Chapter 166: A Day of Acceptance

Chapter 166: A Day of Acceptance
(Gretel’s POV)

The moment my eyes opened this morning, I felt something different. There was a kind of energy I couldn’t explain, like I had a new purpose.

Maybe it was the words of the elders from last night rushing back into my head. “You’re the Luna now. Take a stroll around. Suggest changes. Encourage people.”

It was scary, yes. But also... exciting. Me? Giving suggestions? Changing things? It felt unreal. But it was my new life now, and I had to embrace it.

I took a quick shower and dressed in something simple but neat—a soft cream blouse and light brown pants. I braided my hair into one long line over my shoulder, wanting to look a bit formal but still comfortable.

Once I was done with breakfast, I heard footsteps. I looked up and smiled. Devion walked in with two young girls beside him. They looked seemingly nervous, their eyes lowered in what looked like respect.

“Good morning,” he said, stepping closer to kiss my forehead. “You’re ready.”

“Ready?” I blinked, confused for a moment.

Devion nodded and turned to the two girls. “These are Tina and Anna,” he said, then looked back at me.

“They’ll be your personal escorts now, as Luna. When you step outside, they’ll accompany you. While inside, they’ll stay close and help you with personal needs in your chamber.”

Tina and Anna bowed a little. “It’s an honor, Luna,” they said in soft voices.

I blinked, touched. Me? With personal escorts? That kind of respect? I turned to Devion with a bright smile and kissed his cheek.

“Thank you,” I whispered. I didn’t know what else to say. I was just so... grateful.

Devion smiled, nodded, then stepped aside as I turned toward the door. “Be safe,” he said. “And remember, don't overstress yourself outside.”

I nodded. I found Jazmine outside when I stepped out. She was already dressed and waiting, arms folded but smiling like a proud sister.

“You didn’t think I’d let you explore the pack alone, did you?” she teased.

I laughed. “I had a feeling you’d escort me.”

“Of course I would.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder and gave me a wink. “Let’s go show the pack the new Luna.”

With Tina and Anna walking quietly behind us, we stepped outside the Alpha mansion. The sun was just warm in the morning sky, casting golden light over the grounds.

I looked around, breathing in the cool air. This place that once made me nervous now felt like mine.

As we walked, I couldn’t help thinking about Aunt Melinda. The woman who used to send me on her almost every errand, treated me like a housemaid.

If she saw me now, walking with escorts, being called Luna... maybe her heart would explode from anger.

Maybe she’d finally regret what she did. Maybe not. But that didn’t matter now. I was moving on.

Our first stop was the infirmary. A small but neat building, quiet and clean. The scent of herbs and medicine greeted us as we stepped inside.

Several older women, probably in their late forties or fifties, looked up and smiled when they saw me.

“Good morning, Luna,” one of them said with a kind smile.

“Good morning,” I replied, my voice a little shaky but polite.

They looked like kind women, strong and wise. One was tending to a young male wolf who had a bandaged leg. Another was sorting out herbs. I looked around, impressed.

Everything seemed well-managed. Clean. Organized. I said a quiet prayer for the wolves who were sick and wished them a quick recovery in my heart.

“They’re doing really well here,” I whispered to Jazmine.

She nodded. “They’re some of the best doctors in the region.”

I smiled and nodded my thanks to the women before we left.

Next, we walked to the training grounds. The field was wide, dusty, and busy with movement. Warriors were sparring, growling, training in both human and wolf forms.

I recognized some of the faces—wolves who mostly accompany Devion when he travels. But here, they looked even more skilful, their muscles flexing as they moved.

A tall woman with short dark hair approached me with a grin. “Perhaps the Luna wants to join the training session?” she teased, raising an eyebrow.

I laughed awkwardly, not knowing what to say. But Jazmine stepped in quickly.

“Not while she’s pregnant,” she said.

The woman gasped, eyes widening. “Oh! I didn't know the Alpha is doubly blessed,” she said warmly. “Congratulations, Luna.”

“Thank you,” I said, smiling shyly.

She offered her hand, and I took it, shaking gently. “I’m Tessa, one of the head trainers.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Tessa,” I replied.

We exchanged a few more words before I commended her and the others for their strength and dedication. “You’re doing amazing work here,” I said sincerely.

Her face lit up with pride. “Wait till you see us in battle. But anyway, thank you, Luna.”

From there, we moved on to the hunter’s cabin. The building smelled like raw meat and smoke.

The hunters had just returned from an early hunt, and I could see slabs of meat being prepared and stored. As soon as they saw me, the men and women lowered their heads in a respectful bow.

“Luna.”

I nodded back, smiling. “Thank you for your service.”

The walls inside the cabin had weapons mounted—sharp spears, arrows, and curved knives. Animal skins were stretched and hung up as trophies.

Jazmine leaned closer and whispered, “They’ve caught almost all the wild animals you can think of. Lions, cheetahs, leopards. I fear the forest might be almost empty now.”

I was amazed. “Wow! They’re very skilled.”

We didn’t stay too long after that. I began to feel exhausted. By the time we stepped outside again, the sun was high in the sky. The sunlight felt hot on my skin, and my stomach growled loudly.

Jazmine burst into laughter. “Hungry already?”

I rubbed my belly and laughed with her. “Yes. I’m eating for more than one now, you know?”

She nodded her head. “Yes, you and the baby. Let's have lunch early then.”

I smiled and gently corrected her. “Actually... it’s babies.”

Her mouth fell open. “You're carrying twins?”

I nodded, giggling at her expression.

“Oh, this just keeps getting better!” she said, clapping her hands. “I hope it’s a girl and a boy.”

I touched my belly softly, feeling warm all over. “Me too,” I whispered.

We walked back toward the mansion together, Tina and Anna still behind us, quiet but seemingly watchful.

I felt like I had finally stepped into my place—not just as Devion’s mate, but as the Luna of this pack. And for the first time, I wasn’t afraid. I was proud.