“What is it, love?” Bryan and Aiden asked her. Giving her their full attention.
“Well, I didn’t really want to say anything about it, but I don’t feel confident, and I keep doubting that I’m a good fit or good enough for the Luna position, I’m not strong enough, I don’t know I just feel like maybe I won’t do well and all…” Kira rambled.
As she rambled, Bryan and Aiden rubbed her hand softly, waiting for her to finish before they spoke.
“You will do well, I am sure of it,” Aiden told her. “And even if there are places you need guidance, you have us, you have mother, father, and you will have many more. You already have it in you, Luna Kira.”
“And about not being strong enough, we will make you strong enough, to defend yourself, protect the ones you love and your people,” Bryan added, “So don’t worry love, keep your head up and believe in yourself just as we believe in you.”
Kira smiled sweetly at them, she felt so relieved now, and they boosted her confidence a lot. She let out a breath and nodded, keeping her head up, “Okay, I’m ready now.”
“That’s my girl,” Bryan smirked.
“My girl too,” Aiden quickly said, making Bryan roll his eyes and Kira laugh softly.
“Alright, everyone is waiting. Let’s go.” Elara told them, hurriedly.
Bryan, Aiden, and Kira walked side by side, their presence commanding attention as they approached the high platform, everyone standing, soft murmurs as they waited for them.
On seeing their Alphas, the pack became quiet, eyes glued to the trio. The bonfire crackling behind them.
Reaching the center of the platform, Bryan and Aiden stood tall, Kira between them.
“We have found our Luna!” Bryan and Aiden both announced to the pack in unison. “Kira Valen!”
The pack erupted into cheers, howls breaking through the night air, even though there were whispers and talks about their Luna being Kira Valen, the same Kira Valen.
It seemed she had not been totally forgotten by some pack members. Bryan then stepped forward, Aiden’s hand securely on Kira’s waist.
As Bryan stepped forward, he raised his hand, signaling for everyone to be quiet. “I know it comes as a surprise to most of you who remembers her, but we all know what really happened, hopefully the past can be put behind us, and we can all look forward to growing together. Do well to treat her with respect, love, just like we always have.”
After Bryan’s speech, he turned to Aiden, gave him a nod, before Aiden pecked Kira’s cheek and stepped forward. His voice was calm yet commanding as he turned to the crowd. “As you all welcome her back, our Luna has something she would like to say.”
Kira felt a slight flutter of nerves, but with her Alphas by her side, she stepped forward, taking a deep breath before addressing the crowd.
“I don’t really have much to say. I have had this hatred in my heart concerning what has happened in the past and I would have never thought I would be standing here today, introduced as the Luna of the Crescent Pack, but fate has a lot installed for us,” she said, everyone listening to her in silence. “I am proud to be here. I am happy to be back home. Hopefully, I can heal now.”
Then she paused a bit before continuing, her voice much louder and stronger, “As your Luna, I will do well to fulfill my duties, protect my people and the ones I love. I do hope this love and care is not one-sided for me,” then she smiled and said, “It is good to be back!”
After she finished her speech, Bryan and Aiden stepped forward, their voices echoing in unison, “LONG LIVE LUNA KIRA!”
Immediately, the entire pack followed, raising their voices in a powerful chorus, “LONG LIVE LUNA KIRA! LONG LIVE LUNA KIRA! LONG LIVE LUNA KIRA!”
Howls erupted, filling the air with celebration as the pack cheered. The sound of their unity, their strength echoing.
“Now!” Aiden announced, “Let the celebration begin!”
The moment Aiden gave the signal, music filled the clearing, instantly setting the mood. The sound of flutes and drums carried through the air.
Pack members quickly formed a circle around the bonfire, their feet moving in sync to the beat, cheers, and laughter ringing out as they spun and twirled.
“I’ll go join them,” Kira informed Bryan and Aiden before rushing to the bonfire, where she danced, laughed and twirled with everyone else.
Large platters of roasted meats, fruits, and bread were shared among the pack. Drinks were also passed around, filling mugs and cups with ale and sweet wines.
“TO LUNA KIRA!” Everyone said, raising their glasses in cheer.
“TO LUNA KIRA.”
Kira, who was taking a break from the dancing and laughing, smiled as she watched everyone else, catching snippets of laughter and playful banter between pack members.
She even caught Bryan grinning as Aiden joked with a few younger wolves. Seemed like they were not all that cold, they also had this sweet, loving side as long as you didn’t get on their bad side.
As the night grew late and everyone was spent, the music softened and the laughter quieted. Soon, pack members began to drift off, heading back to their homes with full stomachs, light hearts and happiness.
Immediately they stepped through the door to their room, Kira let out a soft, satisfied sigh and threw herself onto the bed, her arms spread wide. “That was… amazing,” she breathed out. From her voice, one could tell how exhausted she was.
“I’m so tired, I could sleep for days.” She groaned out.
Bryan, on the other hand, leaned against the doorway, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched her, while Aiden, sat at the edge, brushing his hand through his dark hair.
He then glanced at Bryan and nodded. “We are glad you had an amazing night,” Aiden uttered, “but before you rest, we have something for you.”