The council arena remained silent long after the words were spoken.
The silver glow from Aria's wrist slowly faded, but the tension in the valley did not.
Every Alpha present now understood something important.
The Moon Vessel was not just a rumor.
She was real.
And she was standing right in front of them.
At the center of the stone arena, Magnus studied her like a hunter studying prey.
Not rushing.
Not forcing.
Just watching.
Waiting.
Beside Aria, Alpha Kael stepped forward again, placing himself between her and Magnus.
"This discussion is over."
Several Alphas in the crowd exchanged looks.
One of them spoke carefully.
"You cannot simply walk away from the council."
Kael's silver eyes flashed.
"Watch me."
A ripple of tension passed through the arena.
Magnus chuckled quietly.
"Relax."
He lifted both hands slightly.
"I'm not here to fight today."
Kael's voice was cold.
"I don't believe you."
Magnus tilted his head.
"That hurts."
But then his gaze returned to Aria.
"The Moon Vessel has spoken."
His voice became thoughtful.
"She wants control of her own power."
Aria crossed her arms.
"Correct."
Magnus nodded slowly.
"Then let's test that."
Kael growled immediately.
"No."
Magnus ignored him.
His red eyes remained locked on Aria.
"If you truly believe that power belongs to you…"
He gestured toward the arena.
"…prove it."
Aria frowned.
"Prove it how?"
Magnus' smile returned.
"With a trial."
Murmurs spread across the council again.
One of the older Alphas stepped forward.
"A Moon Trial?"
Another Alpha nodded slowly.
"It's an ancient challenge."
Aria looked between them.
"Okay… someone explain before I accidentally agree to something stupid."
Behind her, the steady tapping sound appeared again.
Tok.
Tok.
Ikechukwu stepped beside her.
"My sister…"
Aria looked at him.
"Yes?"
He scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"This one be big wahala."
Aria sighed.
"That doesn't help."
Ikechukwu pointed at Magnus.
"That man dey set trap."
Magnus heard him.
And smiled.
"Of course I am."
The honesty made several Alphas uneasy.
Kael stepped forward again.
"This conversation ends now."
But Magnus' voice cut through the arena again.
"You're afraid she might lose."
Kael's eyes darkened dangerously.
"She doesn't need to prove anything to you."
Magnus shrugged.
"Then the council will decide her fate instead."
That stopped everyone.
Aria frowned.
"Wait."
She turned to Kael.
"What does that mean?"
One of the Alphas answered instead.
"If the Moon Vessel refuses the trial…"
His voice was serious.
"…the council will vote on which pack claims responsibility for her."
Aria blinked slowly.
"So basically…"
She gestured around the arena.
"You all decide who owns me."
Several Alphas looked uncomfortable.
Magnus only smiled.
Aria rubbed her forehead.
"This day keeps getting worse."
Kael leaned closer to her.
"You don't have to do this."
Aria looked up at him.
"And let them vote?"
Kael stayed silent.
Aria turned toward Magnus again.
"You really want this trial."
Magnus nodded.
"Yes."
Aria narrowed her eyes.
"Why?"
Magnus' answer came immediately.
"Because I want to see how powerful the Moon Vessel truly is."
The honesty again.
Aria studied him for a moment.
Then she sighed.
"Fine."
Kael turned sharply.
"Aria—"
She raised a hand.
"Relax."
Then she looked at Magnus.
"I'll do your trial."
The arena erupted with murmurs again.
Magnus' smile widened slowly.
"I was hoping you'd say that."
Aria pointed a finger at him.
"But if this turns out to be some kind of death trap…"
Her voice sharpened.
"…I'm blaming you personally."
Magnus chuckled.
"Fair."
One of the elder Alphas stepped forward.
"Then it is decided."
He raised his voice for the entire council to hear.
"The Moon Trial will begin tomorrow night."
The words echoed across the valley.
Kael looked furious.
Magnus looked satisfied.
And Aria…
Aria suddenly had a very bad feeling about what she had just agreed to.
Behind her, Ikechukwu sighed deeply.
"My sister."
Aria glanced back at him.
"Yes?"
He shook his head slowly.
"You just enter big trouble."