Chapter 7

FIVE YEARS LATER

“I’d like to know the purpose of this meeting, Elder Thorne.” Travon said, his voice firm, but laced with a hint of annoyance. He was seated at the head of the council table, flanked by three elders, his mother and William Steele. The air was thick with tension, but it was the usual atmosphere of their meetings ever since Athena’s death.

Elder Thorne cleared his throat, his eyes locking on to Travon’s as he began. “Alpha Travon, as you know, it’s been five years since the Luna's passing. The pack is growing restless, and your lack of a mate is becoming a concern. So we called this meeting today to propose a way out.”

“...Well then, proceed.” Travon said, his tone curt and expression neutral.

“We’ve been deliberating among ourselves and we came to a conclusion that you should be married to Aria, the Beta’s daughter.”

Travon’s gaze narrowed, his jaw clenched. “I don’t see why this is necessary. Aria is like a sibling to me.”

Elder Cedric chimed in, his voice enthusiastic. “Ah, c’mon now, Alpha! Aria’s been by your side since the Luna's passing, taking on many the duties of a Luna. It’s only proper you make it official. And let’s be honest, you haven’t shown interest in any other potential mates.”

Diana’s eyes flashed with annoyance and opposition as she lashed out at the elder. “Elder Cedric, don’t be so rash, Travon’s still grieving, Athena was his mate--”

Elder Thorne cut her off, his tone dismissive. “With all due respect, Alpha Mother, your concerns for your son are noted, but we are the council. It’s our duty to decide what’s best for the pack. And this union is crucial for our future. The Alpha doesn’t have an heir yet.” He stated.

The other elders nodded in agreement, their faces stern. William finally spoke, his face gleaming with a subtle satisfaction that irked Diana. “We can’t let personal feelings cloud our judgement, Alpha Mother. This is about the pack’s well-being.”

Diana’s face reddened, her voice rising. “How dare you! You’re using the pack’s well-being as an excuse to force Travon into marriage. What about his happiness?!”

William’s expression turned into a sly smile, his tone calculated. “Alpha Mother, I’m surprised you’re so invested in the Alpha’s happiness now. I didn’t realize you were so…attuned to his needs.”

Diana gritted her teeth as her eyes flashed with defiance, but before she could respond, Travon stepped in. “I’ve heard enough,” he told them, his voice firm. “I understand the council’s position, and your concerns…And so I've decided, I’ll agree to the marriage.”

The room erupted into murmurs of approval, while Travon felt the weight of duty and expectation crushing him.

“You’re not considering Travon’s feelings at all! He’s still hurting from Athena’s loss!” His mother repeated, her voice rising.

Elder Marcus’s expression suddenly turned cold. “Alpha Mother, we’re not here to coddle the Alpha’s emotions. We’re here to make decisions for the pack’s future.”

The other elders nodded in agreement, while William tossed Diana a sly, triumphant smile. She locked eyes with him, her gaze burning with anger and frustration. She knew she was outnumbered, but she refused to back down. She tried to make them see reason but all her words fell on deaf ears. The elders’ minds were made up, and Travon’s agreement had sealed the deal.

“With that being said, the wedding will take place in two weeks’ time. Beta William, please inform your daughter of the  arrangement.” Elder Thorne announced, his tone serious.

William’s face lit up a proud smile as he nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Of course, Elder Thorne, I’ll make sure Aria is prepared for the ceremony.”

Quietly, Travon got on his feet, his chair scraping against the marble floor, “I need some time alone to process this.” He said, his voice barely audible. His eyes scanned the room one last time before he turned and walked out of the council room, leaving Diana to face the triumphant smiles of the elders alone.

Two weeks later, Aria sat in front of a mirror as gazed at her reflection in the mirror. The lace of her wedding dress shimmered as a staff placed the veil clip in her hair.

“You look stunning, My Lady.” another staff complimented.

“I know right,” Aria smiled, “It’s a dream come true.” She grinned, she couldn’t wait to be by Travon’s side. Just then, William entered the room, with his eyes gleaming with intensity.

“Leave now,” he commanded, and Aria's staff scurried out. William approached his daughter, his voice low and urgent, yet excited. “I’m so proud of you, Aria.” He whispered, his voice dripping with pride.

“Thank you, Father.” She smiled back.

“Today marks the beginning of our plan. You must fully gain the Alpha’s trust. Encourage him to share his secrets with you, especially about the pack’s security and alliances.” He whispered.

Aria nodded. “I’ll be careful, Father.”

William’s gaze seemed to bore into her soul. “You must be more than careful, Aria. You must be calculating. Share his bed, share his secrets too. And once he entrusts you with his heart, we will have the keys to the pack’s throne, and then, not even the Alpha Mother will be able to stop us.”

Aria’s smile faltered, but she steeled herself. William’s voice once again dropped to a whisper. “Remember, when you become the Luna, don’t forget…the shadows that have brought us here. They will continue to guide us, no matter what happens.”

Aria didn’t quite understand what he meant, but she nodded and with that, William turned and left. She took a deep breath and exhaled, mentally preparing herself for the task ahead. She made her way to the down to the hall to the aisle and then the ceremony began.

Aria and Travon stood before the pack members, Diana, William, and the three elders, exchanging their vows. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke the words, her heart was racing with excitement. Just as Travon began to speak his words, the doors to the hall burst open and a figure strode in.

The clinking of her heels echoed through the silence, drawing all eyes to her. She wore a black dress and a black hat with a veil, like a mourner at a funeral. Quietly, she walked down the aisle, then came to a halt at the beginning of the aisle, her presence commanding attention.

The pack members exchanged curious glances, at the same time, murmurs filled the hall. The weight of her gaze at the altar could be felt, the air was heavy with anticipation, and the silence palpable.

Then, in one swift motion, she lifted the hat, and the veil fell away. A collective gasp ran through the hall, and seemed to freeze time itself as all eyes locked onto the revealed face…