CHAPTER 82

--Alyssa--

These were my parents, and I could not even hug them or talk to them. I just stared at them, not saying anything. They also behaved as if they did not know me, just nodding at me, showing respect for my title as Luna.

I wanted to cry and curse out the world for this, but everything was in my mind.

Xavier's voice broke through the fog in my mind. "This is my mate, Alyssa." His hand was warm on my shoulder, a grounding presence amidst the chaos of my emotions.

"Hello," I managed to say, though my voice betrayed me, coming out as a mere whisper. I saw my mother's eyes flicker, a brief moment of softness before the mask of formality slid back into place. My father's nod was curt, almost mechanical. What was wrong with me? I prayed they hadn't sensed my turmoil.

Around us, the pack buzzed with conversation. They marveled at their wolves, at the bond they shared, how they could shift and communicate seamlessly. It was a celebration of unity, a testament to the strength of our kin