51
~Damon's POV
The hall had gone quiet after Belinda's father spoke. You could almost hear the tension dripping from the ceiling, thick and sharp, as if it were cutting into the air. We sat there, not saying anything at first, just watching him.
"The Luna role remains empty," he said, glancing around like he was testing the room. "It's tradition, as you know, that Luna comes from the Beta's bloodline. My family has always produced women fit to rule beside the alphas. Women who understand our customs. Our strength. Our laws."
He paused, standing a little taller.
"And with due respect, my daughter is ready. The pack awaits a Luna. And I believe it is time the seat is filled. Properly."
There was a long silence after he finished. Everyone else seemed to be holding their breath.
I cleared my throat and stepped forward, slowly. "We hear you," I said calmly, though every muscle in my body was tight. "And we respect your loyalty to tradition."
