Chapter 59 THE BANQUET OF SHADOWS
AMBER’S POV
I wake up to strong arms gripping me firmly but lightly. My wolf is overjoyed by the thought of our mate beside us that it seems she has forgotten what he did to us a few days ago.
I tried to wriggle out of the tight grip, but I didn't seem strong enough, so I just gave up trying
“Good morning to you, too.” I hear Derek say in his husky morning voice, feeling the vibrations ripple through me, and I unadmittedly become aware of this rock-solid abs against my back.
“What do you think you're doing?” I ask, trying once more to free myself from his grip. “You don't get to hurt me one moment and the next, you think everything will be fine.”
This seems to move something in him because he finally let go of me, and I immediately rolled off the bed to get ready for today's duties.
After breakfast, I head over to the little garden Damien and I had created upon my arrival to this pack. It was the only thing that made me remember Damien, and it also gave me hope that he would be coming back soon.
After spending time tending to the flowers, I decided to move around the pack before returning to my room.
As I enter my room, the first thing that catches my attention is the gorgeous dress hanging just by the side of the bed.
“Who dropped this here?” I say, thinking out loud. Completely bedazzled by the dress in front of me. It is a deep crimson silk gown adorned with intricate lace.
“You'll be wearing that to the banquet tonight,” Derek says, walking in behind me.
“What banquet?” I asked, confused. Why hasn't anyone told me about any banquet yet, and I'm just finding out a few hours before the supposed banquet?
“Of course, you don't know,” he says, his voice filled with scorn as he walks past me into the bathroom, and I instantly know I'm not going to get more information from him.
I immediately turn to leave the room and search for Fauna, but I don't walk too far before I sight her coming from the servants' wing.
“Fauna! Fauna!” I call out, walking up to her
“It's good to see you, Luna. How have the pups been?” she asks softly
“What am I hearing about a banquet being held tonight?” I ask, livid
“Uh….yes, the annual banquet for the peace treaty.” She says slowly. “It is held every year to honor the pact our ancestors made. This year, it'll be held at the Golden Moon Pack.”
“The Golden moon pack, huh,” I repeat, elated at the thought of visiting a new pack. I quickly return to my room, where I see Hera waiting for me in front of my mirror.
“The Alpha has instructed me to get you ready for the banquet, my lady,” she says with a slight bow, earning a nod from me.
Hera helped me run a bath and, afterwards, helped me into my dress and styled my hair. “You look stunning, Luna,” she whispers, with an amused look on her face.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror, and I looked nothing less than beautiful. The dress rested delicately on my skin, the upper part clinging to my frame before draping out. The color also rhymed beautifully with my skin.
Soon enough, it was time to leave for the Golden Moon pack. Derek was already waiting for me downstairs, and as I approached him, I caught a look of mesmerization flash across his face before it returned to his usual cold look.
“You look beautiful,” he finally said as we settled in the carriage that was to transport us to the Golden Moon pack. I blushed slightly and nodded in acknowledgment. He looked handsome, too, in his suit with a color that matched mine.
I had learned from Hera that this banquet would last three days, and that members of other packs would also be present, which meant I would finally get to see my parents after months of separation.
The Golden Moon pack house gleamed beneath the evening sky as we neared it. Its towers reflected the last rays of sunlight. My chest moved with nervous excitement because this was the first time I was
going to face membersof the other packs as the Luna of the blood moon pack. Blood Moon halls and Spirit pack chambers were familiar, but this was different. Golden Moon had a reputation for elegance, discipline, and pride.
Tonight, I, a Luna not entirely accepted by my own pack, will be entering their domain.
Derek’s arm brushed mine as we descended. His gaze scanned the pack house grounds, and I sensed a quiet warmth in him.
Inside, the grand hall displayed crystal chandeliers over polished marble floors. Banners of the four packs: Blood Moon, Spirit, Golden Moon, and Aqua, hung along the walls. Wolves moved through the hall, exchanging nods and smiles. Music filled the space. Whispers ran through the room.
I spot Trenton approaching us, his sharp eyes examining Derek and me. The tension between him and Derek is growing stronger with each approaching step.
