The Betrayal Begins

Gwen’s POV

I stood at the head of the table in front of my ministers and pack elders. My hands gripped the edge, knuckles white, as I tried to steady my racing heart. This was the day I had anticipated, the day everything would change. Nervous energy buzzed beneath my skin, excitement mingling with the weight of responsibility.

“Alpha Gwen,” Elder Rowan’s gravelly voice cut through the silence, “we are gathered here for a matter of great importance.”

He was the eldest among them, my father’s former beta, and the lines on his face spoke of years of wisdom and experience. The other elders watched me with a mix of skepticism and concern, their gazes sharp and unyielding.

I nodded, forcing a calm expression. “Thank you, Elder Rowan. I’ve called this meeting to discuss a significant decision I’ve made.”

The room fell into an even deeper silence. Elder Matias, his sharp eyes narrowing, leaned forward. “What decision, Alpha?”

“I intend to step down as Alpha and pass the title to my mate, Damien Nightshade,” I declared, my voice steady, though my heart pounded in my chest.

A wave of shock rippled through the room. The elders exchanged glances, their expressions hardening. Elder Rowan raised his hand, calling for silence, but the tension was palpable.

“This is unprecedented, Alpha Gwen,” Elder Matias spoke again, his tone heavy with disapproval. “An Alpha’s position is not something to be given away lightly.”

“I understand your concerns,” I said, meeting each of their gazes in turn. “But Damien has proven himself to be a strong leader. He’s loyal, capable, and has the pack’s best interests at heart.”

The elders remained silent, their expressions unreadable. I could feel the weight of their judgment pressing down on me. The decision was mine to make, but the consequences were something I couldn’t ignore.

Elder Thea, the only female among them, broke the silence. “You must think of the pack’s future, Alpha Gwen. This isn’t just about you and Damien. This isn’t about the mate bond or the love and trust you have for him now; it’s about all of us. It’s about this pack in general.”

My gaze flickered to the grand doors, where Damien stood, his presence commanding and confident. His piercing green eyes met mine, and I felt a surge of reassurance. This was the right choice. It had to be.

“The ceremony will take place at the full moon,” Elder Rowan finally said, his tone resigned. “The transfer of power will be official, and the responsibility of our pack’s future will rest on your mate’s shoulders.”

Relief washed over me, though it was tinged with a lingering unease. Damien stepped forward, his smile broad and triumphant. “Thank you, Elders. I will not disappoint you.”

With that, the meeting concluded, and the elders began to disperse. Damien approached me with his green alluring eyes, and a hint of smile that gave me the relief and reassurance I needed at this moment. “Well mate, it’s official. I will be the new alpha.”

I smiled like a child as I nodded my head continuously. “Congratulations my love, but you can only assume the position after the coronation by tomorrow.”

Damien’s smile widened, his eyes gleaming with pure excitement. “Ah, that’s right! The coronation! I really can’t wait to officially take you to be my Luna, to me that’s all that matters. Also I doubt if I will ever be as good in leading this pack as you’ve done so far.”

I shook my head. “You are capable enough to rule this pack more than me, I trust you to do great, Damien. Besides you have me here to assist you in any situation right?”

He nodded as he hugged me excitedly before we made our way out of the hall hand in hand together.

Later that evening, I returned to my chambers, my mind still buzzing with the events of the day. The decision had been made, and now all that was left was to prepare for the ceremony. My thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door.

“Come in,” I called, smoothing down the fabric of my dress.

Elara, my personal maid, entered the room, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of tea. She was a quiet girl, always so composed and efficient. Her dark eyes were warm as she set the tray down on the table.

“I thought you might like something to help you relax, my lady,” she said, her voice gentle.

“Thank you, Elara.” I took the cup from her, the warmth seeping into my fingers. The scent of chamomile filled the air, soothing my frayed nerves. “You’re always so thoughtful.”

Elara smiled softly but said nothing, her eyes lingering on me with something that looked like concern. I brushed it off, taking a sip of the tea. The warmth spread through me, easing the tension in my shoulders.

“You should rest, my lady,” Elara said, her tone more insistent now. “Tomorrow is a big day.”

I nodded, setting the cup down. “You’re right. I need to be at my best.”

Elara bowed slightly before leaving the room, and I settled into bed, letting the tea do its work. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the day had been too perfect, too smooth. But I was too tired to dwell on it.

The next morning, I woke to the first light of dawn filtering through the curtains. The day of the ceremony had arrived, and with it, a sense of both anticipation and dread. I dressed carefully, choosing a gown that reflected the gravity of the occasion. The fabric shimmered in the sunlight, a symbol of the power I was about to relinquish.

When it was time I made my way to the ceremonial grounds, the entire pack was gathered under the full moon, their faces turned towards me with a mixture of awe and expectation. The air was thick with tension, and the weight of my decision settled heavily on my shoulders.

Damien stood at the center of the clearing, his presence commanding. His eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, all my doubts melted away. This was the man I loved, the man who would lead our pack into a new era.

The elders began the ritual, their voices low and steady as they chanted the ancient words of the transfer. I felt the power within me stir, a deep, primal force that had been mine since birth. But now, it was time to let it go.

As the final words were spoken, I reached out to Damien, my hand trembling slightly. He grasped it firmly, his grip reassuring. I closed my eyes, focusing on the connection between us, the bond that had brought us together.

The power surged from me, a wave of energy that left me breathless. It flowed into Damien, filling him with the strength of our ancestors, the power of our pack. The transfer was complete, and with it, my role as Alpha came to an end.

Elder Rowan walked forward as he placed his hands on Damien’s shoulders as he proclaimed. “By the power vested in me, I declare Damien Nightshade the alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack!”

The hall erupted in cheers and applause as Damien stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with pride and triumph. I felt a mix of emotions all at once: pride, a hint of uncertainty and anxiety.

But regardless of the mix of emotions I felt the transfer of power still kept me kneeling on the floor. The pressure of the power leaving my body was overwhelming, and I felt my knees buckle beneath me. I sank to the ground, gasping for breath, my vision swimming.

“This is it,” I thought, my heart pounding in my chest. “This is the moment my one true love will claim me as his Luna.”