A few days passed after the incident, and it was finally time for the Luna Ceremony.

Under the shimmering light of the full moon, the Xeres Moon Pack gathered in a circle at the heart of the forest. The air was thick with anticipation, every wolf's eyes reflecting the moonlight as they awaited the announcement. At the center stood Alpha Kronos, a towering figure with piercing blue eyes that commanded respect and loyalty.

Beside him was me, his mate, and the soon-to-be-appointed Luna. The champagne body-con dress I wore matched perfectly with my dark hair.

Azrael took a deep breath, his voice resonating through the clearing. "Tonight, we honor tradition and strength. We appoint our new Luna, the heart and spirit of our pack. Rhea has proven time and again her unwavering dedication and wisdom. She has faced trials with courage and led with compassion."

He must have been talking about the incident with Kronos's mother and nursing him back to health.

I stepped forward, my heart swelling with pride and a touch of nervousness. I felt Kronos's reassuring presence beside me, his hand finding mine and giving a gentle squeeze. His pride in me was palpable, his love and support a steady source of strength.

The pack watched in silence as Kronos lifted the ceremonial crown of intertwined branches and moonstones. He placed it gently on my head, the stones catching the moonlight and casting a soft glow around her.

Azrael voice echos into the crowd, "Rhea, you are our Luna. Guide us, protect us, and lead us with the grace and strength you embody."

My voice was clear and steady as I responded, "I accept this honor and responsibility. I vow to serve our pack with all that I am, to lead with fairness and love, and to protect our family with my life."

The pack erupted into howls, their voices rising in celebration and unity. I felt a surge of energy, a bond with each member of her pack strengthening as they acknowledged me as their Luna.

Coco, who had stood next to Azrael the entire time, turned towards me. Her eyes filled with admiration. "I am so proud of you, Rhea. You are everything our pack needs and more."

I smiled, my heart full. "I couldn't do this without you, Coco. Without you, Azrael, and Kronos. Together, we will lead the pack to success."

As the celebration continued, Kronos and I stood side by side, united as Alpha and Luna. The forest around us seemed to hum with approval.

As the night wore on, the celebration grew more vibrant. The pack members danced and sang around the bonfire, their joy a testament to their unwavering faith in our leadership. I moved among them, sharing smiles and words of gratitude, my heart swelling with each expression of support.

On the side lines, I could tell Kronos was watching me. His eyes never straying far from my form. He could see the genuine affection and respect the pack had for me, and it made his chest swell with pride.

I had always been the cornerstone of their community, but tonight solidified my place in their history.

As the festivities began to wind down, Kronos led me to a quiet spot near a serene pond, its surface reflecting the moonlit sky. He took my hands in his, his gaze intense and filled with emotion.

I could tell he had so much to say to me, but couldn't.

But for the first time that evening, because of the ceremony, I was able to hear his voice from mind-linking.

"You were incredible tonight, Rhea. Seeing you step into your role as Luna was... breathtaking. I always knew you were destined for greatness, but tonight, you surpassed even my highest hopes."

My eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"I can't believe that's what you sound like!"

My mate smiled, caressing my cheek. "Like what?" He mind-linked.

"The actor from the Witcher! You sound hot." I responded, laughing.

Kronos flushed slightly red and turned away, nodding at my compliment.

Taking this moment, I decided to thank him. We were now one step closer to hearing his actual voice.

"Thank you, Kronos. Your belief in me has always been my strength. I promise to be the Luna our pack deserves."

Kronos pulled me into a tight embrace. His voice in our mind link continued.

"I have no doubt that you will. You never cease to amaze me."

Our moment of intimacy was interrupted by a rustle in the bushes. Out stepped Fenris, the pack's eldest and most respected elder. His silver fur gleamed under the moonlight, and his eyes held a wisdom that came from years of experience.

It was the retired pack doctor.

"Forgive the intrusion," Fenris began, his voice gravelly yet kind. "I wanted to speak with our new Luna."

Kronos and I turned to face him, our expressions welcoming. Fenris approached, his gaze locking onto mine. "Rhea, I have seen many Lunas in my time, but you possess a rare combination of strength and compassion. The bond you share with Kronos will only serve to strengthen our pack. I wanted to give you something."

From behind his back, Fenris produced a small, intricately carved wooden box. He handed it to me, and I opened it to reveal a beautifully crafted pendant, shaped like a crescent moon. "This pendant has been passed down through generations of Lunas. It symbolizes the balance between power and grace, the light and darkness that resides in us all. Wear it with pride, and let it remind you of your inner strength."

I carefully took the pendant, my fingers tracing the delicate carvings. "Thank you, Fenris. I will cherish this always."

As Fenris nodded and turned to leave, I clasped the pendant around my neck, feeling its cool weight settle against my skin.

Kronos took my hand once more, and we returned to the heart of the pack, where the embers of the bonfire still glowed warmly. The pack members, sensing our return, gathered around, eager to hear what the elder had bestowed upon their new Luna.

With a serene smile, I addressed our pack. "Tonight marks the beginning of a new chapter for us all. We face challenges ahead, but with our strength, we will overcome them. Together, we are the Xerxes Moon Pack. Thank you for accepting me as your Luna. I won't let you down."

The pack howled once more in unison, their voices rising to the heavens. I felt their collective strength and knew, deep in my heart, that they were ready for whatever the future held. With Kronos by my side and the support of my pack, life felt like a breeze.

As the first light of dawn began to break, the pack members slowly dispersed to rest after the night's celebration. Kronos and I walked back to his bedroom, our hearts still buzzing with the energy of the night. The forest was quiet now, save for the rustling leaves and the distant call of a night bird.

Inside his bedroom, Kronos sat down on his bed.  I sat beside him, my fingers gently tracing the crescent moon pendant that now hung around my neck. I felt the weight of the new role settle in, a mixture of excitement and responsibility swirling within me.

Kronos, sensing something off,  looked at me. His eyes reflecting mine. "How are you feeling, Luna?"

I smiled at the sound of my new title. "It's a lot to take in, but I feel ready. I've always known this day would come, but experiencing it is something entirely different. Your support means everything to me, Kronos."

Kronos reached out, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. He mind-linked me, "We'll face everything together, as we always have. I know you'll be an incredible Luna."

Our moment was interrupted once more by a gentle knock at the entrance of his bedroom.

"Luna, Alpha. I understand the ceremony had just finished, but we have visitors from the boarder who wish to speak with you."

Visitors?

Who could they be?