“Amber, you have grown into the role,” he said. “I was concerned, considering… circumstances.”
“I have been fine, brother,” I said. “I am stronger than ever, you don'tneed to worry about me.”
Trenton tilted his head. “I can see it. We heard you had to keep your pack steady while the Alpha withdrew with his tail between his legs. He says his tone is mocking.
Derek’s gaze darkened. “Careful, Trenton. Words like that could be dangerous with your mate present.” Trenton’s mate stood across from us, clad in a beautiful beige gown that graced her features.
Trenton smirked. “Dangerous, perhaps. I am stating the obvious. Your pack thrives, and here you return, still sulking.”
Derek’s jaw tightened. “Sullen or not, my focus is on matters that concern my pack. Something you might not understand.”
Trenton scoffed at this. “Let me know if anyonegives you a hard time,” he says to me before turning around to join his mate
My eyes dart around before landing on my parents at one side of the room, responding to pleasantries. Derek notices where I'm looking, and a look of understanding, maybe approval, flashes across his face before I quietly walk over to join my parents.
My father’s eyes were soft. Pride and relief blendedin them, and my mother’s smile reminded me of why I endured so much.“I have missed you,” my mother whispered, pulling me close.
“I have missed you too,” I said. I felt the weight of challenges, the absence of Derek, the scrutiny, and the burden of leadership hit me at once. My father’s hand rested on my shoulder. “You have done well, Amber. Stronger than I imagined.”
“I have had to, Father. I had no choice,” I said, swallowing the lump in my throat. I remained with them while they fawned over me for some time until
I noticed Derek move towards us, and I knew it was time to let go of my parents.
Returning to his side, I allowed myself to take in the room again. Music swelled. Laughter continued. Alpha Chester, the Alpha of the golden moon pack, was moving around with his mate like the perfect hosts.
After a while, the formal toasts began. Alpha Chester raised a goblet. “Tonight, we gather to honor the threads that bind our packs. The essence of this ball is peace, understanding, and unity for the safety of all our kin. Loyalty and strength flourish through cooperation. To the packs and harmony we strive to preserve,” he concluded, tipping his goblet forward
“To unity,” the hall echoed, as everyone cheered and raised their goblets.
I approached Alpa Chester. “Alpha Chester, it is an honor to be welcomed into your halls this evening.” His mate was nowhere in sight.
He nodded. “Luna Amber. The honor is ours. Blood Moon has shown remarkable stability under trying circumstances.”
“Thank you,” I said. I glance at Derek who was interacting with members of the other packs except the spirit pack.
“Strength and composure are marks of leadership,” Alpha Chester says. “I hope this evening fosters understanding between our packs.”
“Indeed,” I say. “There is much we can learn from one another.”
I spot Alpha Harry of Aqua Pack and move towards him. He straightened as I approached him, a faint smirk on his lips.
“Luna Amber, I have heard of your feats in the Blood Moon pack. You have impressed those outside your pack.”
“I appreciate that,” I say. “It is important that the treaty is honored sincerely, not just ceremoniously.” I am careful enough to pick my words before speaking. Nobody likes a chatter box
Harry chuckled. “A sensible approach. A testament to the Luna’s adaptability.”
“Adaptability is necessary,” I say. “Especially in a room full of wolves with keen eyes and careful tongues.”
He nods, “I will watch with interest, Luna Amber.”
I return to Derek’s side. I have navigated both packs’ scrutiny without failure. Derek’s eyes meet mine, faintly showing pride and relief.
The night continued. Music, dancing, and conversation filled the hall. After the last farewell, we walk through the corridors of the palace. The warmth of the chandeliers reflected off the floors, while my thoughts replayed the evening.
We reach the guest chambers assigned to us. Derek leans against the doorframe, watching me with quiet intensity.
“You handled yourself well tonight,” he said. “You moved among them with ease.”
“I had to,” I reply. “I need to show them I belong, even if some refuse to accept it.”
His eyes darkened. You are the Luna; of course, you belong. He says, settling into the bed next to me
I wonder if what he said to us was really true.
Do I really belong??
WORDS THAT BITE