Chapter 4
Serena's POV
Our Territory
Last night's confrontation with Stella kept me awake, but Adrian's gentle smile the next morning instantly dispelled the gloom in my heart.
"This is our home."
We stood at Blackstone Pack territory's highest point, the entire estate's beauty spread before us.
Sunlight bathed the rolling peaks while birdsong echoed from deep forests. I watched pack members going about their duties—children playing on grass, young warriors training. Everything seemed so harmonious and beautiful.
"I can feel it," I said softly. "Everyone here respects you deeply."
"Because they know I'll protect them." Adrian turned to look at me, emerald eyes shining with determination. "No matter the cost."
"I want to help you protect this place too." I took his hand, feeling its warmth.
Deep emotion flashed in his eyes. "Stella..."
Adrian showed me every corner of the estate. At the training grounds, young warriors respectfully stopped their exercises to bow when they saw us.
"Good morning, Luna! Good morning, Alpha!" they called in unison.
I smiled and nodded back, feeling unprecedented belonging. This sense of being respected and needed was something I'd never experienced at Riverside Pack.
In the medical wing, when I helped Dr. Emma sort herbs, she was amazed to discover my natural sensitivity to medicinal plants—I could accurately identify various herbs' properties.
"You have real talent! It's like you were born to heal," Emma marveled.
I was stunned. This made me wonder about the legendary moonlight bloodline abilities. Perhaps, though I wasn't the moonlight bloodline heir, being Stella's twin had given me some influence from this mysterious power?
Three days later, I attended my first important pack meeting as Luna.
The conference hall was solemn and dignified, the oak table polished to a shine with elders seated around it.
"Today's agenda concerns winter supply reserves," Adrian announced, his authoritative voice echoing through the hall.
Department heads reported in turn. Food supplies were adequate but medicines slightly lacking; weapons were serviced but new warriors needed more training.
Then Logan suddenly spoke up. "I have a question."
His challenging gaze fixed directly on me. "As Luna, Stella should play a bigger role in these matters. After all, the legendary moonlight bloodline should excel at both healing and management."
All eyes focused on me.
"Logan's right." I stood calmly, walking to the territory map on the wall. "About the medicine shortage—I discussed this with Dr. Emma today."
I pointed to several marked locations. "These areas can provide needed herbs before winter. I suggest three collection teams for efficiency and safety. East route for bloodstop grass, west for fever root, south for pain-relief flowers."
The elders exchanged glances, clearly surprised by my detailed plan.
"Regarding young warrior training," I continued, "I recommend a mentorship system. Experienced warriors paired one-on-one with newcomers—improving efficiency while building team bonds."
Elder Margaret nodded first. "That's quite insightful."
"And nutritional balance," I turned to the food manager. "Though grain is sufficient, winter's long. We need every member healthy and combat-ready. I suggest increasing vitamin-rich food reserves."
Approving murmurs filled the room. Several elders nodded with satisfaction; even the usually cold Margaret showed approval.
Only Logan's expression grew increasingly ugly.
"Seems our Luna has many ideas," he said sarcastically. "But these don't seem related to legendary moonlight bloodline abilities. I expected to see some miraculous healing arts."
The air instantly froze. Everyone could feel the provocation and malice in Logan's words.
I took a deep breath, meeting his eyes directly. "Logan, you're right. Moonlight bloodline abilities are indeed more than this."
I walked to the center of the conference table. "But as Luna, my duty isn't just displaying abilities—it's truly caring for every pack member."
My voice grew stronger. "I may be young, may have shortcomings, but I'll spend my life learning, growing, becoming the Luna this pack truly needs."
The room fell silent for several seconds, then erupted in thunderous applause.
"Well said!"
"We support our Luna!"
Adrian looked at me with pride and love in his eyes. He stood, using his cane to walk to my side.
"I'm honored to have such a mate. Blackstone Pack's future will be even more glorious under our protection."
Applause rang out again, but I noticed Logan's expression turn frighteningly dark.
Late at night, thirty kilometers from Blackstone Pack territory, in a remote tavern, two men were plotting.
Logan sat in a corner, face grim. Across from him, Blake Rivers held his drink, eyes gleaming with greed.
"You're certain that woman isn't the real Stella?" Blake whispered.
"One hundred percent." Logan sneered. "Stella's always been proud, willful, bratty, selfish. But this 'Stella'... docile, smart, leadership material—completely different people. More like that waste sister of hers."
Blake nodded thoughtfully. "No wonder... when Serena and I argued, she almost let something slip. She said 'she's the real one' but suddenly stopped."
Logan's eyes lit up. "Exactly! The real Stella's with you, while that impostor is with Adrian."
"So they switched identities?"
"Has to be. That fool Adrian was deceived—thinks he married the moonlight bloodline heir, but it's just an ordinary-blooded waste."
Logan smiled maliciously. "If this news gets out, Adrian's credibility will plummet. A marriage built on lies isn't stable."
Blake considered for a moment. "What's our next move? Expose her directly?"
"No rush." Logan shook his head. "We need more evidence, and perfect timing. Best if she reveals herself publicly—maximum impact. Adrian's reputation will be COMPLETELY ruined."
Blake smiled with satisfaction. "Then what?"
"Then, as Adrian's brother, I'll 'reluctantly' take over Blackstone Pack leadership." Logan raised his glass. "And you, as mate to the true moonlight bloodline heir, naturally deserve a share."
"We both get what we want."
"Perfect." Logan raised his glass. "To our partnership."
"To our partnership," Blake responded.
The glasses clinked together with a crisp sound.
In the dim tavern, both ambitious men wore sinister smiles.
The storm was coming.
