Aria’s POV.
Next morning, I received a formal bold invitation. The invitation arrived in the form of a beautifully designed envelope, its weight heavy in my hands, as if it carried the full burden of the decision I had made just a few days ago. The envelope was sealed with an ornate crest-Daniel’s pack’s emblem pressed into deep red wax. Even before opening it, I knew it wasn’t just a casual message. The air of formality surrounding the invitation felt suffocating, a reminder of the choice I had made and the life I now had to step into. This wasn’t just an invitation-it was a symbol of my new reality.
The envelope was addressed to me personally, the handwriting bold and elegant, but the words on it sent a chill through me: **Aria Nightshade, Future Luna of the Huntington Pack.** Seeing those words made my stomach twist painfully. I hadn’t even officially mated with Daniel yet, and already he was presenting me to the world as his Luna. It felt like a claim, like I was a trophy he wanted to show off to everyone. The letter inside was no less formal. It was an invitation to a “Welcome Dinner” at his castle. The purpose was clear-Daniel wanted his council, his pack, and his family to meet me, the woman who would supposedly stand by his side as his Luna.
I sat at my desk, staring at the letter for what felt like hours, my mind spinning with thoughts I couldn’t organize. My hands trembled slightly as I carefully set the letter down on the desk. There was no point in pretending I could refuse. I had already made my decision when I agreed to Daniel’s plan, and now I had to live with the consequences. No matter how much I wanted to push it all away, I couldn’t escape the fact that this was my life now.
But as I sat there, the thought of going to Daniel’s territory filled me with dread. The idea of standing in front of his council and his family, pretending to be happy about this arrangement, pretending I had feelings for him-it felt like I was being suffocated slowly. Every breath felt heavier than the last. But what other choice did I have? This wasn’t about what I wanted. It never had been.
This was my reality now. This was the path I had chosen, and there was no turning back.
—
The Huntington Pack’s castle was as grand and intimidating as I had imagined, but it lacked the warmth of my own home. The Nightshade castle, the one I grew up in, was a place of beauty and life, its intricate stonework surrounded by lush gardens and ancient trees. It felt alive, filled with history and memories. But Daniel’s castle was different. It loomed over the land like a dark shadow, its tall towers and thick stone walls cold and unwelcoming. It wasn’t a home-it was a fortress, a reflection of Daniel’s ambition and hunger for power.
As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by one of Daniel’s warriors, a tall, stoic man dressed in formal attire. He didn’t offer a smile or a kind word, only a curt nod as he escorted me inside. The grand hall, where the dinner was to be held, was already alive with activity. Council members dressed in their finest suits and dresses mingled with high-ranking pack members, their laughter and conversation filling the room. There was an air of formality, but it felt hollow, like everyone here was playing a role.
When I entered the room, every single pair of eyes turned to me. The chatter quieted as all attention shifted to the “Future Luna” who had just walked in. I could feel their gazes on me, some curious, others critical. My heart pounded in my chest, but I forced myself to stand tall. I squared my shoulders and lifted my chin, a polite but distant smile carefully placed on my face. I couldn’t let them see how nervous I was, how out of place I felt. I didn’t miss the subtle glances the council members exchanged with one another. Their expressions said it all-the scandal surrounding Daniel and me was still fresh in their minds.
“Aria.”
His voice cut through the room like a blade, smooth and commanding. I turned toward the sound and saw Daniel approaching me. He walked with the confidence of a man who knew how to control a room, his every step deliberate and measured. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his blue eyes glittering with charm that felt as calculated as everything else about him.
“Daniel,” I said evenly, my voice steady even as my heart raced. He reached for my hand, lifting it to his lips and brushing a light kiss against my knuckles. The gesture was practiced, made for the audience watching us, and it worked. I could feel the approval in the room shift slightly, the whispers softening.
“You look beautiful,” he said, his voice warm, his smile perfect. To anyone watching, he looked sincere. But I knew better.
“Thank you,” I replied, my tone polite but distant. I wouldn’t give him more than that.
Daniel leaned in closer, his lips near my ear so only I could hear him. “Remember, Aria,” he murmured, his voice low and full of warning, “they’re watching. We need to give them a show.”
I nodded stiffly, my smile never faltering. But inside, my stomach twisted into knots.
—
Dinner was held in an enormous dining room, the kind that made you feel small no matter where you sat. The table stretched nearly the length of the room, covered in pristine white linens, ornate silverware, and crystal glasses that sparkled under the light of the massive chandelier overhead. On one side of the table sat Daniel’s council members, their expressions sharp and observant. On the other side sat his family, their faces filled with curiosity and, in some cases, thinly veiled judgment. I was seated beside Daniel at the head of the table, a place of honor that made me feel more like I was on display than anything else.
The conversation started easily enough, with Daniel taking the lead. He spoke with the confidence of a man already in control, discussing his plans for the pack in smooth, measured tones. He spoke of alliances and progress, his words carefully chosen to paint himself as the perfect Alpha. Every now and then, he would glance at me, his hand resting lightly on mine as he spoke. It was all part of the performance-a carefully crafted image of strength and unity. I played my part, nodding in agreement and smiling when appropriate.
“And what about you, Aria?” Elder Marcus, one of Daniel’s most influential council members, asked suddenly. His voice cut through the flow of conversation, drawing everyone’s attention to me. “How do you feel about joining our pack? About becoming our Luna?”
The question caught me off guard, but I quickly masked my hesitation with a smile. “I’m honored,” I said smoothly, my voice steady even as my chest tightened. “The Huntington Pack is strong and respected. I look forward to working alongside Daniel to build an even brighter future.”
Daniel’s hand tightened slightly on mine, a silent signal of approval.
“You’ve chosen well, Daniel,” Marcus said, his sharp eyes studying me. “A woman of Aria’s lineage will bring great strength to our pack.”
“And unity,” Daniel added smoothly, his voice warm and confident. “Our union will be a symbol of strength for all the packs.”
I forced another smile, though my stomach churned. To Daniel, our “union” wasn’t about love or partnership-it was a business deal, a strategic move to secure power.