Moonbound: The Rogue's Second Chance-Chapter 209: I PRESENT TO YOU SERENA EVERS

Serena found herself retracing her steps through the quiet hallway, past the flickering sconces and polished stone that lined the corridor. Her feet carried her to the small antechamber she had once been led to. The chamber she had been to when she had to watch for Darius before leaving for the communal gathering, he will not be with her today.

She twisted the doorknob and slipped inside. The room was unchanged: still dim, still modest, still holding the scent of old wood and faint lavender oil. She closed the door behind her and paced for a time, her thoughts swirling like dust caught in candlelight.

This felt worse than the communal gathering, far worse. Then, she had been nothing more than a stranger from the wilderness, a curiosity at best. Her missteps had been brushed off, hidden beneath the veil of novelty. But now...now, but this was very much different, this troupe of wolves were clearly educated and highly trusted by their leadership to be sent here. And Serena had no clue how well travelled they are.

She sat heavily on the old chair in the corner, hands wringing in her lap. Her mouth was dry.What if they recognised something she couldn’t hide? What if she stuttered? What if her accent slipped? What if—

You are doing it again, came the low voice in her mind. A familiar voice who knew her like no other.

Serena exhaled sharply and closed her eyes. "You always arrive when I start panicking," she murmured under her breath.

You always start panicking before you do something important, the wolf said, with wry amusement.

She gave a small huff of a laugh.

You are not made of air and nerves. You are teeth and voice. Bone and will. Do you remember the tale you read?

Serena stilled.

Tell it to me. Remind yourself.

She breathed in deep and let the words come, slow and steady.

"The wolf who gave away his teeth," she whispered. "He was mighty, fangs sharper than blades. No creature dared stand before him but he was tired, not old, just tired of the growling. He was tired of the fighting and all the blood. So he went to the Mountain Witch and asked her to take his teeth."

And she warned him.

"She told him he would lose his voice with the teeth. But he didn’t care. He wanted peace. And so she buried his fangs beneath a barren tree. His growl was placed in a lark that flew away and never came back." freewebnoveℓ.com

And then?

"For a while, he was happy and everything was quiet. He was at peace with the world. But then the storm came, from the North. The forest was torn apart and he could not fight, could not speak. He watched everything fall."

Her fingers curled tightly against her skirt.

"And the last line," she murmured. "’It is no shame to want peace, but even the gentlest wolf must know where his teeth are buried.’"

Silence stretched after her words. Her heartbeat slowed.

So ask yourself, Serena Evers, do you know where yours are buried?

She opened her eyes and rose to her feet, steadier than before.

"Yes," she said aloud. "And I will not forget."

A knock came on the door. It was softer than she anticipated, but she knew who stood at the other side. Charlotte. Serena crossed the room and opened the door.

"Well," Charlotte said, her voice light but her gaze sharp, "you didn’t flee through the window. That is a good start."

"I considered it," Serena replied drily.

Charlotte tilted her head, appraising. "You look... composed."

"Thank you."

Charlotte stepped aside, one hand motioning down the hall. "It is time."

Serena walked with her, heels tapping softly against the stone floor. The corridors had never felt so long before. Every step toward that chamber brought with it the weight of what she now represented. They stopped just before the tall, double doors of the council chamber. She could hear murmurs beyond, muffled voices, Darius, likely, and Silas’s deeper register. Perhaps even the Dawnbreak wolves already seated.

Charlotte leaned in, lips barely moving. "Are you eady?"

Serena nodded once.

"I will go first," Charlotte said, flashing her usual smug grin, but it didn’t quite meet her eyes. "You’ll follow when I say."

With a flick of her hand, Charlotte stepped through the doors and into the chamber beyond.

The room was large and ringed with banners of dark forest green and silver thread. Stone pillars rose like trunks holding up a wooden ceiling. There were two long rows of council chairs arranged to either side, with Dawnbreak’s wolves seated along the right. Serena saw Riven, Verec, Elen, and others, eight in total. All dressed finely, alert and composed. Darius stood near the head of the chamber, flanked by Silas and Ryker, with Julian and Elder Iris beside them. Evelyn, Livia, and Cedar held the other side of the room.

The moment Charlotte strode in, heads turned and then she spoke.

"Honoured wolves of Dawnbreak and Ironshade alike, may I present to you Serena Evers."

Charlotte turned, stepped aside and Serena walked forward. Her steps were smooth, deliberate. Her gown shimmered subtly with each movement, the deep crimson and black embroidery catching the light. Her head was held high.

Immediately on cue, the Ironshade council rose. All of them. Even Ryker, albeit slowly. Even Livia, tight-lipped and reluctant. Gasps and murmurs rippled among the Dawnbreak visitors, some surprised, others simply uncertain how to respond.

Serena came to a stop beside Charlotte. Darius stepped forward, a small, knowing smile on his lips.

"In the name of Ironshade," he said clearly, "we introduce Serena Evers, Ambassador to Crimsonclaw, and representative of their goodwill and intentions."

Serena’s gaze flickered to Riven who sat very still in his chair, Verec looked curiously between the council and Serena. Elen blinked once, lips parting slightly in quiet surprise.

Serena dipped into a flawless curtsy.

"I am honoured to stand before you all," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "And I look forward to our continued alliance."

There was a brief moment of silence and then Darius gestured.

"Let the talks begin."