The Luna’s Promise

POV: Olivia

The gown was too fine for my hands.

Mae slipped it over my shoulders, and the silk whispered down my body, cool as moonlight. White and silver threads caught the firelight, glittering like stars—too rich for a girl who usually wore plain cotton and an apron stiff with soap.

I stared into the cracked mirror. I almost didn’t recognise the reflection.

“Hold still,” Mae muttered, tugging the laces tight. Her fingers moved quickly and sharply, like she didn’t want to be caught helping me into something that wasn’t mine.

“It’s… beautiful,” I whispered.

“It’s a Luna’s gown,” she said flatly. “Not yours.”

Heat climbed my neck, but the smile still tugged at my lips. “It could be.”

Her eyes flicked up, sharp enough to cut. “Don’t do this to yourself, Liv.”

I pressed my mouth shut, but hope pulsed too bright inside me. “He promised.”

Mae’s mouth twisted. She didn’t answer. Instead, she turned me toward the mirror, pinning the last fold of silk into place.

The girl staring back wasn’t the one who scrubbed floors. My skin glowed, my cheeks flushed with secrets only I carried. The marks he’d left on my throat were hidden beneath the neckline, but I felt them still—hot reminders of his mouth, his hands, his claim.

I lifted my chin. For once, I didn’t look like a servant. I looked like someone who could stand at his side.

“Liv.” Mae’s voice softened, almost a plea. “What if he doesn’t?”

My chest squeezed. “He will.”

She shook her head and stepped back. “I’ve seen too many promises turn to ash.”

I turned before she could see how my hands trembled. The bond hummed steady in my blood, stronger than fear. I remembered his voice against my skin, his wolf growling mine, the way he had held me like I was everything.

How could he not stand for me tonight?

---

The hall was already crowded when I entered. Warriors in their best leathers. Elders in long robes. Daughters of noble houses glittering with jewels. The air shimmered with perfume and power.

Every head turned.

Whispers rippled through the crowd—sneers, shock, envy. My cheeks burned, but I lifted my chin higher. My knees shook under the silk, but my steps didn’t falter.

“He’ll never choose her.”

“She’s a latent.”

“But she’s glowing…”

I clung to the last one. Glowing. Not weak. Not invisible.

And then I saw him.

Luther stood at the high table, broad shoulders wrapped in black, storm-coloured eyes scanning the hall. When they landed on me, the bond snapped taut. My stomach dropped, my heart stuttered, the world narrowed to him alone.

For one breath, it felt like I was already his.

Tonight, I told myself. Tonight, the pack will see it too.

---

POV: Luther

The great hall reeked of expectation.

Banners of allied packs hung from the rafters, each a reminder of politics and bloodlines. Rivals lounged with wine in hand, waiting for me to stumble. Elders sat straight-backed, their eyes sharp as blades. My father stood at the head of the table, his presence colder than stone.

Recce prowled beneath my skin, restless, claws scraping. Claim her. Bite. Now.

I ground my teeth.

And then she entered.

Olivia.

The gown transformed her into something the hall couldn’t ignore. White silk kissed her skin, silver threads making her glow like she carried the moon inside her. Her hair was simple, but it framed her face with a softness that stole my breath. Her eyes searched the crowd—uncertain, hopeful—until they found mine.

Trust. Belief.

Recce roared inside me, shaking every bone. Luna. Ours. Take her now!

I gripped the arms of my chair, knuckles white. The bond burned through me, fierce and wild. Everything in me wanted to stand, to claim her here, to tear down tradition with a single bite.

But the elders’ warnings pressed like chains: A latent cannot be Luna. Reject her before tongues wag.

My father’s gaze cut across the table, hard as iron. Lead. Do not falter.

I could still taste her. Still feel her nails raking my back. Still hear her whisper: Tonight, they’ll see I’m yours.

The hall hushed as the eldest elder rose. His voice carried, smooth as a blade.

“Alpha Luther returns to us stronger than ever. Tonight, before our allies and rivals alike, he will speak of the future—of the Luna who will stand at his side.”

Every eye turned to me.

Recce surged, snarling so loud I thought the hall must hear it. Say it. Now. She’s ours. She’s Luna.

Olivia’s eyes shone, waiting.

I opened my mouth—

And caved beneath the weight of every watching eye.