Chapter 7

Nicole As we crossed the grand hall toward the central council chamber, I felt like I was walking to my own execution. The Elders' Conference Chamber was imposingly majestic—ancient stone columns stretching toward high vaulted ceilings adorned with murals depicting the first werewolf packs. Four stone thrones were arranged in a semi-circle for the pack representatives, with the Elders' elevated seats behind them. My fingers trembled slightly at my side. This wasn't just any meeting—this was my formal introduction as Luna candidate to the Four major packs. The weight of centuries of tradition pressed down on me, making each step forward feel like wading through quicksand. Damien walked beside me, his powerful presence a steady anchor. As we entered the chamber side by side, every pair of eyes turned to us. The silent judgment was almost tangible in the air. From the Silverpine Pack section, I caught a woman's cold gaze. "So she really came," she whispered with a derisive smile, loud enough for enhanced werewolf hearing to catch. I was shocked by the hostility of this strange she-wolf, until, before I could think about it, the elders appeared. The Head Elder—a silver-haired man with penetrating gray eyes—tapped his ceremonial staff against the stone floor, silencing all whispers. "Alpha Damien of the Thornfang Pack," his voice echoed through the chamber, "we convene today to confirm your proposed Luna candidate. Please state your reasons for this selection." I was guided to the center of the chamber, standing alone in a shaft of light streaming from the skylight above. Damien remained behind me, a silent wall of strength. My heart hammered against my ribs, but I kept my posture straight and dignified. The Silverpine representative was the first to voice opposition. "Nicole Snyder, an outcast from the Starfall Pack, without an awakened wolf spirit. What qualifications does she possess to become Luna of the prestigious Thornfang Pack?" My stomach twisted at the public mention of my greatest shame. Without my wolf, I was considered defective by most pack standards. Then Francisco stood, his voice dripping with false concern. "As her former mate, I feel obligated to point out that she hasn't even completed the most basic wolf awakening. How could someone like her possibly fulfill the duties of bearing healthy heirs or managing a pack ?" My knuckles whitened as I considered whether to speak or remain silent. [They're not lying... but it's not the whole truth either,] I thought bitterly. Drawing a deep breath, I found my voice—steady and clear despite the tremble in my chest. "While wolf awakening is important, it is not the sole determining factor in offspring health and viability," I stated, drawing on my years of medical research. "My studies at Moonwatch Medical Center have demonstrated that genetic stability in werewolf pups depends more significantly on the pheromone resonance and mental connection between parents." I reached into my folder and withdrew official certification papers from the Moonwatch Pack Medical Committee, walking forward to place them before the Elders. My heels clicked against the stone floor in the otherwise silent chamber. "If you cannot accept me as Luna," I said, meeting each Elder's eyes in turn, "at least respect me as a physician. My research can save your future generations." A profound silence fell over the assembly. Representatives leaned toward one another, whispering urgently. Several Elders began reviewing my research documents with furrowed brows and occasional nods of interest. Then Damien rose to his feet, the simple action commanding immediate attention. His powerful frame seemed to fill the chamber as his cold, authoritative voice cut through the murmurs. "My choice does not require your approval," he stated, each word precise and final. "She is the mate I have chosen. Nothing more needs to be said." His gaze swept over the assembly before landing on Francisco, who visibly flinched under that predatory stare. "If anyone questions my judgment," Alpha Damien continued, voice dropping to a dangerous growl, "you're welcome to challenge me directly." The threat hung heavy in the air. Francisco paled, lowering his eyes and sinking back into his seat. No one moved to accept Damien's challenge—his reputation as one of the most formidable Alphas was well-earned. After several minutes of tense deliberation, the Head Elder struck his staff against the floor, the sharp crack cutting through the murmuring chamber like a thunderclap. “The Council of Elders hereby recognizes Nicole Snyder as the Luna candidate to the Thornfang Pack,” he declared, his voice deep and resonant. “Alpha Damien, congratulations on finding your partner—once again.” The chamber erupted in polite applause, but the phrase tunneled straight to the hollow place the contract had carved in me. Once again. Across the room, Silverpine smiles gleamed like knives. They knew. I didn't. And Damien—my husband on paper, my Alpha in public—didn't look at me. If someone had stood here with him before, then what was I? A placeholder? A shadow? My stomach churned with the answer I didn't want to face.