<h4>Chapter 492: The Eastern Region</h4>


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    <strong>Chapter 492</strong>


    <strong>~Zara’s POV~</strong>


    E shot me a sideways re. "We’re not moving in together."


    "Yet," I corrected. "Give it a few weeks in the Lycan Kingdom and I guarantee someone’s toothbrush will migrate."


    "That’s not how this works," E muttered, though the colour rising in her cheeks said otherwise.


    "I’m just saying," I drawled, "first it’s one drawer. Then it’s half the closet. Then you’re fighting over thest clean towel and who used up thest of the soap."


    "I don’t use soap," Richard said tly.


    E blinked. "What?"


    "I mean, I use the natural pine and volcanic charcoal blend." He raised an eyebrow. "You really think I’d use generic soap?"


    "Oh my goddess," I groaned. "You’re one of those. The kind that smells like a wilderness catalog and heartbreak."


    Richard smirked. "I have standards."


    E just covered her face again andughed into her palms. "I should’ve left when I had the chance."


    "Nope," I said cheerfully, "you kissed him. That was the point of no return."


    Richard turned toward her, voice quieter now. "You regret that?"


    She looked up, her smile softening. "Not for a second."


    Richard smiled back before reaching up to caress her cheeks. ’Good, because I was only kidding. Of course, I use soap and take care of my skin.’


    "I can tell," I chipped in softly. Both of them literally zoned me out as the next second, their eyes locked. And for the briefest moment, the room stilled again.


    I let the silence stretch, then pped once. "Okay, if you two start making out on my sofa, I swear I will throw this snack bowl at your heads."


    E giggled and leaned lightly into Richard’s side, while he gave me a dry look.


    "You’re a menace," he said.


    "I’m a blessing," I corrected. "You’re just not used to someone keeping you humble."


    He grunted but didn’t argue. Wise man.


    I let my gaze linger on the two of them—my best friend and the King’s beta—so tangled up in each other now, in that careful way that new couples are. But there was something sure there, beneath the hesitation. Something real.


    And honestly? I needed to see that tonight.


    Because with everything going on—Snow, Davion, Kaid, the chaos still waiting at my door—I needed the reminder that something good could still form in the wreckage.


    Eventually, E sat up and nced at the clock. "We should go. It’s gettingte."


    "Are you sleeping at your ce tonight or...?" I wiggled my brows.


    Richard rolled his eyes. "We’ll head back to her house. She’s packing for the trip tomorrow."


    I made a show of gasping. "You’re <i>not</i> staying the night together before the big move? Wow. You two are really going slow-burn with this."


    E gave me onest eye-roll as she stood and smoothed her top. "Don’t worry. You’ll be the first to know when we take it up a notch."


    "Damn right I will. I expect <i>deets</i>."


    "I’ll give you diagrams," Richard muttered under his breath, already rising to follow her.


    "Don’t tempt me," I called after them.


    "Knowing you... I wouldn’t dream of doing that,’ E stated and smiled. I love you, babe."


    "Love you too, darling."


    As they reached the door, E turned and gave me a soft smile. "Thanks, Zee. For not freaking out. For... all of it."


    I shrugged, feeling a smile of my own curve. "Don’t mention it. Just don’t get too swept away in royal court drama. And for the love of the moon, <i>don’t</i> name your baby after Richard if he snores."


    "I don’t snore," he said automatically and from how he slouched hsi shoulders, I could tell he had not expected me to be so yful and teasing like this.


    Even I didn’t think I still had it in me after everything that’s been going on in the past month or two.


    "I’ll believe that when I see it in writing."


    Theyughed, E and I hugged while Richard shook my hand and stepped out into the night, and as the door shut behind them, I sank deeper into my chair.


    The room felt a little quieter.


    But not empty. Just... calm.


    "Sigh, time to take a well-deserved resting bathe."


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Snow’s POV~</strong>


    The Eastern skies were clear that morning, but the air was crisp with impending change.


    Wind swept through the wide ins as we rode in, and even from a distance, Alpha Alexander’s estate stood like a testament to old power in an imposing but not arrogant way.


    Draven, riding just behind me, was unusually quiet. He’d spoken little since we crossed the southern ridge—his thoughts as guarded as his sword hand.


    I didn’t press him. As he was fondly called, the Northern Alpha wasn’t one for idle chatter, and I respected that. For now, we were allies. Temporary, but necessary.


    As we passed the gatehouse, two guards in ck and forest-green armour stepped out, giving a low bow.


