Chapter 3

When I arrived at Owen's estate, the long dining table was already packed with people.

Finn sat to Owen's right, with Stella clinging close to his side, laughing and chatting with several elders.

I stood by the doorway for a long moment before Finn finally noticed me. He raised his hand lazily, gesturing for me to come over, only for me to discover that there wasn't even a seat left for me at the entire table.

The servants had no choice but to fetch a spare chair and place it at the far end of the long table, right next to the walkway used by the serving staff. No one seemed to find anything wrong with this.

Watching Stella naturally adjust Finn's napkin, I couldn't help but recall last year's pack banquet, when they had also let Stella sit in my spot.

Back then, I had stood up and stormed off on the spot, and Finn had chased after me, wrapping his arms tightly around me.

"Don't be angry, Eloise. You are my mate," he had kissed my forehead, whispering low assurances. "No matter who sits next to me, the position of Luna belongs only to you."

Yet a year later, I didn't even have the right to sit beside him anymore.

The servants began serving the meal, making a point to place the dishes Stella liked right in front of her.

When a roasted meat dish arrived sprinkled with a bit of crushed mint, Finn immediately summoned the butler.

"Make a new portion," Finn said displeased. "She can't stand mint. Don't you all know that?"

The butler bowed his head in a hurried apology and whisked the whole platter away.

"It's no big deal, really. I just don't care much for the taste," Stella cooed softly.

"How could it be no big deal? Ensuring a pleasant dining experience is a mate's duty." He flicked an intentional glance toward me.

I looked at the hazelnut cake closest to me and quietly pushed the plate a little farther away.

I have a severe allergic reaction to hazelnuts. When we first bonded, Finn used to personally instruct the kitchen to keep anything containing hazelnuts away from my plate.

Yet there were always hazelnut crumbles at every banquet. So later, when I mentioned it, he merely frowned and told me to just pay attention before eating, rather than troubling everyone over every little thing.

Owen raised his eyes, casting a cold sweeping glance at me. "What's the matter? Feeling wronged? With Stella temporarily acting as Luna these few days, sitting beside the Alpha is only natural. You ought to show some grace as a mate."

Finn seemed quite pleased with his father's words, slicing the roasted meat on the plate in front of Stella. "Father is right. There's no need to take every little thing to heart."

The meal soon drew to a close. Owen set down his dining knife. "I have an announcement regarding the blessing ceremony."

According to the traditions of the SnowMoon Pack, on the first full moon of every winter, the Alpha and Luna were to ask the Moon Goddess for Her blessing.

He suddenly looked over at me. "Eloise, since Stella is acting as Luna these few days, she should handle the related affairs. It just so happens we need a family photograph later. Hand over the Moon Crown to Stella so things look proper."

At this absolute provocation and humiliation to my position as Luna, several of Finn's cousins chimed in immediately.

"Stella has been familiar with pack traditions since childhood. She's truly the best fit for it."

"Exactly, with her assisting the Alpha, future blessing ceremonies will run even smoother."

Stella barely fought off a smile as she hurriedly waved her hands, putting on a timid, frightened facade: "Oh, no, that wouldn't be appropriate, would it? The Moon Crown belongs to the Luna. How could I take it?"

Finn spoke to me with impatience. "Since Father has spoken, bring out the Moon Crown. Once the ceremony is over, Stella will naturally return it to you."

I offered no argument whatsoever. I carried the velvet box back to the long table and opened it in front of everyone.

The crown rested quietly on the deep blue velvet, its moonstones gleaming with a cool, pristine luster under the chandelier lights, a treasure I had once thought I would cherish for a lifetime.

Stella stood up immediately, her lips still offering hollow refusals, "Oh my, Alpha, this really isn't right..."

Finn, however, snatched the box right out of my hands, picked up the crown, and placed it directly onto her head.

"It suits you well." He said.

Owen nodded with satisfaction. "Now that looks proper. Having Stella assist the Alpha with these matters is more than fitting."