CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Bella

The following morning arrived far too quickly. Before the sun had fully risen, the Alpha House was already bustling with activity. Servants hurried through the hallways carrying trays of refreshments, polishing furniture, and making sure every corner of the house was spotless.

In the dining hall, Bella meticulously examined the long table set for the Pack Council.

The elderly housekeeper approached with a reassuring smile.

My Lady, everything is ready.

Bella looked around once more.

Have all the guest rooms been prepared?

Yes.

And the meeting hall?

The servants finished preparing it an hour ago.

Bella nodded in satisfaction.

Good.

She wasn't doing this to impress anyone.

She simply wanted everything to run smoothly.

After all, she's the Luna now.

Whether people accepted her or not, she intended to fulfil her responsibilities.

Harry adjusted the cuff of his shirt as he walked toward the meeting hall.

Lucas fell into step beside him.

The council members have all arrived.

Harry nodded.

Good.

They're also eager to meet the new Luna.

Harry's expression remained unreadable.

They'll meet her soon enough.

As they entered the hall, several elders immediately rose to their feet.

My Alpha.

Harry acknowledged them with a slight nod before taking his seat at the head of the table.

A few moments later The doors opened again.

Bella stepped inside.

She wore a simple but elegant dress, her hair neatly arranged, and her expression calm despite the dozens of eyes now fixed on her.

The room fell silent.

Harry looked up.

For a brief second even he forgot to look away.

Bella crossed the room with quiet confidence before stopping beside him.

She lowered her head respectfully.

My Alpha.

Harry gave a small nod.

Luna.

The title still sounded unfamiliar on his lips.

But no one questioned it.

One by one, the council members greeted Bella.

She answered each greeting politely.

She didn't speak more than necessary.

She didn't try to win anyone over.

She simply carried herself with quiet dignity.

By the end of the introductions, even the oldest elder smiled warmly.

Our pack is fortunate.

Bella blinked.

I beg your pardon?

We're fortunate to have a Luna who understands humility.

Bella lowered her eyes.

Thank you.

Harry remained silent.

Yet something about the elder's words stayed with him.

The meeting lasted most of the morning.

Bella didn't interfere. She quietly ensured everyone had what they needed and made sure the servants attended to the guests properly. She listened more than she spoke. It was exactly what the role demanded. When the meeting finally ended, the elders slowly made their way outside. Several stopped to thank Bella before leaving.

She smiled politely at each of them.

As the last elder disappeared through the entrance, Bella released a quiet breath.

It's over.

You handled yourself well.

She turned in surprise.

Harry stood a few feet behind her.

I only did what was expected.

Still

He paused briefly.

They seemed impressed.

Bella offered a small smile.

I'm glad everything went smoothly.

She gathered the remaining documents from the table.

"If you'll excuse me, there's still work to finish."

Harry watched her leave.

Not once had she asked whether he approved. Not once had she searched his face for praise.

It was different.

Bella handed the remaining documents to one of the servants.

Please return these to the study.

Yes, my lady.

With everything finally finished, Bella quietly stepped outside into the garden.

The fresh air felt comforting after spending hours inside the crowded meeting hall. She walked slowly along the stone path, resting a gentle hand over her stomach.

The silence allowed her thoughts to settle.

For the first time in days, she felt as though she had done something right.

Back inside the Alpha House, Harry remained in the meeting hall.

One of the elders paused beside him before leaving.

My Alpha.

Harry looked up.

Yes?

You chose well.

Harry frowned slightly.

I beg your pardon?

The Luna.

The elder smiled. She carries herself with grace. In time, the pack will come to respect her.

Harry said nothing.

He simply watched the elder walk away.

The words echoed in his mind long after the hall had emptied.

Outside

Bella had barely reached the center of the garden when hurried footsteps approached her from behind.

My Lady!

She turned.

A young servant stopped before her, slightly out of breath.

The Alpha

Bella waited patiently.

would like to see you in his office.

Bella looked back toward the Alpha House.

Her heart skipped once.

Harry had never sent for her before.

Taking a slow breath She turned and began walking toward the house.

Muttering, 'What could he possibly want?'