Chapter 8 The Luna Festival (1)
Amelia's POV
The rest of the week passed in a blur of sensory adjustment and whispered gossip. By Friday, I'd mastered the basics of filtering out overwhelming scents and sounds, though crowded spaces still gave me headaches.
Daniel never showed up to any classes. Vanessa continued her campaign of death glares and whispered insults. I caught phrases like "pathetic social climber" and "desperate for attention" whenever I passed her group.
Friday evening, Nathan dropped a bombshell on me.
"Luna Festival is tomorrow night," he said, tossing an envelope onto my bed. "Your official summons."
I picked up the heavy cream-colored envelope. My name was written in elegant calligraphy on the front. I'd heard about the Luna Festival my whole life—the monthly celebration where werewolves gathered under the full moon—but I'd never attended since I hadn't transformed before.
"Wait, I'm actually expected to go now?" I asked, breaking the wax seal.
"Of course. You're officially part of the pack now. New members are formally recognized at the Festival." Nathan leaned against my doorframe. "The Alpha addresses everyone, announces major decisions or changes. Then there's food, dancing, mingling. It's actually pretty fun, usually."
I pulled out the invitation card. "And Alexander will be there."
It wasn't a question, but Nathan answered anyway. "Yes. As Alpha, he leads the ceremony."
I hadn't seen Alexander since that night in the woods. Hadn't spoken to him. But I'd thought about him constantly—his scent, his touch, the way his eyes had glowed in the darkness. My wolf stirred restlessly whenever I remembered the kiss.
"What am I supposed to say to him?" I asked, anxiety twisting my stomach. "After what happened—"
"You'll follow protocol," Nathan said firmly. "Address him as Alpha Alexander. Don't speak unless spoken to. Keep your eyes down. As a new wolf, your only job is to be respectful and unobtrusive."
I raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? This is the 21st century."
"This isn't about the century, Lia. It's about thousands of years of wolf hierarchy. You're already in a complicated situation. Don't make it worse by challenging tradition."
I sighed, falling back onto my bed. "Fine. I'll be the perfect submissive little wolf."
Nathan snorted. "That'll be the day." He paused, his expression turning serious. "Just... be careful tomorrow night. The Luna Festival isn't just any social gathering. It's political. Everyone will be watching you, especially after what happened with Alexander."
"No pressure," I muttered.
Saturday evening arrived too quickly. I stood in front of my mirror, tugging nervously at my dress—a simple navy blue number that mom had insisted brought out my eyes. Nathan had explained that formal attire was expected for the Luna Festival, especially for new wolves being presented to the pack.
"Ready?" Nathan asked, appearing in my doorway. He looked sharp in a charcoal suit, his hair neatly combed back.
"As I'll ever be," I replied, grabbing my small clutch.
Mom watched us from the living room, her face paler than usual. The chronic illness that had plagued her for years had worsened in recent months, making it impossible for her to shift safely. As a born werewolf, missing the Luna Festival was particularly hard on her.
"You look beautiful," she said, reaching up to adjust my necklace. Her hands trembled slightly with the effort. "I can't believe my baby is attending her first Luna Festival."
Nathan and I exchanged a quick glance. We'd agreed not to tell Mom about my transformation yet—the stress wouldn't be good for her health. As far as she knew, I was attending as Nathan's guest, not as a newly-turned wolf.
"Now remember," Mom said, her voice taking on the familiar instructional tone she used whenever discussing pack matters, "stand straight, speak clearly if spoken to, and never interrupt an Elder. The Alpha will likely acknowledge new guests, so prepare to bow slightly—just a small inclination of your head, nothing dramatic."
"Mom, I'll be fine," I assured her, though my stomach churned with anxiety. If she knew I'd already transformed—and how it had happened—she'd be devastated.
"I know you will." She smiled weakly. "I just wish I could be there to see it. Perhaps next month, if the new medication works."
