Semua Bab Reckoning of the purple moon: Bab 41 - Bab 50

POV: Darrel WilliamsFrom every angle, the walls seemed to press in, the shadows becoming menacing forms that challenged and accused me at every turn. For so long, I had taken great satisfaction in being the best honor and obligation to my pack could provide. But now, in the wake of the filthy reality dragging into the harsh light, I felt little more than an empty husk of broken beliefs.How could I have been so willing to embrace the lies presented to me under the cover of serving my obligations, so blind? I had been a devoted soldier to the final end, throwing aside any last bit of uncertainty or inquiry that might have broken through over time. And in doing thus, I had permanently destroyed the life of innocents, most notably Ivory prominent among them. Her haunted eyes in the wake of that terrible night will always be burned into my psyche, marking me as a destructive builder of her agony.At the bitter irony, a mirthless chuckle sprung up from my dry lips without invitation. I

POV: MiaTrying to catch and drag me farther into their frigid embrace, the shadows seemed to reach out with thinner tendrils at every turn. I had straddled the line of neutrality between allegiance to my pack and an insuppressible need to see justice done for too long.But the more Ivory dug, the more filthy facts she revealed about the planned catastrophes that had ripped her life apart, and the more I felt the careful equilibrium within me begin to waver and flutter.There was no doubt that I worried about where this road would finally lead us; the inevitable cracks and ruptures that would undoubtedly shatter through the center of our planet should the whole scope of the high-level corruption and dishonesty be dragged under close inspection.And yet, no matter how firmly the roots had taken hold, I could not just watch helplessly as evil ambitions and dishonest power grabs go unpacked. Not when the cost had been innocent people like Ivory and her daughter.My dark reverie was broke

POV: Darrel WilliamsThe stifling hush that had enveloped our campsite seemed like a viselike grip tightening with every instant. There were no more soft murmurs or covert looks directed my way; only a tense silence hung in the air, laden with anxiety about the seismic disclosures about to explode our lives.Countless eyes followed my every step as I walked toward the central forum where the ruling council had gathered. Though their criticism was not expressed, there was clear silent censure behind it. From which there would be no comeback should I choose to validate the devastating proof Ivory had supplied, I was guiding them into an unknown land.The passageway veered abruptly ahead, and I instinctively looked for possible ambushes a lifetime of survival skills turned on full tilt. It was then that I saw the obvious movement in the shadows: figures moving into offensive stances, weapons sliding free with a terrible whisper of steel on leather.The trap burst in a flash. From their

POV: JennaMy pulse racing with a mix of anger and terror, the walls seemed to be closing in on me as I walked back and forth in my rooms. How would this be occurring? After all I had given, all the deliberate alliances and cautious navigation I had developed, my hold on power was erasing like grains of sand.My agitated dream was broken by a knock on the door. "Enter," I said, malice tinging my voice.Callum's devoted lieutenant Kavrin entered with a solemn countenance. "My Lady, I bring unpleasant news.""Out with it, then," I insisted, my endurance running thin.Kavrin cleared his throat, his gaze down. "It seems Darrel found the truth regarding Ivory's persecution. He has freely said he intends to pursue justice, even if it means opposing his own pack."I was inundated in white hot anger. That moron, Darrel, was endangering what we had laboriously created. Did he not appreciate the need of our actions? Ivory was a threat, a cancer that had to be removed before it might contaminate

POV: Darrel WilliamsWith every laboring breath, the weight of the truth seemed like a crushing load falling on me. I found myself lost in a sea of remorse and self-doubt, doubting everything I had believed in as the disclosures about my part in Ivory's banishment and Darcy's abduction surfaced.How could I have been so naive, so readily controlled by people I knew? Unquestionably, the data was a devastating critique of the basic pillars supporting my life.The stifling quiet that had encompassed my rooms was broken with a gentle knock at the door. "Enter," I said, my voice tinged with hardly-felt intensity.Hardin entered, his battered features marked with concern. "Darrel, we must speak."I sighed tiredly and pointed for him to settle in. "Old friend, I know what you are going to say. We must be strong and preserve the customs and beliefs that have led our pack for millennia.Hardin dropped himself down onto the chair across from me, wrinkling his forehead. "You are partially right,