CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN
Silvana's Point Of View

It's been five days since the meeting. Three days later, Eryk was named the Alpha. The festival was small, yet elegant, you could still sense the sadness in the air, but that was irrelevant when it came to business. Since everything was finally over, Garrick decided it was best to leave. I knew he was still grieving, but slowly, even if it had just been a few days, I could see some improvement, and I was more than happy I was part of what made him happy.

But I wasn't entirely happy...the warning from Ravenna still burned deep in my mind.

Was Morgana going to come back? I should be happy, but I was also scared. What would happen then? Would I lose everything? Worse, would Garrick regret choosing me? Would there be a way for everyone to be happy and safe? I felt so guilty but I also felt like it was unfair.

I was pulled away from my thoughts, when I felt an arm wrap around my waist from behind, followed by soft kisses that trailed from my neck to my ear. Without even looking up, I knew who it was with the way my body responded.

Garrick.

I chuckled softly as I leaned in, resting the back of my head against his chest. "Hey,"

"Hey," he murmured, his lips still pressed against my neck, sending shivers down my spine. "How are you?"

"Hmmmm.... I'm okay, you?" I tilted my head up to look at him, searching his eyes for any sign of lingering sorrow.

"Can't wait to leave this goddamn palace," he grumbled, his grip around my waist tightening. "Eryk's already got me planning trade routes and border patrols. I feel like I'm suffocating in paperwork and forced pleasantries."

I laughed softly and turned to him, playfully punching his chest. "Can't stand Eryk that much?"

"I can't," he replied with a gruff. "He's already trying to pawn off some aging debutante on me. No matter how hard he tries, he can never be a good man,"

"He could try,"

"Whatever, I don't care."

"Oh, you childish wolf!" I laughed, my earlier anxieties momentarily forgotten.

His face then became serious, the playfulness vanishing as quickly as it appeared. I became worried. "What's wrong?" I asked, my hand reaching up to cup his cheek.

He looked down at me, his eyes unreadable, but I could feel a hint of vulnerability in them. "Silvana....when we get back..."

"Hmmm?" I prompted, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Let's do the ritual and crowning ceremony."

My eyes widened at his words as my mouth fell open. "I- are you serious?" I stammered, hardly daring to believe what I was hearing.

"Yes," he nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I'm serious, more than ever. I need you in my life Silvana. I can't imagine one without you in it, regardless of what has happened, or what might happen. He ran a thumb over my cheekbone. "You're my strength, my partner, my everything."

I smiled and stood on my toes, pressing a soft kiss on his lips. "Let's do it then." I said against his lips.

~

When we arrived back at the Stonefang pack, the atmosphere was palpably different. It felt like coming home. Immediately, Garrick called for a meeting between all the elders. He then sent a messenger to alert my Father and Alpha Darius of his sudden decision.

I wondered what made him change his mind so suddenly......Did Ravenna say anything to him? No, I doubted that. Like hell, she would want us together.

Unless.....unless she was trying to unsettle me, to make me doubt myself.

"Go get ready," Garrick said, I turned to face him to see a wide smile on his face. "The elders won't take long to gather themselves in the throne room. "So go get ready."

"Okay!" 

I quickly rushed to my chambers with my maids trailing behind me, Clara was out of breath when we reached my room. They quickly got me ready, and we all went down the stairs headed for the throneroom, I dismissed the rest, leaving only Clara.

My thoughts were cut short when I entered the throne room to see it full. It had only been a few hours after we arrived. Hell, how did they get here so fast? I'm so glad the maids got me ready and dressed on time.

I wouldn't want to give anyone a reason to doubt my fitness for the role of a Luna.

I sat on my throne next to Garrick, feeling a strange mix of excitement and trepidation. He turned to me with a warm smile, squeezing my hand gently, and turned to the gathered crowd.

"Elders of the Stonefang Pack," Garrick began, his voice resonating with authority. "I have called you here today to announce my decision regarding the future of our Pack. After much consideration, and with the support of my chosen partner, Morgana," he turned to me with a soft smile and back to the crowd with his stern expression. "I have decided to formally name Morgana as my Luna and to proceed with the crowning ceremony."

The throne room erupted in cheers, the sound echoing through the halls. The faces of the Elders were lit with approval and Garrick's beta, Lachlan, bowed deeply as our eyes met.

It was official.

I was going to become his wife and his Luna.

Even though I had to live as Morgana, being with Garrick was all that mattered.

But as the congratulations flew, my mind was being dulled to the nagging thought of Ravenna's words.

'The real owner will come one day, and when that happens, your little secret might not be safe anymore.'

It was a subtle jab, her words lingered with me, causing me to start feeling insecure. I  couldn't help but fear that something terrible was fast approaching, and it was coming for me.