Ava
I found her in the kitchen, putting dishes in the sink. The room was warm and cozy, a stark contrast to the anxiety I felt.
"Lily," I called softly, stepping into the room. She turned around, a warm smile spreading across her face.
"Ava, is everything alright?"
"I think so," I said, hesitating slightly. "I just realized I don't have any makeup. Do you have any I could borrow? I want to look my best tonight."
Lily's eyes softened with understanding. "Of course, I have just the thing. Come with me."
She led me to her room, where she opened a drawer filled with makeup supplies. "Here, you can use anything you like," she said, gesturing to the array of cosmetics.
"Thank you, Lily," I said, feeling a wave of gratitude. "I appreciate it."
She smiled, handing me a few essentials. "It's no trouble at all. You deserve to feel confident tonight."
As I started applying the makeup, Lily watched with a supportive smile. "You know, Ava, you're going to be great. The pack will see your strength and kindness. Just be yourself."
Her words were comforting, and I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thank you, Lily. That means a lot."
With her help, I finished getting ready, feeling more prepared for the evening ahead. As I looked at my reflection, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"Ready?" Lily asked, her eyes filled with encouragement.
"Ready," I said, taking a deep breath. "Let's do this."
We headed back to the main hall, where Caleb was waiting. He looked up as we approached, his eyes widening slightly when he saw me. There was a flicker of something in his gaze—admiration, perhaps?
"You look beautiful, Ava," he said, his voice sincere and warm.
"Thank you," I replied, feeling my cheeks flush. "Shall we?"
He offered me his arm, and together we stepped into the night,
As Caleb announced me as his mate and the new Luna, the atmosphere shifted. The crowd's applause was a mix of genuine enthusiasm and subdued apprehension. The Alpha's council still looked uneasy, but there was no turning back now.
The shaman, a tall, dignified figure with long silver hair, stepped forward, carrying a bundle of herbs. He began to chant softly, his voice weaving through the night air as he approached the fire pit in the center of the gathering. He threw the herbs into the fire, and they crackled and popped, releasing a fragrant smoke that filled the air.
The shaman turned to me, his eyes kind but serious. "Ava, step forward."
I did as he asked, feeling the weight of the moment settle on my shoulders. The shaman continued, "To join the Darkmoon Pack, you must renounce your former pack and pledge your loyalty to your new Alpha."
I took a deep breath, my voice steady despite the emotional turmoil. "I, Ava, renounce my former pack and pledge my loyalty to Alpha Caleb and the Darkmoon Pack."
As soon as the words left my mouth, a sharp pain shot through me, like a piece of my soul was being torn away. I winced, but the pain quickly faded, replaced by a warm, comforting sensation as Caleb stepped forward and placed a hand on my shoulder, accepting me into the pack.
The shaman then began the ritual to mark me as Luna. He dipped his fingers into a white paste and gently smeared it on my forehead in the shape of a crescent moon. "With this mark, you are recognized as Luna of the Darkmoon Pack," he intoned, his voice resonating with the gravity of the ceremony.
The crowd erupted in applause again, this time more unified and supportive. Caleb and I exchanged a glance, a shared moment of triumph and relief.
We remained at the party for some time, mingling with the pack members. Many wolves danced around the fire, their movements graceful and wild. Occasionally, a pack member would come up to us to offer their congratulations. Caleb and I indulged in some drinks, the warmth of the alcohol loosening our inhibitions and making us a bit flirty.
"You were amazing tonight," Caleb murmured, his lips close to my ear as we watched the dancers.
"So were you," I replied, smiling up at him. "Thank you for being by my side."
He chuckled softly, his hand resting lightly on my waist. "Always."
Just as we were starting to get lost in our private world, Amber approached. She was dressed in a sleek, form-fitting dress that accentuated her curves, her expression unreadable.
"Congratulations, Caleb," Amber said, her tone polite but with an edge I couldn't quite place. She turned to me, her smile tight. "And to you too, Ava. Quite a night, isn't it?"
