Page 105

“And if I believe their decision is wrong?”

Brennan smiles. “That is why you have experienced Elders to guide you.”

I look at Arlene.

She is still reading her screen, but I feel the slight change in her breathing.

You heard that? she asks.

Yes.

That’s what I was talking about.

I know.

Luna Selena writes another note.

I watch Brennan turn the page.

He isn’t teaching her an outdated interpretation of Luna authority.

He’s teaching her to surrender it.

And Luna Selena is carefully writing down every word.

I stay until the lesson ends. When Brennan leaves, I kiss Arlene’s forehead and tell her I’ll see her later.

Then I go to Rylan.

He looks up from his desk. “How is Arlene?”

“Pregnant.”

His mouth twitches. “That bad?”

“Apparently.”

I close the door.

The smile disappears from his face.

“What happened?”

I tell him what Brennan said. The order of authority. The requirement to consult the Elders before making decisions. The comparison to Martha.

Rylan’s expression grows colder with every word.

“He compared my Luna to the head omega?”

“Yes.”

“And told her the Elders come before my office?”

“Yes.”

Rylan leans back in his chair. “Could he be teaching an outdated interpretation?”

“No. He knows exactly what he’s doing.”