Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 420

Okay. Fuck all my inadequacies. This isn't the time, and trauma is a luxury.

That... doesn't sound right.

Ignoring Grimoire, I've managed to haul my brain into functional Luna in crisis mode by the time we make it back to Wolf's Landing.

We would have been here ages ago, but we used the time to scent out our general area on the way back—just in case.

Still no sign of the invaders, of course, but about five minutes out, we finally get a message from one of the scouting parties. They've found tracks and are on the hunt.

Good. Finally, something productive.

Still no way to contact Lucas, which is a massive problem and I have to haul back dire thoughts about him getting murdered or kidnapped—both of which, Selene points out, are far more likely to happen to me, which is a totally awesome ego boost (not, obviously), but it does help put the dangers into perspective.

My first big step as Functioning Luna in Crisis is to haul ass to the Grand Sage the moment I get permission. Our gray-skinned captive comes with me, along with a whole-ass platoon of shifters and a bunch of gawking on the way there, but they're the least of my concerns right now.

The shadow wolf murderer is still unconscious, anyway.

Lisa and I share a brief moment of hugging and being relieved each other is alive, and I finally learn that Marcus and Greg are, too. They're both here, watching over her.

Then I send all three of them away. Lisa needs to be outfitted in full tac gear, like all of us. The aesthetic isn't a big deal, but there's a vest that protects against claws and teeth (and knives, which I think was the original point of it), and different weapons that can be tucked in strategic places, and boots that won't freeze her toes when we go thirty below.

All things that might matter if terrible things happen to us all.

Meanwhile, it takes the Grand Sage less than five minutes to say there's something interfering with our communications. Which, I know, is pretty damn obvious at this point. But I wasn't here for the diagnosis—I'm here for the treatment.

"Can you fix it?" I demand, sounding way too pushy and impatient for Normal Ava. However, it sounds pretty right for Functioning Luna in Crisis.

That's a stupid name. Selene's comment is pretty mild, though. It's not bothering her that much; she just thinks my naming sense sucks.

God, if we ever have kids, she'll be a nightmare about her opinion of their names.

Not unless you call them something stupid. Like Lemon. Or Grape. Or Sawdust.

Despite the gravity of the situation, I laugh at the idea of shouting for a toddler named Sawdust to come home for dinner.

Elverly grabs my elbow in a grip reminiscent of eagle's claws. "Have you eaten?" she snaps. "You're skin and bones."

I'm pretty sure I've actually been gaining weight, though I don't argue with the gnome. Her harsh words are always meant to hide her true feelings. "No. I was kind of busy being chased down by a big, bad wolf."

Oh, wow. Apparently Functioning Luna in Crisis also has a sassy mouth.

Please stop calling yourself that. Guess it's bothering her more than I thought.

No. It's just childish.

Oh.

Elverly grumbles, "That's no excuse to skip breakfast," like it wasn't a pack-wide tragedy that just happened. With dead people.

Fuck, I haven't even gone to identify all the dead and wounded. That's next on the list.

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