Chapter 2: The new luna

Chapter 2

The next morning, servants hurried through the pack house carrying fresh flowers, polished silver trays, and embroidered table linens. Every hallway buzzed with excitement.

"They'll be here before noon."

"I heard Luna Lydia is as beautiful as the moon itself."

"And her daughter?"

"They say she shifted when she was only thirteen."

"I can't wait to see them." Aria stepped out of her room just as two maids hurried past.

Neither acknowledged her. Their excitement was reserved for someone else.

She watched them disappear down the corridor before quietly making her way downstairs.

The scent of fresh bread, roasted meat and potato porridge drifted from the dining room. Today wasn't an ordinary breakfast.

The long dining table had been prepared for honored members of the Alpha's household.

Beta Morris sat beside his wife and son, Damien. Across from them sat Gamma Simeon, his wife, and his daughter Lina.

Several respected elders had also been invited because of Luna Lydia's arrival.

Aria slipped silently into the last empty chair.

A servant poured tea into her cup before moving on. The conversations continued.

"I heard Luna Lydia is kind."

"And Lady Selene?"

"I've heard she's already stronger than most young warriors." Damien smirked as he broke off a piece of bread.

"I'll believe it when I see it." Lina glanced briefly toward Aria before lowering her eyes again.

She knew Aria hated gatherings like this. Moments later...

The doors opened. Alpha Magnus entered.

Everyone immediately rose to their feet.

"Alpha." Magnus acknowledged them with a nod.

"You may sit." Breakfast continued, though much

quieter now.

Magnus ate in silence. When he finished, he placed his cup on the table.

"The welcoming procession will arrive shortly." Every head lifted. "I expect everyone to conduct themselves with dignity."

“Yes Alpha, they all chorused.”

The meal ended shortly afterward. One by one, everyone rose from the table.

Servants immediately stepped forward to begin clearing the dishes.

Aria waited until almost everyone had left before quietly standing. She had almost reached the doorway when Magnus' voice stopped her.

"Aria." She froze. Slowly, she turned around.

"Yes, Alpha?" Magnus walked toward her.

"There will be Alphas, elders, and guests attending today's welcome. You will stand at the back."

She nodded. "Yes, Alpha."

"And don't draw attention to yourself. His expression remained unreadable.

Without another word, Magnus walked past her and left the room.

Aria remained standing where she was for several seconds. Only when Lina gently

touched her arm did she move.

"Don't listen to him," Lina whispered. Aria managed a faint smile.

"I'm used to it." Lina's smile faded.

"I wish you didn't have to be." Together, they walked toward the front courtyard.

By the time they arrived...

Nearly the entire pack had assembled. Warriors stood in disciplined rows.

Pups sat on their fathers' shoulders, eager to catch their first glimpse of the new Luna. The elders gathered near the front.

Aria quietly slipped into the last row. Exactly where Magnus had instructed her to stand.

From there...

She could barely see the massive entrance gates. A horn echoed from the watchtower.

"They're here!" Excited whispers spread through the crowd.

The enormous wooden gates slowly swung open. An elegant carriage rolled through the entrance, escorted by mounted warriors bearing Silver Moon banners.

The courtyard fell completely silent. The carriage came to a graceful stop before the Alpha. A servant hurried forward and opened the door.

A woman stepped out first. She wore a flowing emerald gown embroidered with silver thread that shimmered beneath the afternoon sun.

Her chestnut hair rested neatly over one shoulder. There was warmth in her smile, and kindness in her eyes.

"Luna Lydia..." Someone whispered reverently.

Lydia smiled at the gathered wolves before

bowing her head gracefully.

Then...

Another figure stepped down from the carriage. She appeared to be around Aria's age. Tall, elegant and beautiful.

Long raven blonde hair framed delicate features, while quiet confidence radiated from every movement she made.

Unlike her mother...

She wasn't smiling. Her sharp gaze wandered slowly across the assembled crowd. Until...

Alpha Magnus stepped forward. "Lydia."

"Welcome to Silver Moon Pack." She returned the gesture with a graceful smile.

"Thank you, Alpha Magnus."

Magnus turned toward the crowd. "Today marks a new beginning for Silver Moon." His voice carried across the courtyard with practiced authority.

"I expect each of you to show Luna Lydia and

Lady Selene the respect they deserve."

Beta Morris stepped forward. "In seven days, we will hold a welcoming ceremony in honor of our new Luna and her daughter."

"The neighboring packs have already been invited." A wave of excitement spread through the crowd.

"The neighboring Alphas are coming?"

"I heard even Nightfang received an invitation."

"They say Alpha Kael never attends ceremonies."

"What if he actually comes?" Aria listened quietly.

She knew little about the neighboring Alphas.

Only that Alpha Kael of Nightfang was feared by almost everyone. The ceremony came to an end.

Almost immediately, the wolves surged forward to greet their new Luna. Children gathered around Lydia.

Warriors bowed respectfully. Several young wolves surrounded Selene, eager to introduce themselves.

Aria remained where she was. She waited until the crowd grew thicker before quietly stepping away. The fewer people who noticed her... the better or so she thought.

She had nearly reached the entrance of the pack house when a calm voice stopped her.

"Leaving already?" Aria turned.

Selene stood a few steps behind her. There was no one else nearby.

"I wasn't feeling well," Aria replied softly. Selene took another step closer.

"So you decided to disappear."

"I wasn’t trying to disappear and I thought no one would notice."

"Well, I guess I did." Her answer came so quickly that Aria didn't know how to respond. Selene studied her from head to toe.

"So..."You're Alpha Magnus' daughter."

Aria nodded once."Yes."

Selene tilted her head slightly. "You don't look much like an Alpha's daughter."

Aria lowered her eyes. "Well, you don’t expect it to be written on face so you? Besides, I’ve heard that before."

"I imagine you have." Silence settled between them. Then Selene asked, “How old are you?”

“Seventeen.”

And you've never shifted." It wasn't a question. Aria's fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress.

"No." Selene reached out and took hold of her wrist. Her grip wasn't hard.

"You should learn something now..." She leaned in slightly. "...before someone else teaches you." Aria tried to pull her hand back. Selene didn't let go. "Know your place." Only then did she release her.

Aria instinctively rubbed her wrist. Selene's pleasant smile returned as though nothing had happened.

"I think we're going to spend a lot of time together." She turned and walked away.

Aria remained standing where she was. A strange unease settled in her chest.

Selene stood beneath the stone archway, watching Aria disappear into the pack house. The smile returned to her lips.

Then she quietly murmured to herself, "She won't last for long."