Elara's POV.
I never liked ceremonies, parties, or people. So when Cassian suddenly announced that a ceremony would be held to officially welcome me into the pack, I couldn't help but scoff.
It felt unnecessary—just another excuse for noise and attention.
Leticia, however, convinced me otherwise. "It's important," she said. "Symbolic. Protective." And for some reason, I listened.
Now, standing in front of the mirror, I barely recognized the girl staring back at me. My hair was braided neatly to the back, my vibrant blue eyes duller than usual—tired, but sharply alert, like I was bracing for impact. Because something always happens. And I've been counting down the days until they return—those people who want me dead.
Aside from that, Cassian has been acting... strange. Distant.
He assigned Luke to train me more rigorously in defensive combat—and added offensive drills too. Leticia began teaching me combat-ready spells I could use in human form. Levi stayed the same: strict, focused, quietly intense as he taught me healing techniques. But even he seemed tenser lately.
I didn't see Cassian much, even though we lived under the same roof. It felt like he was avoiding me. Not that I cared. It was just… rude. The least he could do was check in on how I was doing.
My eyes widened at the thought. I frowned.
What am I even thinking?
I scoffed and folded my arms.
The door opened, and Leticia walked in with a warm smile. "You look beautiful, Elara."
I looked away, returning a small smile. "It's just a ceremony. And you picked the dress."
She chuckled softly and took my hand. "Shall we? Everyone's waiting."
My heart thudded uneasily as we made our way outside and into the sleek black car waiting at the front. We drove out through the estate gates and headed toward the central hall.
I fidgeted with the fabric of my dress, fingers trembling. I hated this. Normally, I'd act indifferent, cold—like nothing could touch me. But things were different now. The people I'd met here… had been kind. Welcoming. Despite the disapproving glances and whispers from some, part of me wanted to be accepted.
I've been a rogue werewolf for so long.
Leticia glanced at me knowingly. "Everything will be fine, Elara. Cassian has it under control. You'll be accepted."
I managed a smile and turned to look out the window.
We arrived at the center of the estate—a stunning glass dome rising like a jewel in the moonlight. My eyes widened. I'd never seen anything like it.
The car stopped, and as we stepped out, my legs froze. Panic clawed at my chest. I took a shaky step back.
Leticia's voice, calm and steady, broke through the fog. "It's okay, Elara."
I looked at her, then nodded slowly. Her smile steadied me.
The doors opened.
I felt every gaze in the room as I walked forward. Cassian sat at the front on a raised platform in a throne-like chair, his obsidian eyes locked on mine. Cold. Sharp. Assessing. But also… steadying.
I could feel it—the mix of emotions surrounding me. Suspicion. Curiosity. Awe. Disgust.
"Welcome, messenger of the goddess—Elara," Cassian declared, his voice loud and sure.
Whispers broke out like wildfire, though I couldn't make out the words. I looked up at Cassian. He met my gaze and smirked.
"Introduce yourself to your new pack," he said.
I blinked. He's making me speak? I narrowed my eyes. He smiled, the smug bastard.
I exhaled and stepped up to the platform, facing the crowd. Their tables were covered in cloths of different colors—likely denoting family groups or roles within the pack.
I took a breath. Then another. And spoke.
"My name is Elara. I am a white wolf and the messenger of the goddess, Selene."
Gasps erupted across the room. Not all of them were pleased.
"Elara is now an official member of the pack and the council," Cassian declared.
The reaction was immediate.
"Alpha!"
"We weren't informed of this arrangement!"
"This is unacceptable!"
And there they were—the opposing faction. The ones who wanted me gone. I could see it in their eyes.
Cassian's voice cut through the chaos like a blade. "And why is it unacceptable?"
"She hasn't proven herself!"
"How do we know she's worthy of the council?"
Venom dripped from their words, but Cassian didn't flinch. He stood and joined me on the platform.
What's he up to now? I watched him warily—until he suddenly reached for my hand.
I froze, eyes wide.
"Let this be known to all of you," he said, his voice steady and loud. "Elara is my mate—and a rightful member of my council."
Gasps. Then—
"Our Luna!"
The room exploded with cheers and celebration. I, meanwhile, stood frozen in place, processing what the hell just happened.
Mate? Luna?
I turned to him, stunned. "What are you—"
More shouting, more joy. Everyone was celebrating. And somehow, I felt like the only sane one in the room.
Not only had I been accepted into the pack... I'd just been claimed as the Alpha's mate. Their Luna.
This… this felt like a setup.