"We'll take pictures," Nathan promised, though we all knew photography was strictly limited at pack ceremonies.
"And stay close to your brother," Mom added. "The first time can be overwhelming. If you feel faint during the ceremony, just step outside for fresh air."
I nodded, swallowing hard. Little did she know I'd already experienced my first shift—alone and terrified in the woods.
"We should go," Nathan said, checking his watch. "We don't want to be late."
Mom kissed us both on the cheek. "Be safe. Be respectful. Make our family proud."
The drive to the Pack House took us out of the city and into the forested hills that surrounded Shadow Heights. As we wound deeper into the trees, I felt a strange sensation—like being pulled by an invisible thread. My wolf was alert, eager.
"You feel it, don't you?" Nathan asked, noticing my expression. "The call of the pack."
I nodded, unable to describe the strange mixture of anxiety and anticipation building in my chest.
We rounded a final bend, and there it was—the Pack House. Not a house at all, but a sprawling estate with a main building that looked like a cross between a mansion and a modern lodge. Cars lined the long driveway, and well-dressed guests streamed toward the entrance.
"Wow," I whispered.
"Home away from home," Nathan said with a small smile. "For all Shadow Kingdom wolves."
As we parked and walked toward the entrance, the invisible pull grew stronger. My heartbeat quickened. Somewhere inside that building was Alexander Westbrook—my fated mate and the Alpha who had every reason to despise me.
"Remember," Nathan murmured as we approached the door. "Eyes down, speak only when spoken to."
The interior of the Pack House took my breath away. Vaulted ceilings stretched overhead, adorned with intricate wooden beams and hanging chandeliers that cast a warm, golden glow. The main hall was enormous, with polished stone floors and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased the moonlit forest outside.
Nathan guided me toward a section where younger pack members gathered. "Stay here with the other new wolves. I've got to go—Gamma duties call."
"Wait, you're leaving me?" I whispered, panic rising in my throat.
"I have responsibilities, Lia. I can't babysit you all night." His expression softened at my obvious distress. "You'll be fine. Just remember what I told you—eyes down, speak when spoken to. I'll find you after the ceremony."
Before I could protest further, Nathan straightened his tie and headed toward a group of officials near the front of the hall. I stood alone, suddenly aware of curious glances from nearby wolves.
I kept my eyes down as instructed, but couldn't resist stealing glances around the room. Wolves of all ages filled the space, dressed in formal attire that ranged from modern suits and dresses to more traditional ceremonial robes. The air hummed with excitement and anticipation.
A hush fell over the crowd as massive double doors at the far end of the hall swung open. The first to enter were elderly wolves dressed in silver robes, each carrying a staff topped with a moonstone. Their faces were solemn, etched with wisdom and age.
"The Elders," whispered a young wolf beside me. "They serve as advisors to the Alpha and keepers of pack law."
Next came a procession of wolves who moved with obvious authority—high-ranking pack members, I assumed. They took positions of prominence near the front of the hall. I spotted Nathan among them, his face serious as he took his place.
Then, one by one, wolves entered who commanded immediate respect. Even with my limited experience, I could feel the power radiating from them.
"Other Alphas," the same young wolf explained. "Leaders of independent packs allied with Shadow Kingdom."
The crowd's energy shifted as the Shadow Kingdom officials entered—men and women who walked with confidence born of rank and privilege. I recognized a few faces from the university's administrative board.
Then an older couple entered, and the entire room bowed their heads. The man resembled an older version of Alexander—same strong jaw, same piercing eyes, though his hair was silver at the temples. The woman beside him moved with grace, her expression both kind and regal.
Alexander's parents, I realized. The former Head Alpha and Luna.
My heartbeat accelerated. If his parents were here, then Alexander would be next.
As if on cue, music swelled from hidden speakers—a powerful, rhythmic melody that made my wolf stir with recognition. Every wolf in the room stood straighter, heads lifted in respect.
