Chapter 45 Luna Under the Moon

Chapter 45 Luna Under the Moon
A week had passed since Kelly and Laura died; the pack had not been the same. Grief lingered like a quiet shadow over Blue Mountain Pack. Angela and Joel had withdrawn into themselves, their pain raw and unspoken. The clinic remained open, but there was a heaviness in every step, every word. No one dared speak Kelly’s name too loudly, as if doing so might reopen wounds that hadn’t even begun to heal.

Zoe felt it too, the weight of everything, the kidnapping, the witch and the deaths. Tonight was meant to mark a new beginning, a new start for her and Zack, but nothing about it felt simple. The ceremony was held in the open clearing beneath the full moon. It was smaller than most Luna ceremonies—just as Zoe had requested. Only those closest to them and the pack members gathered. No outsiders. No unnecessary attention.

After everything that had happened… This felt right. Soft lanterns lit the area, casting a warm glow against the night. The stage stood at the centre, beautifully framed by blooming hydrangeas. Ivy vines curled elegantly along the wooden arch above them, creating a natural canopy that shimmered under the moonlight. It was breathtaking and sacred. Jessica stood beside Zoe as they finished getting ready, her hands adjusting the final touches on Zoe’s dress.

“You look… unreal,” Jessica whispered. Zoe smiled faintly. Her dress flowed in soft silver-blue, catching the moonlight with every movement. Her hair was styled, half-up with loose waves cascading down her back. Her makeup was light—just enough to make her silver eyes glow “You haven’t left my side all day,” Zoe said softly. Jessica squeezed her hand. “Not tonight. Not after everything.” Zoe’s heart warmed. “Thank you.” Jessica smiled, “Always.”

Moments later, Zoe stood on the stage, and Zack was beside her. The priest in front and the entire pack are watching. The moon hung high above them—bright, full, almost glowing with approval. The Moon Goddess was watching; Zoe could feel it. Her heart pounded as the ceremony began. The priest spoke ancient words, blessings passed down through generations, binding Alpha and Luna together under the Goddess’s gaze.

Then, Zack stepped forward, his eyes locked on hers. Before he said his vows, he bit her neck again to fully seal the bond and then continued, “I, Zack Taylor, Alpha of Blue Mountain Pack,” he began, his voice steady but full of emotion, “accept you, Zoe Berry, as my mate and Luna of this pack.” Zoe’s breath caught. “I promise to protect you,” he continued, “to stand beside you, and to love you for as long as I live.” Tears welled in Zoe’s eyes, remembering everything they had been through.

The rejection, second chances, the fight to get here, it all crashed into her at once, and tears slipped down her cheeks.  I wish you were here… she whispered silently, thinking about Celeste. Zoe’s chest tightened; she missed her, missed feeling whole. Just as she was about to speak, A soft voice echoed in her mind. Zoe… Zoe froze, her breath hitched. Celeste? I am here. Zoe’s vision blurred instantly.

“Oh my god…” she whispered, tears falling harder. You’re back… I’m sorry… Celeste’s voice was soft, weaker than usual. The wolfsbane… it took time. Zoe let out a shaky breath. I missed you. I never left you. “Zoe?” Zack’s voice pulled her back. She blinked, suddenly aware of where she was. Everyone was watching. Zack looked concerned. “You, okay?” Zoe wiped her tears quickly, laughing softly through them. “I’m sorry… it’s just… Celeste is back.” A murmur spread through the crowd, and Zack's expression softened instantly “That’s… good.”

Zoe nodded, “Yeah… it is.” She took a deep breath, then stepped forward, under the moonlight, under the gaze of the Moon Goddess. Zack tilted his head to the side so that Zoe could mark him, sealing the bond. Zoe then continued, “I, Zoe Berry,” she began, her voice steady despite the tears, “accept you, Zack Taylor, as my mate and Alpha of Blue Mountain Pack.” She looked into his eyes, and this time, there was no doubt. “I promise to protect you,” she continued, “to love you, and to stand beside you for as long as I live.” Her voice grew stronger. “I promise to protect this pack and its people. I promise to fulfil my duties as Luna… for the rest of my life.”

The vow settled into the air, and the moon above them seemed to glow brighter, almost… approving. The priest raised his hands. “The bond is complete.” The pack dropped to their knees instantly. “Luna Zoe! Alpha Zack!” Their voices echoed through the clearing loud and proud. Zoe turned toward them, her heart swelling. This was her pack now, her home, her future, and despite everything—She was ready.

Later, as the celebrations continued, Zoe found herself pulled from her thoughts by Jacob's familiar arms. He hugged her tightly. “Congratulations, Luna Zoe,” he said warmly. “You’ve finally become what you were meant to be.” Zoe smiled, hugging him back. “Thank you, Jaky.” He pulled back slightly, studying her.

There was pride in his eyes, but also concern “I was ready to tear this entire world apart when you were taken,” he admitted quietly. Zoe’s expression softened “I know. I still want to find that witch.” 

“So do I.” Jacob’s gaze flickered around the clearing, always alert, always watching, and Zoe sighed softly, “Jacob… stop scanning the area.” He didn’t look convinced. “I’m just being careful.”

Zoe stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “You won’t lose me.” He exhaled slowly, “I already almost did”. Zoe leaned up and kissed his cheek. “I’m here.” Behind her, Zack watched—but said nothing. He now understood that Jacob wasn’t a threat; he was family. The night stretched on with laughter, music, and quiet joy. For the first time in a long time, things felt… right, but eventually Zoe was exhausted. “I’m heading to our room,” she told Zack softly. He nodded. “I’ll join you soon.”

Zoe smiled faintly and slipped away. The room was quiet when she entered. Zoe began removing her jewellery, letting the silence settle around her. Then she stopped. There was a box sitting on the bed, and Zoe frowned “That wasn’t here before…” She stepped closer cautiously, no scent, nothing unusual, but something felt… off. Slowly, she opened it: inside an old book, worn and ancient, and a letter. Zoe picked it up, her heart pounding, and unfolded it, then read.

Dear Goddess’s Pet,
I know you’ve been searching; I know you’ve found nothing. I am everywhere, I see everything you do. Save your time, this is a gift for the new Luna.: The Book of Life. The origins of werewolves… and more. Your answers lie within.

Read it.

Zoe’s breath hitched, then her grip tightened on the note as she continued reading. 

And remember… I want him back. You are the only one who can find him. Fail… and I will kill everyone you love.
The letter slipped slightly in her hands, and at the bottom, a name.

Morgana.

Zoe stared at it, her pulse thundered, and she looked at the book, old, very old. “What do you want…” she whispered. Who is ‘him’? Why was my memory erased? Who… am I to her? So many questions, no answers, but one thing was certain— This wasn’t over, not even close, because now—The game had truly begun.