Chapter 80 ARRIVAL OF GUEST
Lucian's Pov
We pulled up to Brazen Pack territory and I could already feel the tension in the air. Celestia was sitting next to me in the car and she was gripping her hands together so tight her knuckles were white.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"I'm fine. Just ready to get this over with," Celestia said.
Crane was in the car behind us with more of my guards. I insisted on bringing heavy security because I didn't trust Raphael or anyone in this pack. They had already proven they would hurt Celestia and I wasn't going to let that happen again.
We got out of the car, and immediately I noticed people staring. Pack members whispered to each other, their voices low but urgent, fingers subtly pointing at Celestia as she walked past. Some faces softened with sympathy, eyes filled with pity over what had been done to her. Others were tight with anger, brows drawn down as if they blamed her for everything that had gone wrong. The divided reactions hung heavy in the air, a silent reminder that her presence still unsettled the pack.
"Ignore them," I said quietly to Celestia.
"I am," Celestia said but I could tell it was bothering her.
We walked toward the ceremonial grounds and I saw more familiar faces. Other Alphas and Lunas from neighbouring packs. Some of them nodded at me in greeting. Others pretended they didn't see us.
Then I spotted the Lycan council members and my stomach sank. Ray Stone was there along with three other council members who opposed Celestia becoming Queen Luna.
"What are they doing here?" Celestia asked when she saw them too.
“Probably here to evaluate you,” I said quietly, keeping my expression neutral as my eyes scanned the crowd. “To see if being at this ceremony makes you look bad—or if they can use it against you later.” I exhaled slowly. “They’re not here to support anyone. They’re here to judge, to measure reactions, to decide where they stand when the dust settles.”
"Great. Just what I need," Celestia said.
Ray Stone saw us and walked over with a smug look on his face. I wanted to punch him but I kept my expression neutral.
"Your Highness. What a surprise to see you here," Ray said.
"Is it? We were invited," I said.
"Of course. I just thought given the circumstances you might choose to stay away. After all this ceremony is celebrating the Alpha's new heir. It might be awkward for your mate," Ray said and he looked at Celestia.
"I'm perfectly fine thank you," Celestia said and her voice was cold.
"I'm sure you are. It's just interesting that you would attend a blessing ceremony when your own child was taken from you. Some might see it as masochistic," Ray said.
"Some might see your presence here as you sticking your nose where it doesn't belong," I said.
"I'm here to honor the Alpha. Nothing more," Ray said but his smile said otherwise.
"Then I suggest you go do that and leave us alone," I said.
Ray’s smile faded a little, the easy confidence slipping from his expression, but he nodded and walked away without arguing. The other council members stayed exactly where they were, clustered together like silent sentinels. I could feel their eyes on us even without looking—measuring, assessing, waiting for a misstep. Their attention pressed against my skin, heavy and unsettling, a reminder that every move we made was being observed and silently judged.
"He's trying to make you look bad," I said to Celestia.
"I know. But I'm not going to let him get to me," Celestia said.
"Good. Just remember why we're here, for Asher. Nothing else matters," I said.
We found our seats near the front. Not close enough to be next to Raphael and Medea but close enough that we could see everything clearly.
Crane came and stood behind us. He leaned down and whispered in my ear.
"I've scoped out the medical wing. The guard is still at his post but he looks bored. I think when the ceremony starts he'll want to come watch," Crane said.
"Good. Make sure you're ready to create that distraction when needed," I said.
"Already planned. Don't worry," Crane said.
More guests arrived, and the ceremonial grounds steadily filled up until the air buzzed with conversation and curiosity. I recognized several high-ranking wolves from neighboring territories, Alphas and envoys who rarely attended anything without political motive. Their presence made my stomach tighten. This was far bigger than I had expected—not just a blessing, but a statement. Whatever was happening here was meant to be seen, remembered, and talked about long after the ceremony ended.
"Raphael really went all out," Celestia said looking around at all the decorations.
White and gold flowers were everywhere. The platform where Medea would be blessed was covered in silk and had a ceremonial mat in the center. It looked expensive.
"He's trying to prove something. Show everyone he's still a strong Alpha," I said.
"By throwing money around?" Celestia asked.
"Money equals power in some people's eyes. He wants everyone to forget about the scandal with you and focus on his new heir," I said.
"Too bad that heir might not even exist," Celestia said quietly.
"We don't know that for sure yet," I said.
"My instincts tell me something is wrong. And my instincts are usually right," Celestia said.
I looked over at where Raphael was greeting guests. He looked happy and proud. Like this was the best day of his life. I wondered if he had any idea what was really going on with his mate.
Then I saw Medea and I understood what Celestia meant. Something did look off about her. She was wearing this white gown and her hair was done up nicely, but her smile looked forced. Her eyes kept darting around like she was looking for an escape route.
"She looks nervous," I said.
"More than nervous. She looks terrified," Celestia said.
"Maybe she's just not good with crowds," I said.
"Or maybe she knows she's about to be exposed," Celestia said.
Just then my phone buzzed. It was a message from my lead investigator Marcus.
"Approaching Dr Lake now. Will update soon."
I showed the message to Celestia and her eyes got wide.
"They're doing it now? During the ceremony?" Celestia asked.
“Perfect timing,” I whispered, scanning the room and weighing our chances. “Everyone is here, which means Dr. Lake’s office is probably empty. She’ll be alone, easier to convince without anyone watching or interfering.” I paused, taking a steadying breath. “If we act now, we have the advantage. One calm conversation, the right offer… and we might finally get her to do what we need. We can’t waste this opportunity.”
"What if she refuses to talk?" Celestia asked.
"Then we use the evidence we already have. But I think she'll cooperate. She's been looking over her shoulder for weeks. She knows Eclipse is dangerous and she probably wants protection," I said.
The ceremony was about to start. Everyone was taking their seats. Raphael and Medea were walking toward the platform.
I looked back at the medical wing in the distance. Somewhere in there Asher was waiting. And soon Celestia would see him for the first time in five years.
"Ready?" I asked Celestia.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Celestia said.
"Remember the plan. Wait for Crane's distraction. Then you go. Ten minutes maximum," I said.
"I know. I've got it memorized," Celestia said.
"And Celestia? Be careful. If something feels wrong get out immediately," I said.
"I will. I promise," Celestia said.