    "Alpha Snow," one of them greeted. "Wee to Ironvale. Alpha Alexander awaits."


    I nodded once, dismounting. The estate grounds stretched ahead, perfectly maintained with wide stone paths, sharp-cornered hedges, and a towering central mansion that was more fortress than home.


    Dravennded beside me a momentter, his cloak whipping with the wind. His emerald green eyes scanned the perimeter without a word.


    The mansion doors opened just as we reached the front steps. Alpha Alexander stood there already, nked by his wife. She was tall and regal, her long blonde braid resting over her shoulder, and one hand ced protectively on her swollen belly.


    I slowed slightly, noting the gesture.


    "Snow," Alexander greeted, extending a hand. "It’s good to have you here finally. The Western packs are at your disposal."


    "Appreciated," I said, sping his hand firmly. "You’ve done well. The estate is strong."


    "And it needs to be," he replied with a faint nod. "These are uncertain times."


    My eyes flicked to his wife, whose smile was gentle but tired.


    "Congrattions, Luna Spring," I said to her. "A child is always a blessing. Especially now."


    She inclined her head, fingers tightening slightly around her belly. "Thank you, my Alpha Snow. It means the world to me."


    "Anytime. For young ones like this," I added, "we must ensure the kingdom is safe."


    Alexander nodded solemnly. "That is our duty."


    "How is your wife, Lady Zara? I hear you and she are yet to take up the Ivory Crescent Pack."


    "Yes, but soon. I believe after the war, we will do the needful."


    "I do not doubt that. And your parents? It’s been a while since I saw them, especially Luna Zaria," Lady Spring added.


    "Everyone is faring well. Thank you."


    Draven, for once, said nothing—but I could feel the sharpness in his silence. He wasn’t here for pleasantries. He was here for what came next.


    "Alpha Draven, wee."


    "Luna Spring, Alpha Alexander, thank you for having us."


    Alexander nodded. "We’ll discuss matters inside," he said, ushering us toward the open doors. "The council is preparing to convene in the next hour. I trust you’ll want to address them directly."


    I stepped through the threshold into a grand hall lined with dark wooden beams and tall windows. Banners bearing the Ironvale crest—an iron wolf encircled by me—hung in proud silence.


    "Yes," I replied. "There are matters they need to hear firsthand. Not rumors."


    A servant led us through the foyer and into a side chamber where refreshments awaited. The room was warm andfortable—but I remained standing.


    Alexander dismissed the servants with a nod and turned to us. "How grave is it?" he asked simply.


    Draven looked at me, deferring without words.


    I met Alexander’s gaze. "Graver than they know. And if we don’t act before the next moon, we may lose more thannd."


    His jaw tensed. "Then you have my pack, warriors, and de."


    "And your trust?" I asked carefully.


    Alexander gave a short, humourless smile. "That too. But I expect truth in return."


    "You’ll have it," I said.


    From the corner of the room, Draven finally spoke. "And speed. We don’t have the luxury of slow politics anymore."


    Alexander’s wife nced between us, quiet but observant. She knew. Maybe not the details, but enough to understand the weight in the room.


    "We’ll brief your council," I added. "But only those loyal to the kingdom. I need to know if there are weak links here before we bleed for them."


    "There won’t be," Alexander assured. "Not in Ironvale."


    I nodded once, then let my eyes fall again to his wife’s stomach curve. A new life in these trying times. Was the Moon Goddess saying something?


    Something to fight for beyond borders and bloodlines.


    Yes. We had much to do and very little time, I’m afraid.


    "Alpha Snow, do you mind going over what we discussed in our ns for Alpha Council?"


    "Sure."


    Time skipped, and about two hourster, the council convened. My chest heaved. After our briefing with Alexander, Draven and I were shown to our respective rooms to freshen up.


    The council chamber was a long, high-ceilinged room built of dark timber and polished stone, with high arching windows that let in light but gave no view to the outside—only the sky.


    It was built that way on purpose—a ce where decisions were made without distraction, where power gathered in silence. It was how some packs built their structure in the past. And this meant we were serious.


    Alpha Alexander’s council had assembled quickly—twelve seats filled by his regional heads and senior warriors, all murmuring low as Draven and I entered at his side.


    The room fell quiet when we reached the central floor.


    Then the doors opened again.


    Soft footsteps followed, and when I turned, I spotted him walking in—Alpha, ruler of the biggest pack in the West.


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