Chapter 2 Her Coronation

(Hilda)

It’s Cerelia’s Luna coronation ceremony today. 

It seems like only yesterday that I believed it would be me standing beside Soren, surrounded by our pack, while he confirmed that I was to be his Luna. 

Now they’re all dressed in their finest and the air is full of joyous celebration for someone else. It’s as if I never existed.

I should leave and go back to bed, but I just can’t tear myself away. As I slowly make my way through the crowd, each step sends a sharp jolt of pain through my body. I almost relish the torment, which is nothing compared to the agony in my heart.

All I can see is Soren and Cerelia, standing hand in hand and gazing at each other with adoration. The way he looked at me until I opened my eyes and my world imploded.

We grew up together. Training side by side. Sharing our hopes and ambitions. I knew him better than anyone and now he’s making another woman his Luna. It’s a betrayal of everything we shared. 

A man’s voice brings me out of my reverie. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t the forgotten Beta,” he sneers. My heart sinks when I see that it’s Alpha Damon, Cerelia’s brother.

I know him from battle. He’s a skilled warrior with a sharp tongue. Nothing at all like his timid sister. He’s always been insufferable, and it seems he still takes delight in my misery even when we’re no longer enemies.

“Must be really hard for you to watch this,” Damon continues, his eyes dancing with delight. “Seeing your former mate with my sister and knowing you’ve been replaced.” 

Clenching my fists, I battle to keep my emotions in check. The pain, the anger, the sense of betrayal - it all surges within me at his cruel words and I can feel my control slipping. 

“What do you want, Damon?” I spit, my voice shaking with suppressed rage. 

He shrugs, a smirk playing on his lips. “Just enjoying the show. You look so pathetic, standing here all alone. It’s quite the contrast to the fierce bitch who killed several of my soldiers.” 

That’s the last straw. All the hurt, the frustration, everything I’ve been holding back finally boils over. I lunge at him, but a strong hand on my shoulder stops me.

I turn around angrily but my foul mood calms when I see the familiar face of my oldest friend, Alec.

“Alec! I’m so glad you’re alive. Where’s Becca?” His sad eyes tell me everything and more sorrow is balanced atop the tower of grief in my heart.

“Hilda, please don’t make a scene. Come with me,” he says, grabbing my arm and attempting to lead me away. I can’t believe he’s not even asking what prompted me to attack.

I glare at him, my fists still clenched and Alec rubs his temples as if he finds my actions tiresome. “Hilda, you need to control your temper. This isn’t helping anyone. Alpha Damon is our biggest ally, you’re not only sabotaging the delicate balance between the packs, but also hurting Soren himself with your outburst.” 

A bitter laugh bubbles out of me. “After everything he’s done, you expect me to just stand here and take his insults?” 

For a moment, it looks like Alex might say something, but then Soren and Cerelia appear, pushing through the crowd. Soren’s eyes are full of anger and concern as he looks between the three of us. 

“What’s going on here?” Soren demands, his voice stern. “Your ex-mate just tried to attack me,” Damon says, pointing an accusing finger at me. “She’s gone mad.” 

Cerelia steps forward, her expression softening. “Hilda, please. We don’t want any more trouble. This is supposed to be a happy occasion.” Soren puts a hand on Cerelia’s shoulder, his eyes locking onto mine. “Hilda, I know this is difficult. But we need to move forward. You need to move forward.” 

His words cut deep, but there’s a part of me that knows he’s right. Standing here, fighting with Damon, won’t change anything. It won’t bring back what I’ve lost.

Soren doesn’t want me anymore. My friends are all dead or unrecognizable. There’s nothing here for me. It’s time to let go. Without another word I turn and walk away, leaving the festive crowd behind. The pain in my heart is still there, but I’m determined to find a way to survive. 

Damon isn’t done though. “Seize her!” He yells at his men.

His voice cuts through the murmur of the crowd, and a group of warriors move to surround me, their grips firm as they take hold of my arms. The humiliation of being publicly apprehended is almost too much to bear, but I won’t show weakness. Not here. Not now. 

“I’ll teach you a lesson in respect if he’s not willing to,” Damon sneers at me.