a deeper resentment toward demons may have been born today. Because of them, my life was drastically altered. Though, without everything that happened, I may never have met Darren. Thinking about him was a balm to my soul. No matter how much pain and suffering I endured, meeting him was worth it all.

Asta handed me a handkerchief for the tears that slipped out. “You shouldn’t be here, you know. Pregnancy is hard, but you are of royal bloodline. It will be tougher for you. Your mother had a very hard pregnancy. She became very weak. All of her strength went into growing you. Take care of yourself and your

Chapter 72 pup.”

“How did you know I was pregnant?” My lips parted as she laughed.

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“In just the few days since I’ve seen you, your stomach has grown. Plus… I might have overheard one of the fairy healers talking about the strong life growing inside of you.” She glanced behind me and then back to me. “I’m glad to see he is protective of you.”

I glanced back to see Darren standing by the tent, staring in our direction.

“When the baby arrives, you will have to have a big celebration. One with all the species, like they used to do for a new royal baby.”

I looked back at Asta, nodding my head. “That sounds like it would be very healing and unifying.”

“It’s late, and we have a big day tomorrow. We will move on to the next village as we make our way to the vampires. It will only get tougher, and the pace will be grueling. Think about what you want to do.” She nodded her head and turned, disappearing into the night. A moment later, I felt his familiar heat against my back. I turned, burying my head against his chest as he wrapped his warm arms around me.

“I’m not going to continue on with you,” I whispered, feeling his chin rest on top of my head.

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8/8

“It’s for the best. They told me that your pregnancy will not be like what my mother went through. It will be different because you are the real royal descendant. It will be too dangerous for you here.” I nodded my head as I listened to his voice. I can’t believe I’m going to leave my mate. Gods, I’m going to miss him so much.

“What if you need me? What about your temper? How long until I see you again?” I hiccupped, feeling my entire body tightening.

“I will always need you, but I will manage. I will make trips back to see you and recharge. And when this is all over, it will be a better world for us … and our pup.” He kissed the top of my head, letting out a quiet sigh. “It’s late. We had a grueling day, and we need our rest.” I nodded my head.

He slowly escorted me to our tent, his arm around my back as I leaned against his side. I knew it was the right decision, but it was going to be hell for both of us. I had to focus on t

Chapter 72

Allissa

The thick canvas of the white tent muffled the sounds from the outside. I stood behind the gathered leaders, my eyes fixed on the map spread across the makeshift war table. Darren was right in front of me, and I watched as his fingers moved over the parchment. The centaur prince to his left growled low in his throat, shaking his head. “That leaves the eastern villages exposed. We can’t risk it.”

“And if we pull back to defend them, we lose our advantage in the mountains,” countered the harpy queen, her wings rustling with agitation.

I bit my lip, my mind racing as I considered the implications of each strategy. The complexity of inter–species politics had never felt more daunting. One wrong move could shatter fragile alliances, doom innocent lives.

My gaze drifted across the tent, taking in the assembled leaders. Battle–worn and weary, they bore the marks of our recent struggles. A bandaged arm here, a haunted look there. When my eyes landed on Asta, standing quiet and watchful on the far side, I wondered if she knew more about my father than her brother had let on. I planned to pull her aside after this so we could talk, even though it was late.

“What if we—” Darren began, but I barely heard him. My

Chapter 72

thoughts had turned inward as I heard loud wailing near the infirmary. We had lost another one, and from the sounds of it, someone’s brother. I clenched my fists at my sides, willing myself to focus. We would only lose more without a proper strategy, and the species bias was getting in the way of our planning.

2/8

The Elf King’s emerald eyes narrowed. “Perhaps sacrificing the outlying villages is our only option. We can’t defend every—”

“Excuse me?” I interjected, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Are we seriously considering throwing innocent people to the wolves? Or, well, the vampires in this case?”

A hush fell over the tent. I felt Darren’s mind brush against mine, a mix of pride and concern flowing through our bond. The other leaders exchanged glances, some amused, others affronted.

I planted my hands on the map–covered table, leaning forward. “Look, I get it. War is messy. But those villages aren’t just dots on a map. They’re families, children, elders who can’t defend themselves. If we start sacrificing our own people, what the hell are we even fighting for?”

The Dwarf Queen, her tan skin marred by a fresh scar, raised an eyebrow. “And what would you suggest, young lycan?”

I squared my shoulders, meeting her gaze. “We get creative. Use our strengths. We have all these species on our side. We have power and strengths the other side does not. The forest spirits can create illusions to confuse enemy scouts. Werecats are

Chapter 72

masters of guerrilla tactics. And I bet those villagers have a few tricks up their sleeves, too. We don’t abandon them. We empower them.”

3/8

“She is right. We can arm those villages with the means to stall and protect themselves until help arrives.” Ivan spoke up, giving me a small nod. I felt Darren’s hand brush over my back.

“What about reopening the strongholds? The fortresses that can be locked? Villagers can go and live there until the war is over? At least give them the option.” Darren pointed his other hand at the map. “We all have strongholds throughout these areas. We get word to them so they can plan accordingly.”

“Honestly, that is the best move. The vampires will look for strength and go for those who are weak.” Finn’s eyes studied the leaders around the table. “We are not accomplishing anything by drawing a line for sacrifices.”

A flicker of movement caught my eye. Asta’s eyes met my gaze and she gave me a subtle head nod.

I straightened, my heart quickening. “I need some air,” I muttered, careful not to draw attention.

Where are you going? Darren’s voice resonated in my mind.

I’ll just be outside. I moved back, stepping outside the tent. I know he wanted me close, but I had been wanting to speak to

Asta.

Stepping out, the cool night air caressed my skin, a welcome

Chapter 72

4/8

respite from the stuffy tent. It was dark except for the moonlight and the bonfires spread across the field.

Asta stood motionless several yards away, her posture rigid as a statue. As I moved closer, she turned and her eyes locked onto

mine.

“Allissa,” she began, her tone measured and low. “The

weretigers have been investigating your father’s disappearance since we first discovered his watch many years ago.”

I bit my lip, willing myself to stay quiet and let her continue. I had so many questions, but I knew she had something to tell me.

“Our scouts have uncovered… disturbing information,” Asta continued, each word deliberate and heavy with implication. “There are signs that point to demonic involvement.”

The world seemed to tilt beneath my feet. Demons? My mind reeled, struggling to process the implications. I swallowed hard, forcing down the bubble of panic rising in my chest.

“What kind of signs?” I managed to ask, proud that my voice didn’t betray the tremor I felt inside.

Asta’s eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze sweeping the camp before returning to me. “Residual energy signatures, consistent with demonic portals. And…” she paused, her usual cool facade cracking for just a moment. “We found traces of your father’s scent near one such location.”

My breath caught in my throat. Demons. Portals. My father’s

Chapter 72

5/8

scent. The pieces were falling into place, forming a picture too terrifying to contemplate. But I had to know more.

“Tell me everything,” I demanded, my sass slipping through despite the gravity of the situation. “And don’t you dare sugar–coat it, Asta. I need the truth, no matter how ugly.”

Asta’s eyes met mine, her gaze unflinching. For a moment, I saw a flicker of something before her mask of cool detachment slipped back into place. Pity, perhaps? My heart raced, hope and fear warring within me.

“The truth, Allissa,” Asta began, her voice low and measured, “is that our investigation has led us to believe your father may have been taken by demons to be harvested.”