The question echoed in the silence of the room, and for a moment, I hesitated.
“Are you in love with Hunter?” Zora's question reverberated in the small space, filling it with an intensity that made my heart race.
Instinct told me to admit the truth, but the fear of revealing my feelings, of opening my heart to a stranger, spoke louder. I decided to lie.
I hesitated for a moment, my gaze momentarily shifting before deciding to answer. “No, I'm not,” I lied, avoiding direct eye contact with Zora.
The red-furred wolf didn't seem convinced. Her penetrating green eyes studied my expression, as if searching for the truth behind the words I had chosen to speak. In response, I asked, “Why this question, Zora?”
She tilted her head, analyzing me with a thoughtful expression. “The way you are, your expression of concern... it's not normal for an omega to show that.”
I averted my gaze, trying to conceal the truth that threatened to emerge. “I grew up with Hunter. Alpha Alastair raised me along with his other children. It's natural to have a special fondness for him.”
Zora raised an eyebrow, her eyes reflecting surprise. “So, you're not just any omega.”
“Actually,” I admitted, “I'm not an omega.”
Zora chuckled, intrigued. “Very interesting. I've never been served by an alpha's daughter before.”
“I'm not Alastair's daughter,” I quickly clarified. “Just raised by him.”
Zora pondered my words for a moment before continuing. “Alastair seems to have a good heart... to welcome someone like you.”
“Yes,” I agreed, thinking of Alastair, who, despite his controversial decisions, had shown genuine care in raising me. “He's a fair and compassionate leader.”
Zora, leaning in, continued her line of questioning. “Still, you don't like Hunter? Living together, it's not possible that some feelings haven't developed.”
I felt awkward facing the direct question, my mind torn between the truth and the image I wanted to project. “It's complicated,” I murmured, avoiding eye contact.
Zora gently tapped the bed next to her, inviting me to sit. “Come, Fierce. Let's talk. I'm a great listener, and you undoubtedly need a friend.”
Hesitation persisted, but something in the sincerity of Zora's eyes encouraged me to accept her invitation. She studied me for a moment before starting to speak.
“The life of a Luna hopeful is not easy. We are put in a position of prominence, but it comes with its own burden of expectations and challenges. Sometimes, it's good to have someone to share your thoughts and concerns with.”
I sat beside her, and as the words flowed, I told her about my childhood, the complexity of the feelings I harbored for Hunter, and the uncertainty looming over my future.
Zora listened attentively, without judgment. In that moment, amid the tension preceding the coronation, I found an unlikely ally in Zora, a red-furred wolf who seemed to understand the complexities of the heart.
I breathed deeply, grateful to find in Zora a receptivity I hadn't expected. “It's difficult, Zora. I feel something for Hunter, but the situation is complicated. Alastair wouldn't approve, and there's a lot of pressure on Hunter as the next Alpha King.”
Zora smiled, as if my confession confirmed something in her mind. “Interesting. Love can often be either a trump card or a weakness. I hope, in Hunter's case, it's a trump card... so you'll have the opportunity to become the next Luna.”
I felt lighter, as if a part of the burden I carried had been shared with someone who genuinely cared.
I nodded sadly, “But my biggest fear now is this trial. If he fails or, worse still, if something happens to him during the combat, I don't know how I would cope.”
Zora delved deeper, “Is he that important to you?”
“He's everything to me,” I admitted, the intensity of my love for Hunter evident in my words.
Zora inquired, “How is he physically?”
My cheeks reddened at the question, but I smiled as I recalled Hunter's image. “Handsome. In both wolf and human forms. He has golden eyes, a gray fur inherited from his mother, and is significantly larger than the other wolves. In human form, he's tall, imposing, and has something... different.”
Zora laughed, capturing the passion in my voice. “You've chosen the best of the best.”
“I know,” I agreed, a mix of pride and tenderness filling my tone.
However, the light atmosphere was interrupted by Sibyl's sudden entrance, annoyed with the delay. Her sharp words reminded us of the impending ceremony.
“Are you two still here? The ceremony is about to begin,” scolded Sibyl, her expression reflecting impatience.
I realized we had lost track of time. “Sorry, Sibyl. We were talking and lost track of time.”
Sibyl huffed. “You better hurry. The pack is gathered, and the ceremony is about to start.”
As Sibyl left, Zora suggested, “Come on, Fierce. We can't keep them waiting.” Then, noticing my simple attire, she proposed, “How about wearing something special for tonight? If Hunter is about to announce you as his mate, you can't show up dressed like a servant.”
