Chapter 9

Violet’s POV

I thanked the Goddess for the fine weather she was bestowing us with. We had alternate measures in case of rain, but there wasn’t a cloud in sight.

Cameras flashed in the audience gathered in the historic town square smack dab in the middle of downtown Darkmoon. I stepped up to the microphone, more nervous than usual to speak in public. I took confidence in Kincaid and Lily at my back and Theo in my mind.

You look beautiful, he shared through our magical connection, and I knew he was watching on TV.

I reminded myself that with the time between hallucinations, I likely would not experience one today since the last one had been yesterday. Still, I couldn’t help but scan the crowd in case either of my dead parents were in it. A different familiar face caught my eye instead.

Helene Hayward, Luna of Dark Forest. She smiled as we made eye contact.

I took a grounding breath.

“My fellow Darkmoon citizens,” I began, my voice booming through the speakers, “it has been a turbulent time for our territory. I address you today as part of my effort to bring stability back to our cities and people.”

I paused, scanning the crowd once more only to run across the Vainthott’s who had so generously hosted the tea party I’d brought Theo, too. They smiled at me encouragingly. It was nice to know I had friends in the crowd.

“I spent too long delegating too many of my duties.” This was the closest I would come to speaking ill of Lucas. It wasn’t good form to blame others when I had my own actions to take accountability for.

“I am resolved not to make that mistake again. I am resolved to provide my beloved territory with the attention and devotion it needs and deserves.” I straightened my shoulders for this next part.

“I know you’ve likely seen in the news that I have been experiencing an unusual amount of personal hardship. I want to assure you that, although I am mortal and experiencing a reasonable amount of mate rejection-related symptoms, it is manageable and will not impair my ability to serve my territory. The High Priestess stands behind me,” I motioned to Auntie, “as confirmation of my bill of health.”

All eyes shifted to her as she offered the slightest nod.

“I want to thank everyone who took the time to speak with me earlier in the week and share their opinions on our territory. For those who did not have the chance to do so and would like to, I assure you that there will be more opportunities. The growth and nurturing of Darkmoon will be an ongoing process as we adjust to our ever-changing socio-economic and political climate, and so our conversation as a community will be ongoing as well.”

I made sure to smile then, to let them feel like I was one of them.

“While listening to several groups in our community earlier this week, I heard two main priorities: the desire to balance development and tradition as well as the need to redistribute our territory’s funds toward the things that matter most. In pursuit of both needs, I will immediately begin the Town Square Project.”

Cameras flashed. I felt as if people were holding their breath to find out what this new project was.

“As a territory, as werewolves, we are strongest when we come together. To this end, we will be renovating the town square we are all gathered in today, maintaining its original form while adding improvements in preparation for the new weekly Town Square Community Events. These events will take place every weekend from 5pm on Friday to 7pm on Sunday, starting in one month.”

Members of the press scribbled on notepads and whispered into recorders.

“The Town Square Community Events will include markets to promote products from local artists, artisans, and farmers, performances by local musicians and performing artists, and courses presented by local experts in every industry. During this timeframe every weekend, the two streets surrounding the town square in every direction will be blocked off to motor vehicles, turning the area into a temporary pedestrian-only location. The foot traffic will boost sales for the vendors in the area and force us to interact with each other again.”

I smiled teasingly at that, and the audience chuckled as I had hoped they would.

“Because we are at our best when we connect with one another. Darkmoon deserves a place where we can connect with friends and strangers. Our children deserve a safe place where they can around without fear of getting run over.”

I was encouraged by the smiles and nods that were beginning to ripple through the crowd.

“The Town Square Project is only the beginning of how we will simultaneously turn back to tradition and forward with technology to help our territory grow. We will spend only the money we need to provide Darkmoon with what matters most.” And that was the closest I would get to speaking ill of all the weird gold Lucas had woven into various tax-funded projects, spiking cost for no practical value to Darkmoon’s people.

“Through the Town Square Project, I am prioritizing you, our community, and the importance of standing together.”

I paused only to take a breath but was surprised when applause erupted in the moment of silence. I nodded in gratitude and acknowledgment of their support. Then I smiled, and they quieted down.

“And by the Goddess, I will fix the darn roads.” Cheers erupted at that, along with more applause and laughter.

It was funny and a little sad how many people had brought up the state of the roads. It was such an easy and important fix.

“Of course, there is a lot more work to be done than just revamping the Town Square so we can party together every weekend.” They laughed as I joked about my own project.

“We currently have plans in development that I will keep you updated on, including but not limited to helping our unhoused community, increasing access to parks for children, and facilitating access to technology and knowledge for everyone.” I wasn’t revealing the Darkmoon University Project yet. I was keeping that in my back pocket for later.

“In the meantime, please enjoy a performance by the Howlin’ Hooligans, from right here in Darkmoon, as you peruse the temporary market we’ve set up today as a preview of what the Town Square Community Events will look like moving forward. Thank you so much everyone for being here, and remember: we are strongest together.”

Applause erupted again, and I turned away from the mic as Kincaid led me to a secure location. I had barely grabbed a drink of water before Kincaid was informed that Helene was outside, hoping to speak to me. I nodded for him to let her through.

It truly warmed my heart the way she wrapped me in a hug. I hadn’t seen her since before the fake mate bond, since before I began my journey toward treason. It felt like a lifetime ago.

“It would make me so happy if you would come over for tea,” I told her.

She only laughed. “I think we’re going to need something stronger than that.”