Chapter 2

At the evening family banquet, I was seated at the far end of the long table, next to the side door where servants served dishes. Lucas sat rightfully at the head of the table, while Selena was placed beside him, the most honored position. During the meal, Selena delicately put down her spoon. Turning slightly towards Lucas, her fingers grazed her neck, adjusting her collar. A silver pendant slid free from her slender neck, refracting a ghostly sheen in the candlelight. "Ah?" Morgana, sitting beside Selena, noticed it immediately. She raised her voice, drawing everyone’s attention. All eyes focused on the pendant around Selena’s neck. Lysandra exclaimed excitedly, "Wow! What a special necklace! Lucas, is this a token of affection for Selena?" Lucas didn’t answer immediately, merely turning to gaze at Selena with tender eyes, a hint of adoring amusement curved his lips. He reached out, his fingers lightly lifting the pendant, caressing the engraving. "Yes," he murmured. "This is the Moonmark Oath. On the battlefield, Selena saved my life. I knew then that she was the only one worthy of wearing it." His gaze swept the table, lingering pointedly on me, cold and warning. Selena lowered her eyes, blushing faintly. Taking his hand, she whispered, "Lucas, please don’t say more. Helping you was my fortune. I’ll protect this Moonmark Oath with my life." As she spoke, she suddenly became aware of everyone's gaze and frantically tried to tuck the pendant back into her collar. "Oh, there’s nothing to be shy about," Morgana smiled warmly, patting Selena’s hand. "As Lucas’s savior, you deserve this honor. Show it proudly." I gripped my utensils tightly, nails digging into my palm, sharp pain grounding me. That “Moonmark Oath,” in the previous life, I might have died without knowing its existence! Lucas wasn’t clueless about romance or tokens; he simply reserved all his affection and reverence for her. The full moon celebration of the Pack was approaching. Traditionally, the Luna, me, presided over the ceremony honoring the Moon Goddess. The ceremonial robe I had painstakingly embroidered with silver threads depicting the Moon Goddess’ totem was carefully stored, perfumed. However, entering the council hall, I saw Selena, dressed in my robe! The robe seemed altered—its waistline cinched tighter to contour her figure, while the characters “Lucas” I had embroidered at the collar were artfully concealed. Lucas was whispering something to her, his smile warm and gentle, which I hadn’t seen for a long time. Seeing me enter, his smile faded slightly, brows furrowing imperceptibly. The chief elder cleared his throat. "Sophia, you’re here. Good. There’s something we need to announce." My heart plummeted. "The upcoming full moon ceremony is crucial for the Pack’s future welfare and war luck." "After careful deliberation by the elders and with the leader’s consent, Selena will serve as the main priestess for this ceremony." I looked at Lucas in disbelief. I hadn’t expected him to go this far for her! Selena appeared humbled and anxious. "Why?" My voice was hoarse, trying to keep calm with the last bit of strength. "Elder, the main priestess has always been the Alpha’s mate’s duty and honor. It’s tradition." "Tradition is important, but the Pack’s welfare comes first!" An elder responded with authority. "Selena saved the Alpha’s life. Her devotion, the Moon Goddess surely recognizes." "This ceremony requires the purest soul— the most beloved by the Moon Goddess— to preside. Only thus may we entreat her ultimate blessings." Another elder added. "Sophia, we know you’ve always led the ceremony, but recently, the Pack has faced unrest. Turmoil has fractured our Pack’s harmony." "Selena’s arrival brought peace and harmony. Having her lead will unite us, showcasing our new era." "This is for the greater good. As the Luna, you should understand and support his decisions." "For the greater good… understanding…" I repeated numbly, nails digging deeper into my palms, suppressing trembling. Looking at Lucas, he avoided my gaze. "Just relax, you’ll do great," he whispered to Selena. His gentle tone felt like a poisoned dagger stabbing my heart. Selena looked up, eyes glistening. "Elders, Lucas, how can I bear such responsibility? Sophia is rightfully the mate. She has presided over rituals for years, experienced in leading ceremonies..." "I fear disappointing everyone, especially upsetting Sophia..." As she spoke, her eyes darted timidly to mine—awash with regret and unease. "Selena, don’t belittle yourself!" The elder declared sternly. "Your piety and kindness are evident. As for experience, the tribal scriptures and elders will guide you. And Sophia..." "You remain part of the Pack, able to watch from below the altar, praying for us. That’s your contribution."