PREPARATION

After his conversation with his mother, Damien stepped out of the room feeling a sense of relief. It wasn’t just about securing the mating ceremony; it was about solidifying the bond between him and Elena , making sure she knew she wasn’t just a piece in this game of power and war. She was his heart, his strength.

As he walked back to their shared room, his thoughts raced ahead to the upcoming ceremony. He knew it needed to be special, not only for his mate but for the entire pack. It was their way of showing unity, of cementing her place as Luna. But most importantly, it was a public declaration of their love, a promise he was eager to make in front of the world.

When he entered their room, he found her sitting by the window, staring out into the forest. The sunlight bathed her in a soft glow, but he could still see the lingering sadness in her eyes. The weight of everything that had happened recently hadn’t lifted from her shoulders yet. She had been strong, but he could sense her