I wrestled with the storm inside me, a gale of conflicting emotions. My duty as Luna Queen, the protector of my people, demanded the strength to forgive, to lead by example. But the woman, the mother, the mate within me clamored for justice, for the assurance that such tragedies would never darken our doorsteps again.

"Is peace not worth the struggle?" Elder Matthias's voice was a whisper now, meant only for me, a solitary question amidst the chaos that begged for an answer I wasn't sure I ...