Chapter 107 Chapter 107 – Introduction

Chapter 107 Chapter 107 – Introduction
Lilly’s POV

I was surprised by how calmly Lex took the news of my pregnancy. He didn’t seem angry or even upset.

Ria appeared at the entrance, a soft smile on her lips.

“I’m sorry for interrupting,” she said, wrinkling her nose. “But Mother wants to continue with the proceedings…”

Was it already time?

“We’ll be down shortly,” Lex said, holding his posture. “We just need to freshen up first.”

My face heated, knowing exactly what Lex was referring to—everyone would know what we’d been up to if we showed up now.

Ria nodded and extended her hand to me. “I’ll take Lilly,” she said. “Just let Mother know there’ll be a short delay.”

Lex nodded, helped me to my feet, and then Ria and I left the room to go to mine.

“Are you alright, Lilly?” Ria asked as we neared my room. I nodded with a small smile.

“Zack told me what happened,” Ria went on. Asena growled in my mind—now that the drug had worn off, she was even more determined not to let Darius get away with anything.

“Lex is going to give you the choice of what to do with Darius.”

My gaze snapped to her, fear and anger flaring in my veins. Was she serious right now?

“I’m serious,” she said, reading my thoughts. “He’s going to announce it after the introduction.”

“Why me?” I asked. “I don’t know anything about deciding someone’s fate.”

Ria stopped and gently took my shoulders. “You’re the most compassionate wolf I know,” she said. “So I know you’ll choose something just for Alpha Darius.”

“I’m just worried I’ll choose wrong,” I said. “What if he does it again—or worse, does it to another she-wolf?”

“Then you’ll know what to do,” she replied, stepping forward to open my door.

It didn’t take long to get me cleaned up. Ria sent someone for a new dress and quickly helped me into it.

The rest was a blur as Ria worked her magic, making me look presentable again.

A soft knock sounded just as we finished, and Ria opened the door.

Lex stepped in, followed by Zack.

“You look absolutely breathtaking,” Lex said, taking my hand and leaving a butterfly kiss on it.

“It’s a shame the previous dress was ripped,” I said. “I actually loved it.”

Ria had found a tear in the dress when she helped me clean up. I must have caught it on the bedside table when I stumbled back.

“It’s the last thing I’d worry about now,” Lex said. “Dresses can be replaced, but you can’t.” I couldn’t help but notice the warmth and seriousness in his voice.

Lex offered me his arm, and together we left, with Ria and Zack trailing behind.

My heart pounded as we neared the ballroom. The music faded when we stepped inside. Curious faces turned toward us.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” a voice boomed over the PA system, “please give a warm welcome to Prince Lex and his future Luna.”

Applause erupted, followed by howls of welcome. Lex looked down at me, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Ready?” he whispered.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied.

Slowly but surely, we made our way to the stage. All eyes followed us.

My parents were already seated on stage with Lex’s parents—their eyes filled with love and pride.

Once we reached the stage, Luna Emily and Alpha Alexander stepped forward and took the microphone.

My heart pounded so fast I could barely breathe. Lex squeezed my hand gently, letting me know he was there for me.

“It’s my honor to introduce to you the soon-to-be Queen Luna—Lilly Jackson,” Alpha Alexander said proudly, gesturing for me to step forward.

The room quieted, all eyes fixed on me.

I could hear murmurs: I wasn’t the girl Lex had chosen previously at the assembly.

Luna Emily stepped forward, her expression serious.

“For those wondering, Lilly is of Royal Gamma status,” she announced. “She is our Royal Gamma pair—Jax and Mila’s daughter—and Prince Lex’s fated and true mate.”

Lex released my hand and took the microphone, determined to explain.

“I was fooled before,” he said. “The girl who claimed to be my mate used magic to manipulate me. I almost lost my beautiful mate to her tricks.” Lex opened his arms to me, and I stepped closer. “Lilly is my true and fated mate. The one I love and will spend the rest of my life with…”

“But she’s just a wolf-less girl!” someone shouted from the back. "The pack needs someone who is strong and able to shift!"

Murmurs and questions erupted among the pack, and Lex turned his gaze to me. “How do you want to play it?” he asked quietly.

I took the microphone. “I’m not wolfless,” I said. “Though it may have seemed that way.”

“Liar!” someone yelled among the crowd, and people moved away from her.

Sade—she was here to stir the pot again—it would be her last chance.

“You can’t shift—I know because—”

The crowd went silent; questions flashed in their eyes and set on their faces.

“Do continue with your thoughts,” Adira said coolly, stepping forward.

“I—” Sade faltered, looking for support.

“If you mean the bracelet,” I said, “it no longer binds my wolf or my memories—I remember everything!”

Sade’s face twisted in horror, and her skin drained of color. She tried to step back but was blocked by warriors.

“I can shift with or without it!” I said, lifting my arm and wiggling it. “Should I show you?”

I pinned Sade with my gaze as I handed Lex the microphone. Asena took control and changed my hand into a claw.

Gasps and murmurs erupted.

“I was stolen from my bed the night of the great fire,” I continued. “Angelica, Sade’s mother, stole me from my bed. She lied, told me my parents were dead, and made me a slave to the house of Axel Black—”

This time, the murmurs turned to outrage.

“That is a lie!” Sade shouted. “I have nothing—”

“You did,” I replied. “You’ve tormented me for years.”

I turned to Zack. “Take her away and lock her up. I’ll deal with her later.”

Zack nodded, a wicked smile on his lips as he and the guards closed in on Sade.

Lex placed a hand on my shoulder. “You did great,” he said. “Like a true Luna.”

My gaze found his. “Now,” he said, “while you’re in a good mood, let’s determine Alpha Darius’ punishment.”