Chapter 9

(Emily's POV)

As the sun began to set, the pack gathered in the large open courtyard where the Luna Ceremony was to take place. The courtyard, bordered by tall trees, was beautifully decorated with garlands of flowers and glowing lanterns. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, the air thick with the scent of pine and fresh earth. Tonight was a night of celebration, a night where Alpha Rollins would formally acknowledge Cassandra as his Luna.

I was given a simple but elegant dress for the ceremony, made of deep green silk that shimmered slightly in the fading light. The color was chosen to represent the pack’s connection to the forest and the earth, and as I slipped into the dress, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging, despite everything.

I joined the crowd, careful to keep to the edges, not wanting to draw attention to myself. The pack members were dressed in their finest, the men in tailored suits, and the women in flowing gowns. Everyone was talking in hushed ton