"Thank you, Amber," I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral.
Caleb's arm tightened around my waist slightly, a subtle show of support. "Amber, thank you for your support," he said, his voice calm and measured.
Amber's eyes flicked between us, and I could see the calculation behind her gaze. "Of course. It's a big change for all of us."
There was a moment of tense silence before Amber's expression softened slightly. "Well, enjoy the rest of the evening," she said, her tone more genuine. "I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other."
With that, she walked away, leaving Caleb and me to our thoughts.
"That was... interesting," I said quietly.
Caleb nodded, his eyes following Amber's retreating figure. "She's not thrilled, but she'll come around. Just stay strong."
"I will," I promised, feeling a renewed sense of determination. No matter what challenges lay ahead, I knew I could face them with Caleb by my side.
The rest of the night passed in a blur of laughter, dancing, and congratulations. Despite the underlying tension, I felt a sense of belonging.
As the night wore on, Caleb and I continued to dance, enjoying the warmth and camaraderie of the pack. The stars above twinkled brightly, and the moon cast a gentle glow over the festivities. For a while, it felt like nothing could dampen the joy of the evening.
But then, as Caleb was called away by Marcus to discuss urgent matters at the northern border, I found myself wandering to the edge of the gathering, seeking a moment of quiet. The cool night air was calming, but a sense of unease lingered in the back of my mind.
"Beautiful night, isn't it?"
I turned to see Amber standing a few feet away, her expression unreadable but her posture tense.
"It is," I replied cautiously.
Amber stepped closer, her eyes narrowing as she looked me over. "You know, I used to dream about nights like this. Being beside Caleb, leading the pack."
There was no mistaking the bitterness in her voice this time. "I'm sorry, Amber," I said softly. "I didn't mean to take anything from you."
She scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "You think an apology will change anything? You waltz in here, with no history, no ties, and suddenly you're our Luna? Do you even understand what that means?"
I felt a surge of defensiveness. "I'm here to support Caleb and the pack. I'm here to do my best."
Amber's eyes flashed with anger. "Your best? Do you have any idea how hard I've worked, how much I've sacrificed for this pack? And now, out of nowhere, you're supposed to be our Luna?"
I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "I know I have a lot to prove. But I'm willing to learn and to fight for this pack."
She took a step closer, her voice low and dangerous. "You'd better. Because if you fail, it won't just be your head on the line. Caleb deserves better than a weak Luna."
I met her gaze, refusing to back down. "I'm not weak, Amber. And I'm not here to replace you or anyone else. I'm here to help."
She studied me for a long moment, her expression hard. "We'll see," she said finally. "But don't think for a second that I'll make it easy for you."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there with my heart pounding. Her words had struck a nerve, but they also fueled my determination. I had to prove myself, not just to Caleb and the pack, but to myself.
As I rejoined the group, I saw Caleb returning from his discussion with Marcus. He caught sight of me and immediately made his way over, concern etched on his face.
"Is everything alright?" he asked, his eyes scanning my face.
I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, just needed a moment to myself."
He frowned, glancing in the direction Amber had gone. "Did she say something to you?"
"It's nothing I can't handle," I said, touching his arm. "Let's enjoy the rest of the night."
He looked like he wanted to press further, but instead, he nodded and pulled me close. "Alright. But if she gives you any trouble, you let me know."
"I will," I promised, feeling the strength of his support.
We spent the rest of the evening dancing and mingling with the pack. Despite the earlier tension, the night was filled with moments of joy and laughter. Pack members came up to offer their congratulations, and slowly but surely, I began to feel more at ease.
As the fire crackled and the moon shone brightly above, I knew this was just the beginning of my journey as Luna. There would be challenges and obstacles, but with Caleb by my side and the support of the pack, I felt ready to face whatever came my way.
Tonight was a new beginning, and I was determined to prove myself worthy of the title of Luna of the Darkmoon Pack.