The days that followed Vanessa's arrival were filled with whispers and strange glances.
Lucian tried to carry herself with grace. She showed up where she was needed, spoke only when necessary, and kept her shoulders straight even when her heart felt heavy. But it wasn't easy. Vanessa made it harder.
She moved around the mansion like a queen returning to her throne. She spoke to the elders, smiled at Alex's mother, and even joined one of the pack's morning meetings.
Lucian was there too but it was as if she were invisible. Vanessa laughed at Alex's old stories. She brought up memories only the two of them shared. She knew what foods he liked, what places they used to visit, and which songs made him smile.
Lucian listened silently, her chest aching. But still, Alex said nothing to her. He didn't explain Vanessa's presence, didn't ask her to stay or leave. He kept his face unreadable, As always.
But then came the announcement that changed everything. It happened during a meeting with the elders.
"The Moonlight Ceremony will take place in two days," one of them said. Lucian sat still, unsure what that meant.
"Every Luna must stand by the Alpha at the Sacred Mountain," the elder continued. "It's tradition. A time for the pack to witness the unity of its leaders under the moon's blessing."
Lucian's hands froze in her lap. She would have to stand beside Alex, In front of everyone. Vanessa, sitting just two seats away, turned slightly and offered a polite smile, But her eyes were sharp.
After the meeting, Lena pulled Lucian aside, "You must be prepared," she said. "The ceremony is old, sacred. You'll be dressed in white, and the Alpha will stand with you at the highest point of the mountain. The whole pack will be there."
Lucian nodded slowly. "What if I don't know what to do?" "You'll learn," Lena said. "But one thing matters most, do not show weakness. Not in front of them. Not in front of her." Lucian looked down. "Do they even see me as Luna?" "Some do," Lena replied. "Others will. After that night on the mountain."
The day before the ceremony, the pack held a training session. Lucian had only ever watched from the side.
But this time, she stood near the field with Lena and a few others, watching the warriors spar. Her presence didn't go unnoticed. Some whispered. A few nodded in greeting.
Then someone stepped forward from the line of warriors, Maya.
The same warrior who once looked at Lucian with open dislike. She walked to the center of the training ground and shouted, "Luna Lucian!" Lucian blinked in surprise.
"You've been here long enough," Maya continued. "You speak as Luna. Dress as Luna. But are you strong enough to stand with us?" the crowd grew quiet.
Lucian looked around. All eyes were on her. Vanessa stood by the fence, arms crossed, smiling at the scene Maya was creating.
Lucian swallowed. She stepped forward slowly. "I'm not here to fight." "Then how can we trust you to protect the pack?"
Lena moved forward. "That's enough, Maya." have u forgotten how the alpha had warned you against challenging the Luna.
But Maya didn't back down. "She should at least try. Or is she only Luna in name?" that word was deep.
Lucian was about to respond when a shadow crossed the training ground.
The air shifted. Every head turned. Alex, He stepped into the circle between Maya and Lucian. His presence was dark and heavy, his eyes like storm clouds. "i thought I warned you." Maya bowed her head, but Lucian could see the tension in her shoulders. But before she could say any word alex threw her flying half way the training ground.
Alex didn't stop there. "She has earned her place. And if any of you doubt it, then you doubt my word."
That silenced the entire field. Lucian's heart thudded hard. Not because of fear, but because for the third time, he had publicly defended her.
He turned without another word and walked away. Lucian followed, trying to understand what was happening happened.
Later that night, she stood on her balcony, staring at the moon. The ceremony was only hours away. Her dress was laid out. Her heart still raced. Footsteps approached behind her.
"Still nervous?" Lena's voice was calm. Lucian nodded. "I don't want to embarrass him."
"You won't." "What if they never accept me?"
"They will," Lena said. "But you must stop waiting for their permission to believe in yourself."
Lucian looked out into the distance, where the mountains stood tall and silent. Tomorrow, she would climb them. And she would stand beside the Alpha. No matter what Vanessa or the rest of the pack thought.