I hesitated, aware of my position among the omegas. “I can't wear something flashy. I'm serving today.”
Zora laughed, dismissing my concern. “Nonsense. If Hunter plans to make you his mate, you must present yourself accordingly. I'll lend you one of my dresses. Come on, we don't have time to waste.”
Zora approached a wardrobe and pulled out a stunning, richly adorned dress. “Try it on. The Moon Goddess will understand.”
I accepted the dress with gratitude, knowing that the night ahead would be a turning point in my life. Wearing that magnificent piece felt like taking on an important role, and as I looked at myself in the mirror, a spark of hope ignited within me.
***
The ceremony was about to begin, and Zora and I made our way to the center of the forest, where everyone would gather for Hunter's coronation. While the other hopefuls showcased their elegant attire, I couldn't help but admire Zora's radiant beauty, with her white dress and flowing red hair.
Generously, Zora had lent me a silver dress, its corset resembling armor, contrasting with the princess-style billowing skirt. The ensemble harmonized perfectly with my black hair. I thanked her for her kindness, even though vanity was not a trait that came naturally to me.
Approaching Zora's ear, I subtly commented, “You look stunning. Without a doubt, all eyes will be on you.”
Zora smiled and replied, “No, Fierce, the eyes are on you.”
Surprised, I looked around and realized that indeed, everyone in the pack, including Alastair, was directing their gaze toward me. A shiver ran down my spine, fearing the alpha's possible reaction.
“I shouldn't have worn this dress. Alastair seems irritated.”
“Nonsense. You look stunning, and everyone here recognizes it,” reassured Zora. “Did you spot Hunter?” she asked, keeping her eyes on the crowd.
Before I could answer, drums began to beat, filling the forest with a frenetic rhythm.
Hunter emerged from the darkness of the forest in his human form, a majestic sight that drew all eyes. His demeanor was fit for a king, and every step he took echoed in the clearing, creating a melody that seemed to guide the ceremony. My heart raced at the sight of him, the intensity of his golden eyes capturing my soul.
“There he is,” I murmured to Zora, my heart accelerating at the sight of him.
Hunter was an imposing figure, attracting all eyes as he approached the ceremony site. His golden eyes shone under the moonlight, and the proximity of the crucial event heightened the tension in the air.
“He's truly impressive, isn't he? You made the right choice.” Zora smiled at me, sensing the intensity of my emotions. “Good luck, Fierce. May the Moon Goddess bless you tonight.”
While Hunter approached the ceremony site, the drums intensified their rhythm, marking the beginning of a crucial moment. Everyone present was eager, and I felt the weight of destiny hovering over us.
***
The ceremony continued, and my heart pulsed in time with the drums reverberating through the forest. The central clearing was imbued with an intense energy, and each she-wolf prepared to declare her intentions before Hunter.
Zora stood by my side, confident, her gaze frequently meeting Hunter's. The exchange of glances between them was palpable, and an uncomfortable sensation settled in my chest. I couldn't deny the intensity of the gaze exchange between Zora and Hunter, but I tried to push away the feelings of jealousy that insisted on surfacing.
Finally, it was Zora's turn to speak, expressing her desire to join Hunter as his mate. His eyes briefly met hers, and the exchange of glances between them was too intense.
“Hunter, son of Alastair, I, Zora, daughter of Alpha King Garnet, express my desire to be your mate. I wish for us to grow together, face challenges together, and now, before everyone, I want to be your Luna, if the Moon Goddess permits.”
Hunter, with all the elegance that was characteristic of him, responded positively. “I, Hunter, son of Alastair, accept your request, Zora, daughter of Alpha King Garnet. May the Moon Goddess intercede for what is best for our pack.”
However, when his eyes met mine and...
He just nodded, a quick and brief gesture.
Why did he just nod to me? It was a vague gesture, a minimal acknowledgment.
“Zora, did you see that?” I whispered, indicating Hunter's gesture.
“See what?” she asked, with an innocent look.
“Never mind,” I replied, deciding not to dwell on the gesture. However, unease persisted.
The ceremony continued, and Hunter received the requests of the other hopefuls, one after another. I remained silent, watching the events unfold. Something didn't feel right, but I couldn't pinpoint exactly what.
As the hopefuls expressed their intentions, my heart pulsated with a mix of anxiety and confusion, questioning what that gesture meant and whether I truly knew the Hunter who grew up beside me.
As the hopefuls expressed their intentions, my heart pulsated with a mix of anxiety and confusion, questioning what that gesture meant and whether I truly knew the Hunter who grew up beside me.