Chapter 4

The soft fabric of the dress caressed my skin as I walked through the grand hall, my arm linked with Favian’s. I had never worn anything this beautiful in my life. The gown was a deep emerald green, shimmering under the soft lights as if it were alive. I felt elegant, powerful, like someone worth admiring. It was a far cry from the ragged woman I had been only days ago.

Favian’s hand gripped mine gently, but there was a firmness to it, and it made me feel safe. This was no ordinary night, it was my introduction to the world as his mate, as Luna of the Furbloom Pack. 

My heart pounded in my chest as we stepped further into the crowd, where Alphas and Lunas from far and wide had gathered. They watched us with curious eyes, whispers buzzing like bees as we made our way to the center of the grand event.

I could feel their eyes on me, but tonight, for the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel small or ashamed. I felt proud.

When we reached the stage, Favian’s grip on my hand tightened, and he led me up the steps. The murmurs grew louder, and I knew that they were all surprised. I hadn’t realized how much I missed the warmth of belonging until this moment. The Moonbeam Pack had rejected me, but here I was, about to be introduced as the Luna of one of the most powerful packs in the region.

The master of ceremonies, a dignified older man with a voice that echoed through the hall, stepped forward.

   “Tonight, we are gathered to celebrate the union of our Alpha, Favian, and his chosen mate, Rowena.”

Applause erupted around us, and I couldn’t help but blink in surprise. I was filled with a warmth I had almost forgotten existed. People were smiling at me, their faces alight with approval. I hadn’t felt this kind of acceptance in so long. I couldn’t remember the last time anyone had smiled at, or clapped for me, let alone cheered.

I looked at Favian, who sat beside me on the thrones that had been placed at the head of the hall. He met my gaze, his eyes steady and unwavering. He leaned in close enough for only me to hear.

   “I’ve started doing my part. Now, make sure you do yours.”

His words were calm, but there was an edge to them, a reminder of the stakes. I nodded, my pulse quickening. I couldn’t afford to mess this up. My revenge, my future, it all depended on this arrangement with Favian. I wasn’t just sitting on this throne for the applause. I was here because I needed power, protection, and a way to take back what I had lost.

As the applause died down, I took a deep breath and leaned over to him.

   “Let’s go mingle. It’s part of the job, right?”

Favian raised an eyebrow but nodded. “Very well.”

We descended from the stage, arm in arm again, and began moving through the crowd. Alphas and Lunas from various packs approached us, offering congratulations. Some looked genuinely pleased, while others seemed curious or even wary. It was all part of the game. I smiled, exchanged pleasantries, and shook hands, trying to keep my nerves in check.

One Alpha, a tall man with a booming voice, took my hand with a big smile. 

   “Congratulations, Luna Rowena. You’ve found a powerful mate. You’re in good hands with Favian.”

I smiled and nodded. “Thank you. I’m glad to be here, he treats me very well.”

As we moved through the crowd, I felt lighter with each passing moment. For once, I wasn’t invisible. I wasn’t the outcast, the rejected. I was someone again. Favian gave me a kiss on my forehead.

   “I’ll be back, I want to attend to some things.” He said, and I nodded, continuing to move around on my own

But then, just as I started to feel at ease, I saw her.

Coral.

What was she even doing here? She was not even a Luna. She stood a few feet away, her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes locked on me like a hawk eyeing its prey. My heart sank as I met her eyes. I hadn’t expected to see her here, not tonight. I had no idea she was even connected to this world outside the Moonbeam Pack.

I tried to avoid her, but before I could turn away, she stepped into my path.

   “Well, well, well.” She sneered. “Look who’s playing dress up.”

I clenched my fists at my sides, willing myself to stay calm. 

   “I don’t know you,” I said, my voice steady. “Please excuse me.”

Her lip curled into a cruel smile.

   “Oh, don’t pretend like you don’t remember me, Rowena. The rejected Luna. The murderer.”

My breath caught in my throat, but I forced myself to remain composed. I couldn’t let her get to me. Not here, not now.

   “You have no right to be here.” She hissed, stepping closer. “You’re a disgrace. Do you think a fancy dress and a new mate will erase what you did?”

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, a voice cut through the tension.

   “Rowena?”

I turned, and my heart plummeted into my stomach.

Nathan stood a few feet away, his face pale, his eyes wide with disbelief. I felt nothing but relief as I looked at him, realizing that the pain the loss of our mating bond had left me in was now completely gone. He looked between me and Coral, then back at me, the expression on his face twisting into something darker.

   “I didn’t believe it when I saw you on that stage.” He said, his voice low and dangerous. “But it’s true, isn’t it? You’re here... with him?”

The color drained from my face as I stared at him. I had hoped that I wouldn’t run into Nathan tonight either. I wasn’t ready for this. 

Nathan’s shock quickly turned to anger, his eyes narrowing as he took a step toward me.

   “You think you can just walk away? After everything, you dare show your face here, parading around like some... Luna?” His voice grew louder, and heads began to turn in our direction. “You should be dead!”

Coral smirked beside him, clearly enjoying the scene unfolding before her.

   “Who do you think you are? I’m not afraid of you!” I managed to say, although I felt shaken inside. “You’ve already taken everything from me.”

Nathan’s eyes blazed with fury.

   “I haven’t taken enough. If you think for one second that I’ll let you walk around free after what you did—”

   “I didn’t do anything!” I hissed. “You know I didn’t.”

Nathan’s fists clenched at his sides, and I could see the barely contained rage simmering beneath the surface. 

   “I’ll kill you before I let you tarnish my name any further.”

I felt a pure fear in the pit of my stomach, but I refused to back down. Not anymore.

Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the hall. 

Favian appeared beside me, his eyes glowing with fury as he stepped between me and Nathan.

   “I suggest you rethink your words.” He said his voice deadly calm.

Nathan sneered. “This doesn’t concern you.”

Favian’s hand shot out before Nathan could react, landing a blow that sent him crashing to the ground with a sickening thud. Gasps rippled through the crowd as everyone stopped to watch.

Nathan groaned, clutching his face as he tried to push himself up. There was blood dripping from his lower lip. Coral stood frozen, her face drained of color.

Favian looked down at Nathan, his expression cold and unyielding.

   “Be rude to her again,” Favian growled, “and you won’t be getting back up.”