Chapter 40 A Crown Interrupted
Chapter 40 A Crown Interrupted
The morning came too quickly. Zoe stood at the edge of the Red Water Pack grounds, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as the early sunlight stretched across the land, she had once called home, her home, her safe place, her family. Lucas stood in front of her, arms crossed, trying—and failing—to hide the emotion in his eyes. “You’d better visit,” he said, his voice gruff. Zoe laughed softly through the tightness in her chest. “I will.”
“You promise?” Audrey added from behind him, “I promise.” Aria stepped forward and hugged her tightly. “Don’t forget us when you become all important and royal,” she teased. Zoe rolled her eyes, hugging her back. “Please, I’m not that important.” Ethan chuckled, “Yeah, yeah, Luna.” The word hit differently now, heavier and real. Zoe pulled away slowly, her gaze shifting to Jacob. He stood a little further back, watching her quietly.
She walked toward him without hesitation and wrapped her arms around him. “Take care of yourself, Jaky,” she whispered. Jacob held her tightly “I will.” A pause “And you…” He pulled back slightly, his eyes soft but serious. “Don’t forget who you are.” Zoe nodded, “I won’t.” Their foreheads touched briefly, a silent promise. Then, she stepped away. The drive back to Blue Mountain Pack felt… different, quieter. Zoe sat beside Zack, staring out the window as the landscape changed.
Each mile felt like a thread pulling her further away from one life… and deeper into another. She didn’t speak much, didn’t need to because her heart felt full—and heavy at the same time. The moment they arrived at Blue Mountain Pack, reality settled in fast. This was her pack now, her responsibility, her future. Jessica came running toward her the moment she stepped out of the car “Finally!” she squealed, pulling Zoe into a tight hug. “I missed you,” Zoe laughed. “You better have,” Jessica said dramatically.
“Do you know how stressful it is pretending to be Luna?” Zoe smirked. “Oh? Is it that hard?”
“Yes!” Jessica groaned. “People expect things from me. I don’t like that.” Zoe laughed, shaking her head. James approached, arms crossed, but with a small smile on his face. “Welcome back,” he said. Zoe nodded. “Good to be back.” Even if part of her still ached. The days that followed were overwhelming with Luna’s duties and meetings, pack decisions, training oversight and the biggest task of all— The Luna Ceremony.
Zoe sat at her desk, staring at the long list in front of her: invitations, decorations, guest arrangements, Alpha and Luna confirmations from neighbouring packs. She groaned, dropping her head onto the table. “Why is this so much work?” Jessica leaned against the doorway, grinning. “Because you’re important.” Zoe lifted her head “I regret everything.” Jessica laughed, “Too late now.” Zoe sighed. But despite everything— There was a small part of her… I felt proud.
One Month Later
The day had arrived, and Zoe stood in her room, staring at her reflection. Jessica moved around her, adjusting the final details. “Hold still,” she said, fixing a strand of Zoe’s hair. Zoe exhaled slowly. Her dress shimmered under the light. A soft, silvery blue that flowed perfectly along her curves, elegant and powerful at the same time. Her hair was styled half-up, soft waves cascading down her back.
Her makeup was light—but enough to make her silver eyes stand out. Jessica stepped back. “Wow.” Zoe blinked “What?”
“You look…” Jessica shook her head. “Insane. Like… actual Luna material.” Zoe gave a small, nervous laugh “Don’t say it like that.” Jessica smirked, “Too late. You’re stuck with it.” Zoe turned back to the mirror. For a moment, she didn’t recognise herself —not the girl who had once been called weak or the one who had been rejected; this version of her was strong, confident, and powerful—a true Luna.
Her fingers brushed lightly over her neck. The mark was still there, still complicated, and her thoughts drifted to Zack, to everything they had been through, and to what they were still trying to become. Would today change things? Would it solidify them? Or would it break them? Her heartbeat is faster. “I hope this goes well…” she whispered. Jessica placed a hand on her shoulder “It will.” Zoe nodded slowly, trying to believe it.
The room felt too quiet for a moment, too still, and Zoe frowned slightly “Did it just get colder?” she murmured. A sharp prick hit the back of Zoe’s neck. Zoe gasped. “What—?” Her hand flew up instinctively. Something was wrong; her vision blurred.
“Jess…” She mind-linked “Zoe?” Jessica responded. Zoe staggered slightly. “I—something—” The room spun, and her heartbeat echoed loudly in her ears; panic surged. What is happening? Her mind raced. Who did this? Her knees weakened. “Zoe! What’s wrong?!” Jessica asked, “I—can’t—” and before she could mind link any further, everything faded, and darkness crept in from the edges of her vision. Her body felt heavy, unresponsive, and her last thought—This wasn’t an accident, then, everything went black.