Chapter 7

Early the next morning, just as the sun was rising, the pack's council hall was already packed.

The air was thick with tension and confusion. I sat in the front row, my rightful place as the future Luna – for now, at least.

Kaelen stood on the central platform, dressed in formal black ceremonial robes, the silver pack crest gleaming on his chest. His expression was serious and determined, but he deliberately avoided looking at me.

"Pack members," his voice echoed through the hall, "I've called you here to announce an important decision."

Whispers immediately spread through the crowd. I kept my face impassive, my right hand unconsciously clutching the moonstone amulet hidden in my sleeve.

"Today, we will be postponing the 'Silver Moon Ceremony.'"

Even though I was expecting it, hearing those words still felt like a hammer blow to my heart. Gasps of surprise rippled around me.

"To protect a fragile but important bloodline," Kaelen continued, "I must fulfill my Alpha duty and temporarily postpone my final mating ceremony with Sera."

The council hall doors suddenly opened, and Lyra walked in, escorted by two warriors. She wore a simple white robe, her red hair braided neatly, looking both vulnerable and holy.

The crowd fell silent, staring in shock at this strange woman.

"This is Lyra Thorne," Kaelen announced. "The cub she carries has a special bloodline that needs my own bloodline's protection to be born safely. As Alpha, it's my duty to protect every life in this pack."

"What does this mean?" an older female pack member stood up and asked. "What about our future Luna?"

All eyes turned to me.

I slowly rose, a perfect smile on my face. "As the Alpha's mate, I, of course, support his decision. After all, the pack's interests come before personal feelings."

My calmness clearly relieved Kaelen, but he would soon find out it was just the quiet before the storm.

"Thank you for understanding, Sera," he nodded. "I assure you all, this is just a temporary arrangement. Once the bloodline protection ceremony is complete, we will hold the Silver Moon Ceremony immediately."

The pack members looked at each other, clearly confused and uneasy about this sudden change.

"Any other questions?" Kaelen scanned the room.

Marcus stood up. "Alpha, what does the Moonridge pack say about this? Their support is vital to us."

A smart, sharp question.

I almost wanted to clap for Marcus.

Kaelen looked a little tense. "The Moonridge pack… I'm sure with Sera's help, they will understand."

"Of course," I said calmly. "I've already sent word to my birth pack about this 'special situation.' Their response… should arrive soon."

Kaelen's expression shifted slightly. He clearly heard the threat in my words.

The meeting ended, and the pack members left in small groups. I was about to get up when Kaelen stopped me.

"Sera, please wait."

Once the hall was empty, it was just the three of us – me, Kaelen, and Lyra, standing in the corner.

"You handled that well," Kaelen said, coming closer, his voice low. "This is important for the pack."

"And for you?" I looked him straight in the eye. "Is this important to you?"

He avoided my gaze. "I have to do this."

"Because of 'bloodline protection'?" I scoffed. "Such a noble excuse."

"It's not an excuse!" he suddenly got agitated. "That cub really needs my power!"

"And what about my needs?" I took a step forward. "What about the cub in my belly? Your first heir?"

My words hit him like a slap. Yes, I was pregnant. Only a few weeks, but as his Alpha mate, he should have sensed it.

He and Marcus had even confirmed he knew it that day.

"You…" He looked at me, shocked. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was planning to announce the happy news at the Silver Moon Ceremony," I said calmly. "But now, it seems that will have to be postponed."

Kaelen turned pale, finally realizing how serious things were.

"This changes nothing," Lyra suddenly spoke up, moving to Kaelen's side. "My cub is more fragile. It will die without the Alpha's protection. Yours… is strong enough."

A flash of malice in her eyes sent a chill down my spine.

"I understand," I said, stepping back, my expression calm again. "In that case, I will 'think of the bigger picture.' But remember, Kaelen, every choice has a price."

Leaving the council hall, I went straight to the sacred grove. Elder Elara's projection was already waiting for me.

"It's worse than I thought," I said quietly. "The second step of the Moon Eclipse Unbinding must begin as soon as possible."

"Are you sure, child?" the Elder's voice was full of worry. "This will cause irreversible damage."

"He already made his choice," I said, touching my stomach. "Now, I have to make mine."

For my unborn child, and for my dignity.