chapter 7

Chapter 7 

Ophelia remained in the poorly lit room, running her fingers along the boundaries of the spellbook placed on the table in front of her. She possessed a peaceful and sharp mind. She had completed the necessary tasks, but now she must guarantee that everything went as planned. There was one final move left to do—and she would require Mack's assistance to achieve it.

Mack stepped into the room, feeling the noticeable tension between them following their recent discussion with Azalea. Closing the door softly, he looked at Ophelia's face searching for any emotion. However, as per usual, she was impossible to interpret.

"What is the reason for summoning me?" Mack inquired quietly. Since Azalea's confrontation, he had hardly gotten any sleep. He felt guilty, but he couldn't allow himself to lose focus at this moment. Not while there was so much on the line.

Ophelia kept her gaze downward. "We must discuss Azalea."

At the mention of her name, he became rigid. "How about her?"

Ophelia locked eyes with him at last, her gaze icy and measured. "Her condition is not stable, Mack. You are aware of that. The situation surrounding Miller's death and the failure to commemorate her is causing her to feel drained. She is doubting all. And now, following what she heard... She started speaking less and allowed her words to have an impact.

Mack paced back and forth in front of her, running his hand through his hair. I didn't want her to discover in this manner. I believed I had a longer period to clarify matters and help her comprehend.

Ophelia let out a quiet laugh. There is no need for an explanation, Mack. She won't comprehend. Not at this moment, nor any point in the future. The harder you try to appease her, the more she will refuse.

Mack ceased his pacing and turned towards her. "What is it that you're proposing, Ophelia? What is your opinion on what action we should take?

Crossing her arms, she reclined in her chair. "We need to guide her in a different direction. She is no longer suitable to be your Luna. However, she still holds worth, and we must utilize it."

"Utilize her?" Mack's furrowed brow revealed his unease. Ophelia is not just a pawn. She is the woman I am engaged to—".

"Your fiancée *was*," Ophelia sharply corrected. She refuses to acknowledge the situation as it stands. Do you believe she will truly forgive us? Will she silently move out of the way while I have your child and become Luna instead?

Mack gritted his teeth. He despised how effortlessly Ophelia could talk about it as if it were just a tactic to her. However, he was unable to refute the truth that her words held. Azalea had indicated that she was not going to just ignore this.

Ophelia stood still, advancing towards him with deliberate and slow movements. "Pay attention, Mack. We must find a partner for Azalea. Someone who can divert her attention, and keep her engaged. A person so influential that she will not feel like she is giving up everything.

Mack's face showed uncertainty as he frowned. "About whom are you speaking?"

"In a quiet tone, Ophelia mentioned "The Lycan Prince," her eyes filled with determination."

Mack was taken aback by the sudden surprise. "Do you desire for Azalea to wed *Federico*?"

Ophelia gave a nod. "It is the ideal resolution." My responsibility was to be the person who met with him, to discuss allying by getting married. If Azalea chooses to marry him, it fulfills two objectives. Initially, it enhances our pack's bond with the Lycans. Also, it removes her from your way.

Mack remained quiet for a moment, taking in what she had said. Do you believe Azalea would approve of this? "Following all that?"

Ophelia raised her shoulders in a shrug. She's in a state of desperation at the moment. She desires stability and explanations. And she desires a sense of belonging. If we handle this situation delicately and make it appear as though it's her decision, she will agree to it.

Mack narrowed his gaze. "You want me to control her."

"I’m requesting you to *defend* her," Ophelia responded. The Lycan Prince is powerful, even cruel, but he is also capable of providing her with safety. Do you agree that it's preferable to prevent her from losing control in this situation?

His hands tightened into fists as he glanced in a different direction. I'm unsure if I can do that to her. She is worthy of something better than this.

Ophelia's tone became gentle, almost coaxing. "Mack, this is for the betterment of all." In her best interest, for the group. Didn't you mention that you wanted to set things straight? "This is the way to do it."

Mack released a deep breath, sensing the gravity of the decision looming over him. He despised the twisted nature of everything. He never intended for any of this to occur, and now it seemed impossible to reverse. 

He asked slowly, "If I agree to this, how do you suggest we persuade her?"

Ophelia grinned, a calculating smile devoid of warmth. "Let me handle that." I'll ensure Azalea recognizes this as her chance. 

An opportunity for her to begin anew, to embody the Luna that she was destined to be—just not in this place.

Mack glanced at her, his thoughts moving quickly. He loathed the idea of pressuring Azalea into something she didn't genuinely desire, yet he couldn't ignore the reasoning behind Ophelia's scheme. 

Should Azalea choose to wed the Lycan Prince, she would feel secure, gain strength, and create a distance that would alleviate the tension between them.

"Are you confident that Federico will consent to this proposal?" Mack inquired, still cautious of the concept.

Ophelia's smile got bigger. Federico is a man with high aspirations. 

If the conditions are good, he will accept what is given. Azalea comes from a powerful lineage, she is resilient and stunning. He will not reject, especially when there is a promise of allying.

Mack gazed at her with a sour taste on his tongue.

 All of Ophelia's words were logical, yet they felt incorrect. He couldn't stop himself from considering if there was an alternative path, any path, to save what remained of his connection with Azalea. 

However, the brutal reality was that Ophelia was correct. 

Azalea refused to pardon him for his actions, and as she stayed longer, their relationship would only become more tense. If his feelings for her were genuine, perhaps it would be best for him to allow her to leave.

"Okay," Mack finally uttered, his tone filled with hesitation. "We will proceed with it." However, I need you to be cautious around her, Ophelia. Do not cause her any more pain than what has already been inflicted.

Ophelia's smile became slightly gentler, but there was still a hint of strategizing in her gaze. "Sure thing, Mack." "I will take care of it."

Upon attempting to exit the room, Mack was halted by the sound of Ophelia's voice. "Mack."

At the door, he stopped briefly to look back at her.

"She mentioned that this will come to an end soon, with a tone that was nearly calming." "And once it happens, all the pieces will come together. For the two of us.

Mack nodded in silence, feeling the heavy burden of their impending actions weigh heavily on him. He exited the room, abandoning Ophelia with her cunning, del

liberate schemes.

The meeting was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.