His Blue Moon Princess
Chapter 84

It takes me a while to process what he just said. Their father chased their vampires to the North. That very same North where my original Clan was living, the Blue Moon Clan. So, this is what William was aiming at from the start... "Those vampires... killed the Blue Moon Clan?" I ask. "That's right," says William.

I feel Damian's grip tightening around me. I can't decipher his expression right now. My mate seems lost between anger, confusion, surprise, and... resolve. I know. I know this hand just won't let go of me. I look at those silver eyes, and despite everything, they bring me some sort of confidence. My wolf agrees with me, too.

William is watching my reactions, and so are Nathaniel and Neal. Even Bobo stopped growling and is just standing between my cousin and me in silence.

"You should have told me earlier, William. What happened to my mother."

"Yes, I apologize for that. But we had other matters at hand. I wasn't sure of your identity, either."

"And now you are?"

He nods but turns to Damian. "Don't you have anything to say?" He asks. "About what your father did?"

"...I stand by my words. My father was a monster, but I'm not him. However, I am truly sorry for your pack and what your Clan went through. I cannot undo his wrongdoings."

"What do you think you can do, then?"

"Be a better King."

Without adding another word, both of them stare at each other in silence. I try to understand William's intent, but my cousin only has a cunning expression on. Around us, people are holding their breath, waiting to see what's next. A few of them are talking about what was just revealed.

"So, the Mad King was even responsible for a full Clan's death... A Clan with Royals, no less."

"The Black family has no shame. Shouldn't they be taking responsibility for their father's actions?"

"He already killed his father! Isn't it obvious they were never on their father's side?"

"So what? A man who murdered his own family, who knows against whom he will turn his fangs next?"

"Isn't it different, though? Everyone was glad the Mad King died..."

"The Luna is there, too."

"I don't trust the Black family. With them being already so strong, who will stop them if they turn to be like their father?"

The chattering gets louder among the ranks, but I don't see any of the Alphas talking. Instead, all of them have their eyes on Damian and William, gauging them. Are some of them changing their minds? The atmosphere is so tense, some more people shape-shifted just in case. My own wolf is restless, too.

"Don't tell me you are going to overlook this?!" Yells Alexandra. "The Blacks are a family of power-hungry, bloodthirsty murderers! Remember the Snow Moon Clan? They didn't survive, either! Are you going to push that one on the Black father, too?"

Both William and Damian turn towards the Gold Moon Clan, but I'm the first one growling. Can't someone make her shut up already? I wish I could do it myself! "Not all the Snow Moon Clan," says Neal. "The Boss let-"

"I'm not talking to a damn Beta!" Interrupts Alexandra.

Neal sighs, but I can tell a lot of people from the Blood Moon behind us are now even more pissed. Who does she think she is to disrespect a Beta like this? "Watch your tone, King..." I say, warning her with a growl.

"I don't take any orders from you, either. Stealing my fiancé, pretending to be an innocent girl, a Royal? You're the one who should watch it! I am the Gold Moon's heiress! And I say we will not stand by your lies!" She yells.

I growl at her even louder, making her lower her head, but her father suddenly stands up and addresses the other Alphas.

"Respectable Alphas, it is obvious this is all a well-thought scheme from the Blood Moon Clan! Think about it. A witch? Why would a witch attack now, after what their father did to her peers and the vampires? How convenient would it be that Damian Black would suddenly pick a Royal mate, right after ditching my daughter once she gave orders to cut all the other Clans' funds? Do not be fooled! That man used my daughter, and now he is using this witch attack that will never happen to force you to submit to him!" "We never sought to bind other Clans! We only asked for alliances!" I talk back.

Why is this man so stupid? Does he really think what he's saying? This is ridiculous! I am the very reason that witch attacked us, and there is no way Damian could pull off something as wicked as that!

"It's no use talking, Nora. This i***t mutt has already made up his mind..." mutters William.

I'm not sure if Taaron King didn't hear him, or decided to pretend he didn't. Either way, the packs are way too agitated right now. It's obvious they don't know if this is going to end well or not, but everyone is getting ready in case it doesn't. Even my wolf is ready to change with me at any moment.

However, Tiffany Pearl, on the side, appears extremely calm. Playing with the long sleeves of her pale pink dress, she speaks in a clear voice. "Do we understand that you will release all control on the withheld funds, King?"

This time, Taaron King seems a bit flustered. He hesitates for a few seconds and tries to regain his composure. "Of course, we don't hold any hostility towards the other packs. However..."

He turns to point at Damian.

"I believe it would be dangerous to let this man hold any more power than he already has. It would be my duty to ensure this doesn't threaten anyone with the financial pressure of some sort. Of course, it would also require close attention to his relationships. If, after careful consideration, there is no way to-"

"In other words, you intend to retain any money that belongs to the Blood Moon Clan and anyone who associates with them," suddenly cuts Tiffany, visibly annoyed.

