Chapter 24: The Truth Beneath the Throne

Faye’s POV

The doors closed behind Sebastian and Leo.

For the first time since entering the Hollow Moon Sanctuary, the chamber was completely silent.

The woman on the throne lowered her head.

“You really want to hear the truth?”

I nodded.

“Every word.”

Mira stood beside me.

Roman remained near the entrance, watching the corridors for any remaining guards.

The woman took a slow breath.

“My name is Seraphina.”

“I am the last surviving member of the Crimson Council.”

I frowned.

“You said the Council wanted my blood.”

“They did.”

“But that was never the whole reason.”

She looked toward the ancient records glowing on the wall.

“Your mother wasn't simply the last Moonborn.”

“She was the one who refused to let the ancient bloodlines control the ordinary packs.”

Mira's hands tightened.

“They killed her because she wouldn't obey them.”

Seraphina nodded.

“And when she realized they were coming for her children, she separated you.”

I stared at her.

“Why?”

“Because your sister inherited one half of the Moonborn power.”

She pointed toward Mira.

“And you inherited the other.”

I looked at Mira.

She slowly nodded.

“Our mother split the power between us.”

“She believed neither daughter should ever carry it alone.”

A chill ran through me.

“Then why did my power awaken now?”

Seraphina's expression darkened.

“Because your first life ended with your bloodline suppressed.”

“The Moon Goddess gave you another chance to correct the imbalance.”

I remembered the cold mattress.

The darkness.

The last breath I had taken.

Then waking up young again.

It suddenly felt less like a miracle and more like a responsibility.

“And Leo?” I asked.

Seraphina looked toward the door.

“Leo is important because he carries Sebastian's pure Alpha bloodline.”

“Combined with your Moonborn blood, his future potential could surpass every Alpha alive.”

My expression hardened.

“He is a child.”

“Exactly.”

“That is why they wanted him before he was old enough to choose for himself.”

I felt anger rise inside me.

“You used him as bait.”

Seraphina looked down.

“I did.”

“And I will regret that for the rest of my life.”

I walked toward her.

“Regret isn't enough.”

She looked up.

“What do you want?”

“The truth made public.”

“Every record.”

“Every name.”

“Every crime.”

“And the Crimson Council dissolved.”

Seraphina stared at me.

“You understand that doing that will destroy the old order?”

I nodded.

“Good.”

Roman finally spoke.

“Faye, there is one more problem.”

I turned.

“What?”

He held out a black scroll.

“The Council already sent a message to every major pack.”

“They've declared you a threat.”

Mira took the scroll and opened it.

Her face became pale.

“They're calling for a blood hunt.”

I read the words.

Any pack that shelters the Moonborn will be considered an enemy of the ancient bloodlines.

I folded the scroll.

“Then we stop hiding.”

Roman looked surprised.

“What are you planning?”

“A gathering.”

“Every Alpha, every elder, every pack leader.”

“Bring them here.”

Mira stared at me.

“You want to face all of them?”

“No.”

I looked toward the glowing records.

“I want them to face the truth.”

…

By sunrise, the first pack leaders arrived.

Then another.

Then another.

Within hours, the great hall was filled with Alphas who had spent generations fearing the Crimson Council.

Sebastian stood near the entrance with Leo beside him.

When our eyes met, relief crossed his face.

Leo ran toward me.

“Mom!”

I dropped to my knees and pulled him into my arms.

He buried his face against my shoulder.

“I knew you'd come.”

I kissed his hair.

“I always will.”

Sebastian approached slowly.

“Are you okay?”

I nodded.

“I'm fine.”

His eyes searched mine.

“I thought I was going to lose you.”

I looked at him quietly.

“You almost did.”

He lowered his gaze.

“I know.”

Before he could say more, the doors opened.

A messenger entered.

“The Crimson Council has arrived.”

The entire hall fell silent.

I stood.

The silver mark on my wrist began to glow.

“Then let them come inside.”

The great doors opened.

And for the first time, I didn't feel like the woman waiting outside someone else's world.

I was standing at the center of it.

And I was ready to decide what happened next.