Chapter 75
**Engagement Celebration**
*Luna’s POV*
Warmth and laughter filled the night, and the aroma of freshly made bread, spiced wine, and roasted meats filled the air. The whole pack had assembled to rejoice, their voices blending into a joyful symphony. The bonfire in the middle blazed and ignited like the thrill in my chest, and lanterns hung from tall trees, bathing the area in golden light.
I was still in disbelief.
I was engaged to Kai.
The ring's weight on my finger still seemed strange and surreal. The deep sapphire inlay into the silver ring, which shone in the moonlight, represented all we had fought for and everything we had suffered. It was a pledge, not just an engagement.
A pledge to support one another.
a pledge that we would never again be alone ourselves.
A weird, warm flutter went through my chest at the notion.
The flock was celebrating, and I was standing close to the fire. As omegas danced in loose circles and laughed uncontrollably, warriors shared tales over tankards of ale. Even the elderly, who were not usually present at such events, sat together, their faces softened with appreciation.
Then there was Kai.
I could feel the weight of his stare even from a few feet away as he spoke to his Beta. His body appeared to be dragged toward mine as if gravity itself had bound us together, and his golden eyes flicked to me in between sentences.
He turned completely toward me, his lips twisting into a deep, knowing grin as if he could sense what I was thinking.
That grin, gods.
It reminded me of how profoundly this guy impacted me and made my stomach turn.
Before I could think about it any longer, my closest friend Mira showed up behind me, her black eyes sparkling with mischievous intentness. "You appear to be on the verge of blowing up."
I rolled my eyes and sneered. "I don't."
Yes, you do. It almost makes me feel embarrassed," she said, prodding me. "I never imagined that *Luna*, a fierce warrior who is strong and independent, would be reduced to moon-eyed sighs and lovesick looks."
I couldn't help but giggle even as I nudged her. "My eyes are *not* moon-eyed."
She grinned. "Speak that directly to your face."
Before I could object any more, Kai materialized at my side, his presence like a change in the atmosphere—strong, authoritative, yet strangely reassuring.
"I take it that you're referring to me?" His tone was full of laughter.
Mira gave a snort. "She is suppressing her displays of love."
Kai raised an eyebrow at me. "You're love-sick?"
I gave him a narrowed look. "Avoid encouraging her."
His lips quirked as if he were trying to suppress a smile, but before he could continue, the sound of metal hitting metal sounded—a blatant indication from the pack elders. Everyone's attention was drawn to the elders' enormous wooden platform as the commotion subdued the gathering.
The moment has come.
Kai extended his hand to shake mine. Without hesitation, I snatched it.
Together, we went onto the platform.
Elder Tomas, the oldest and wisest of our pack, raised his hands. "Tonight, we come together for unity, not for war or sorrow." He looked around the pack. Kai and Luna are more than just fighters when they stand in front of us. More than the leaders. They are in front of us as partners and mates, constrained by the Moon Goddess's own will.
The crowd echoed with a murmur of approval.
"Do you promise Luna your allegiance, your strength, and your heart, Kai, Alpha of the Silver Fang pack?"
Kai's golden eyes met mine as he turned to face me. "Yes, I do."
The words were straightforward. However, there was a silent, unwavering confidence in them.
Elder Tomas turned to face me after giving me a nod. "And do you promise Kai your heart, your strength, and your loyalty, Luna?"
I didn't think twice.
"Yes, I do."
The moment the words left my lips, a powerful energy surged through me, like the very fabric of fate shifting into place.
The pack howled in joy.
Kai clasped my hand, his warmth anchoring me, and then, before I could speak another word, he drew me into him and kissed me.
The world faded.
There was no pack, no war looming on the horizon. There was only him—his lips firm and warm against mine, his hands steady at my waist, grounding me in ways I never knew I needed.
The moment was perfect.
Until it wasn’t.
A scream cut through the celebration, shattering the joyous atmosphere like glass.
Instantly, Kai and I broke apart, our instincts snapping into high alert.
A young omega staggered into the clearing, her face pale with terror. “Intruders—!” she gasped. “They’re *here*.”
A hush fell over the pack.
And then, chaos erupted.
Howls rang through the night as warriors leapt into action.
Kai’s grip on
my hand tightened.
This was no longer merely a party.
*Us* had been called into battle.