(3rd person P. O. V)
On the day of the banquet, the entire area was busy with preparation. Servants moved quickly, finalizing the decorations, making sure that each dish was placed perfectly on the long tables, and the music matched the mood for the night.
Elena sat before a large mirror, her hands trembling slightly as the attendants mounted the sensitive straps of her emerald robe. The material hugged her curves, flowing gracefully down to the floor, decorated with silver embroidery that shimmered under the candlelight.
Her dark hair was styled into cascading curls pinned delicately with silver hairpins shaped like tiny crescent moons. The very last touch changed into a necklace, a sensitive piece that Oliver had gifted her-a sapphire pendant resting just above her collarbone.
As soon as the attendants retreated, Elena suddenly stood up from her seat. Her emerald gown swirled around her ankles as she paced the room, her arms twisting together, the silver embroidery of her get-dressed bunching in her anxious grip. “This is a mistake,” she whispered, slightly audible. “What if I fall? What if they refused to accept me as their alpha mate and the luna of their pack? What if they ask for proof just like the elders in the elder council meeting? I didn’t even gain my wolf after mating with Xavire, how will I prove that I really am their mate? What if….. what if Xavier and Oliver abandoned me because of it?”
Lisa and Reena exchanged worried glances. “What’s wrong, Elena?” Lisa asked gently.
Elena stopped pacing and turned to look at them, her eyes wide and filled with anxiety. “I can’t help it, Lisa,” she stated, her voice trembling. “All those negative questions are running through my mind. What if they don’t accept me because I’m human? What if they rebel after the announcement of the merging of the packs?” She gestured vaguely, without a doubt distressed. “What if… What if the whole thing falls aside?”
Lisa stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on Elena’s shoulder. “Breathe,” she said softly. “You’re overthinking. Xavier and Oliver wouldn’t have agreed to hold a banquet if they weren’t sure that they could handle their pack’s reaction. And If they rebel, I am sure that Xavier and Oliver will show them their place. They are their alphas after all and you cannot define your alpha”
Reena nodded, her golden eyes warm. “Elena, you’re stronger than you think. Your worry proves how much you care, and that alone makes you worthy to be by their side. Besides I have seen your leadership skills in the office and how good you are at handling different kinds of people. I am sure you would do a wonderful job as the luna of their pack.”
Elena let out a shaky breath, pressing her palms towards her belly to quell the unease stirring there. “I simply… I need to be sufficient.”
“You are sufficient,” Lisa assured her in a way that left no room for objection. “And every person who dares to deny it will have to answer to Xavier and Oliver. They will in allow someone to look down on you or anyone to hurt you.”
A sharp knock at the door interrupted their conversation. The three women turned as the door creaked open, revealing a tall, broad figure standing in the doorway. Oliver.
His sharp blue gaze swept over Elena, lingering on the sapphire pendant resting against her skin. His expression softened, the edges of his usual stoic demeanor melting away. “You look…” He exhaled, shaking his head slightly. “Beyond beautiful.”
A sharp knock at the door interrupted their conversation. The three women turned as the door creaked open, revealing a tall, broad figure standing in the doorway. Oliver.
His sharp blue gaze swept over Elena, lingering on the sapphire pendant resting against her skin. His expression softened, the edges of his usual stoic demeanor melting away. “You look…” He exhaled, shaking his head slightly. “Beyond beautiful.”
He stepped closer, gently taking her hand in his. His thumb brushed over her knuckles, grounding her. “I know you’re anxious,” he murmured. “But tonight isn’t about proving anything. It’s about standing together. You, me, and Xavier. The rest will follow.”
Her lips parted slightly as if to protest, but then another voice interrupted them. “Oliver’s right.”
Xavier entered the room, his presence commanding yet reassuring. Dressed in deep black and silver, his piercing green eyes studied her closely. “You don’t have to do this alone, Elena.” His fingers brushed a stray curl from her face. “No matter what happens tonight, you have us.”
Elena glanced between them, her heart hammering. She wanted to believe their words, to draw strength from them.
Lisa grinned, nudging her playfully. “See? Two powerful alphas at your back. If anyone dares to speak against you, they’ll have to deal with them first.”
Elena let out a small laugh despite herself, the tension in her chest loosening just a fraction.
A servant appeared in the doorway, bowing slightly. “It is time.”
Elena inhaled deeply, straightened her shoulders, and squared her stance. She wasn’t just a human walking into a hall of werewolves. She was their Luna. And no matter what awaited her beyond those doors, she would face it.
Together.
************************
As they walked towards the opening, the meadow throbbed with life. Laughter echoed from the high ceilings, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversations. A string quartet played a lively tune, the music weaving through the crowd like a vibrant thread. The air hummed with excitement
Elena, now seated with Lisa and Reena, watched as Xavier and Oliver attended to their guests, conversing with dignitaries and influential figures. Her friends leaned in, whispering guidance into her ear.
Lisa nudged her. “See the woman in the dark green gown? That’s Lady Marin. She’s one of the elders in my and Oliver’s pack and acts as an advisor in our pack. She holds considerable influence, so be sure to acknowledge her properly when she’s introduced.”
Reena added, “And that man to her left, Lord Harrington, he’s a strategist for Xavier’s pack. Very intelligent, but he values formalities. A proper greeting will go a long way.”
Elena nodded, taking mental notes, her hands resting in her lap. The weight of responsibility settled in, but their quiet encouragement eased her nerves slightly.
Elena nodded, taking mental notes, her hands resting in her lap. The weight of responsibility settled in, but their quiet encouragement eased her nerves slightly.
As the night progressed, Xavier and Oliver made their way back to her. “Elena,” Oliver said, offering his hand, “let me introduce you to some of our guests.”
She took a deep breath and rose, steadying herself before stepping forward. This was her moment, and she was ready to face it-together with them.