"This is only as a preventive measure! In order to protect the lesser Clans from this man's-"

"Who is putting pressure onto the others, now, King?" Growls Lissandra.

The man becomes red from embarrassment and anger as the packs suddenly start getting even more agitated. Moreover, a lot of them are now growling at the Gold Moon Clan. Tiffany just put in the clear the Gold Moon intends.

"You're wrong! There is no witch attack, and no one should trust Black! I am only doing what is necessary! Who needs an Alpha King, anyway? The Clans are doing just fine, why would we suddenly provide this man with any more power?" "He's right!" Suddenly yells Gregorovitch. "Each pack for itself, that's how it should be!"

"We are all cohabitating in one city, you idiots! How do you think we can live together without fighting if there is no King to oversee all the packs?" Growls Lissandra.

"Just hand the woman over to the Sapphire Moon! We don't need a Royal to support Black!" Yells a female Alpha.

"That's right! The Sapphire Moon should take over! If they are Royals, they should be the ones to preside over us!"

"Are you crazy?! They don't have any rights over Silver City! Black is the most powerful Alpha, he is the one who should be our Alpha King! Even Moon Goddess gave him a Royal Luna!"

"ENOUGH!"

My yelling shuts everyone down for a few seconds. I use my wolf's Alpha voice to address all of them. I've had enough of all this childish bickering!

"We are not here to discuss a new King or not! The threat is real; we don't have the luxury to fight each other! I don't care if you doubt my status as a Royal, but I won't marry into the Sapphire Moon Clan and I won't acknowledge anyone but Damian as King!" "Stop lying!" Yells Alexandra. "There is no witch, no threat, you are just lying. Even your status as a Royal is-"

"Stop lying!" Yells Alexandra. "There is no witch, no threat, you are just lying. Even your status as a Royal is-"

But before she can finish her sentence, a rumbling rises suddenly. What is this? Where is this noise coming from? Everyone looks around, and before I can understand what's going on, the ground starts shaking under our feet.

"What the...?"

Creaking noises are heard all throughout the stadium, and the packs start spreading in panic despite the Alphas trying to yell orders. The sounds are growing like something is coming closer. Damian starts growling, and I realize William grabbed my hand. But both of them have eyes on the ground, where the soil starts tearing apart. Wide cracks are spreading fast, and tree roots suddenly come out at an incredible speed. I hear people screaming.

"A witch! It's a witch!"

"Don't stay on the ground! Climb the stairs!" Suddenly yells Damian.

Finally listening, most of the werewolves start running to the stadium's stairs, the Alphas trying to lead their packs. Suddenly, Damian pushes me into William's arms. "Take Nora away!"

Wait, what?! Before I can say a word, William starts running, forcefully taking me along with him. "Damian!"

But my mate is already running in the opposite direction, towards the crowd that's still downstairs. Oh Moon Goddess, he is going to help the others!

"William, let me go! I have to go with him!"

My cousin isn't listening at all and takes me with him up the stairs. I'm not leaving Damian! I struggle and finally free myself from William's grasp. My cousin realizes he let go of my hand, but I elude him to run back. I hear him yell my name, but I don't slow down one bit. I feel another wolf right behind me, and Bobo arrives even faster than me to Damian's side.

"What...? Nora, go back!"

"No way, I'm not leaving you!"

He growls, but we both know this has no effect on me. Around us, the field is not yet cleared, but the ground is now totally invaded by roots. Still, a lot of werewolves that couldn't run fast enough are trapped by the roots and calling for help. I even spot Taaron King, lost under a large root that's pinning him face against the soil.

A few steps away from him, Lissandra Jones, too, is fighting to free her leg from some mud in one of the cracks. But the roots keep progressing, and some of them even reached one side of the stadium, running between the benches and capturing more people. How do we stop this?! I hear screaming, but aside from Bobo and Damian standing next to me, I can't recognize anyone else I know. Ten thousand people are running in all directions, and I suddenly notice all the stadium entrances have been barred by branches. We are trapped.

"The witch! Catch the witch!"

I turn around. Right in the middle of a stadium, a woman is standing alone. No doubt possible- this is not a werewolf. She has crimson hair, and strange dark symbols are covering her arms. But...

Before I can say a word, I see Damian jumping into his wolf form and running straight at her. Oh Moon Goddess, no!

"Damian, NO!"

I scream, but it's too late- he's already jumping at her. But a split second before my mate's fangs can catch her throat, a black shadow jumps in. I hear loud growls, and Damian is pushed back by another wolf.

The large black wolf growls at him and stands on all fours in front of the witch, obviously protecting her from my mate. I recognize him immediately.

Liam.