Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Chapter 26 Mission

Victoria

The grand oak-paneled classroom of Madam Hannah’s Luna Academy gleamed with early afternoon sunlight. The seven of us sat in a perfect semicircle facing our formidable instructor, whose ramrod-straight posture hadn’t wavered once in the past hour. I’d positioned myself strategically away from Lilith’s trio, who kept exchanging whispers and pointed glances in my direction.

"Proper protocol dictates that when addressing visiting Alphas, a Luna must always demonstrate deference while maintaining dignity," Madam Hannah explained, her crisp voice filling the room. "You are not merely decorative accessories to your mates—you are the spiritual centers of your packs, the nurturers of future generations, and the keepers of tradition."

I found myself taking furious notes, determined not to miss anything despite the sidelong glances from the other women.

*She knows her stuff,* Ava admitted reluctantly. *Even if she’s a prejudiced old wolf.*

The curriculum was far more intensive than I’d imagined—covering everything from formal dinner etiquette to conflict mediation between pack members. It wasn’t just about which fork to use; it was about wielding subtle power and influence in a world where brute strength typically determined hierarchy.

"The current power structure of the Northern Territories consists of five dominant packs," Madam Hannah continued, turning to a large map displayed on an electronic board. "The Shadow Pack, led by Alpha Moretti, controls the coastal regions and has expanded significantly in the last decade."

I felt a flutter of pride at Leo’s name, though I kept my expression neutral as Madam Hannah had instructed us—"A Luna’s face should reveal only what she wishes others to see." 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

She pointed to various colored territories. "The Silver Claw Pack maintains the mountain regions. The River Valley Pack, the eastern forests. The Urban Alliance holds the metropolitan areas. And finally, the Highland Pack controls the northern hunting grounds."

Her pointer then moved to a faded gray area on the map. I felt my heart sink before she even spoke.

"Formerly, the Howlthorne Pack held significant territory along the western ridge," Madam Hannah said, her eyes flicking briefly to me. "However, since Alpha Enzo Howlthorne’s succession, they no longer qualify as one of the five major packs due to... diminished resources and influence."

The words struck me like physical blows. My father’s legacy—our family’s proud history—reduced to a faded gray spot and a dismissive comment. I fought to maintain my composure, but inside I was drowning in grief and anger.

*Don’t let them see,* Ava cautioned. *Not here. Not now.*

I forced my breathing to remain steady, but my pen pressed so hard against my notebook that it tore through the paper. From across the room, I caught Lilith’s smug smile, clearly delighting in my discomfort.

"The decline of once-prominent packs serves as a cautionary tale," Madam Hannah continued, seemingly oblivious to my distress. "A Luna’s duty includes ensuring sustainable prosperity through wise counsel and strategic alliance-building."

*Our father’s pack wouldn’t have fallen if Enzo hadn’t gambled away half its resources,* Ava growled.

I wanted to stand up and defend my father’s memory, to explain that the Howlthorne Pack’s decline wasn’t due to poor leadership but betrayal and sabotage after his death. Instead, I swallowed my pride and continued taking notes, letting the pain fuel my determination to succeed.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of instruction on pack politics, protocol, and the intricate dance of inter-pack diplomacy. By four o’clock, my head was spinning with information, but I refused to show any weakness.

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