The mountain air was cool and filled with the quiet excitement of the upcoming ceremony. The pack had gathered in full for the Moonlight Ceremony a sacred event to honor the new Luna and strengthen the bond between the Alpha and his chosen partner.
Lucian stood beside Alex on the ceremonial cliff, dressed in a simple but elegant white gown. Her heart beat fast, not from love, but from nerves and the pressure of what this role meant.
Alex said nothing. His dark aura was as cold as the wind that blew across the mountain, but he didn't push her away. That, for now, was enough.
The ceremony went smoothly. The pack howled their respect after the final blessing. Elders spoke words of strength and loyalty. Alex placed his hand lightly on Lucian's shoulder just for a second but it sealed the ritual.
Lucian didn't smile. But inside, she felt a tiny flicker of pride. She had made it through. She was now Luna.
After the ceremony, a large celebration began near the mansion grounds. There was music, laughter, food, and endless wine. Lucian tried to stay close to Lena and a few other kind faces. It was the first time she truly felt like she belonged at least a little.
Vanessa, however, had other plans. She watched Lucian closely, never far from sight. Dressed in a deep thight gown that clung to her like second skin, she moved through the crowd with practiced grace. Her eyes kept returning to one person, Alex.
Alex had barely eaten. He stood with Xavier and a few others, his gaze distant. Vanessa noticed the tiredness in his eyes. She also noticed how much wine he'd already had. Perfect.
She made her way over, smiling sweetly. "Alpha," she said, brushing her fingers against his sleeve, "come sit. One more drink. For old times."
Alex didn't argue. Maybe the ceremony had worn him out, or maybe the wine had already made him too relaxed. Either way, he followed her without resistance.
Lucian didn't see them leave. She had gone to help carry more food trays to the inner tables, laughing gently at something Blue had said.
By the time she returned, Alex was gone. "Have you seen Alex?" Lucian asked Xavier later. Xavier shook his head. "He went off to rest, I think." lucian felt a strange energy in her chest.
She searched quietly around the feast, asking a few people, checking corners. But Nothing.
The crowd was too large. The noise too loud. Eventually, she gave up. Maybe he just wanted to be alone.
So she returned to her room, heart heavy, thoughts spinning. She had no idea that Vanessa had already taken him upstairs to his own room.
Vanessa closed the door behind them, steadying Alex by the arm. He could barely stand now. The last glass she gave him had something extra mixed in, just enough to make him dizzy. He dropped onto the bed without a word, groaning softly. "Too much..."
Vanessa smiled, pulling off her shoes and slipping beside him. She carefully positioned his arm over her waist and her head close to his.
Then she waited. And when the time was right, she unlocked the door and left it slightly open. Just enough.
Morning came quickly. Light spilled into the Alpha's bedroom window. Alex blinked awake, his head pounding. The world was spinning. He groaned and turned his head. That's when he saw her. Vanessa, Lying next to him. His shirt unbuttoned, Her dress slightly pulled down at the shoulder. Her hand resting on his chest.
"What...?" Alex whispered, frozen. His body went still as flashes of the night before came rushing in, but none of them made sense. He remembered wine, a fire, a hand on his arm. But not this, Not her.
"What the hell is this?" he muttered. Vanessa stirred, pretending to wake up slowly. "Morning," she said with a sleepy smile. Alex sat up quickly, pulling his shirt back in place. "Did something happen?" he asked, his voice cold but uncertain. Vanessa yawned. "I... don't know. You were tired. I just stayed." The way she said it was careful, just enough to raise questions but not provide answers.
Alex stood, running a hand through his hair. He didn't remember touching her. Didn't remember kissing her. But now, Anyone who saw this would think the worst. And someone had.
Outside the room, whispers had already started.
One of the maids had passed by and seen the door slightly open earlier in the morning. She saw Vanessa on the bed and Alex beside her. Within minutes, the news had spread, To the guards, To the kitchen, To Lucian.
Lucian was helping Lena in the kitchen when a young servant girl came running in, her face pale. She whispered something in Lena's ear.
Lena's eyes widened, Lucian noticed. "What is it?" Lena hesitated. "It's probably nothing, child. Go finish preparing the hall. I'll check on it." But Lucian followed her quietly. When they reached the corridor near Alex's room, Lucian froze.
Two guards stood outside, The door was open, And inside She saw them.
Alex, Vanessa. The same room. The same bed. Lucian didn't scream, She didn't cry.
She turned around slowly, walked back to her room, and closed the door behind her.
Her hands shaking as she held the edge of the bed. She had no proof of what happened. But what she saw what everyone saw,vwas more than enough. And it broke something deep inside her.
Back in the room, Alex pulled away from Vanessa. "This was a mistake," he said sharply.
She raised an eyebrow, acting confused. "You don't remember?" He glared. "No. And if you're trying to make this look like something, don't." But outside the room, it was already too late.
The story had already begun to spread. Lucian had already seen it.
And in her heart, a new question was forming, Was there ever a place for her here?
Lucian didn't show up for breakfast. She didn't speak to anyone all day. And when night came, she stared out her window with a suitcase beside her bed. Maybe it was time to stop pretending. Maybe it was time to leave.