Cestia’s POV
IT'S ALMOST ONE MONTH.
It had been about a month since the deal that transformed my life. I'd gone from being a regular college student to Luna of King Alpha, Jacques Caldwell.
My days on the werewolf king's huge estate were weird, filled with luxury I had never imagined, as well as a peculiar sense of belonging I didn't fully comprehend.
My days in the sprawling estate of the werewolf king were surreal, filled with luxury I never imagined but also with a strange sense of belonging I didn’t quite understand.
Despite being human, Jacques and his pack treated me with the utmost respect. His Beta, Hale Roberts, was the first to bow to me as their Luna, and the others quickly followed suit.
They deferred to me in ways that were overwhelming at first, calling me “Luna Cestia” as though it were a title I’d always carried. Jacques himself treated me like a queen, his actions and words always protective, though he remained an enigma.
That day, Elder James came on the estate. Jacques had told me very little about the council of elders, save that they were ancient and knowledgeable wolves who advised King Alpha.
“Greetings to the King and the Luna,” he said.
Elder James was the leader of the pack's elders and consutants, a man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to look right through me.
When he entered the big hall, Jacques and Hale lowered their heads in reverence, and I did the same. To my astonishment, Elder James smiled warmly at me and said, "Rise, my child," in a calm but gentle voice.
I stood hesitantly, unsure of what to expect. “It’s an honor to meet you, Elder James,” I said, my voice soft.
“The honor is mine, Luna Cestia,” he replied, his gaze gentle but probing. “You remind me of someone very dear to this pack.”
I tilted my head curiously. “R-Really? Who is it?”
“The previous Luna,” he said, a hint of sadness in his tone. “She had a kindness about her, a strength that came not from power but from her heart. You carry that same spirit.”
I wasn't sure what to say. I had never met the prior Luna, but the way Elder James described her made me feel the weight of her heritage.
Elder James turned to Jacques and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Take care of her, Jacques," he said firmly. "The link between partners is a gift. Protect it and cherish your Luna.”
Jacques nodded, his expression unreadable. “I will, Elder.”
The elder then turned to me, his smile returning. “There will be a banquet soon, Luna, in your honor. It is time for the pack and its allies to see their queen.”
“A banquet?” I echoed, my heart racing.
“Yes,” Jacques said, stepping closer to me. “You will be introduced to the pack formally as my Luna. It’s an important tradition.”
I nodded slowly, unsure if I was ready for such a spotlight.
However, Jacques made every attempt to prepare me for the occasion. Dresses of the finest silks and jewellery that glittered like stars were delivered to my chambers.
“I am not used to big events,” I said.
Jacques smiled a bit. “You'll be fine, Cestia.”
Hale and the rest of the pack ensured that every element of the feast was excellent. By the evening, I could scarcely recognise myself in the mirror.
The dinner hall was stunning. Chandeliers cast golden light over the area, and the air was alive with excitement.
“For the main event! The King and Queen of the pack!”
The wolves, clad in fine clothes, moved with elegance that appeared almost unearthly. Jacques stood at my side, dominant as ever, his crimson eyes scanning the room keenly.
When he introduced me, his voice carried across the hall like a king addressing his kingdom. “This is my mate,” he announced, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. “Your Luna.”
Applause erupted, and for the first time, I felt accepted by these otherworldly beings. They smiled and bowed, demonstrating true respect.
The night was a flurry of congratulations and warm welcomes. Jacques was never far from my side, his protective aura a continuous reminder of my new life. I began to relax, enjoying the music and the talks.
But then, the atmosphere shifted.
The doors to the banquet hall opened, and all eyes turned to the figure that entered. A woman, tall and strikingly beautiful, strode in with an air of confidence. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing green eyes scanned the room with a familiarity that sent murmurs rippling through the crowd.
“Fayre,” Jacques said, his voice low and tense.
I froze. Fayre. Jacques had never mentioned her, but the way his posture stiffened told me everything I needed to know.
Then, I heard the chatters and whispers of other wolves. I couldn't help but listen to them.
One woman said, “She came back already?”
The other woman nodded and said. “The alpha's ex-lover... His first love!”
What?!
She stopped a few feet from us, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Jacques,” she said smoothly. “It’s been a while.”
The way she said his name, the way her eyes lingered on him—it was clear they shared a history. My chest tightened, and I instinctively took a step closer to Jacques.
“This is a private banquet,” Jacques said, his tone cold.
“And yet I’m here,” Fayre replied, unbothered by his hostility. Her gaze shifted to me, and her smile grew. “So, this is the new Luna. I’ve heard… interesting things.”
I felt her eyes sweep over me, assessing, judging. She was flawless, exuding a confidence I couldn’t hope to match.
“Yes, Fayre,” Jacques said, his voice a low growl.
“I came to talk,” she said, her tone softening. “Surely you can spare a moment for an old… friend.”
“I’ll handle this,” he said to me, his voice firm. “Stay here.”
I wanted to argue, to demand answers, but the tension in the air was suffocating. Instead, I nodded, watching as he led Fayre away from the crowd.
Is she really his ex-lover?
