The Announcement

Selene’s POV

From the look of things,

I was the only one confused in the hall, while the council stood tall at the center.

their faces cold and stern as always. The whole space fell silent,

“From today henceforth,” he began,

his voice was echoing in the hall, "the Lunas will dine with you." And train together with you

Instantly, the whole hall was filled with loud applause.

confused. What were they so happy about? Sharing meals and training with Lunas didn't quite sound like something worth celebrating.

I glanced at the council members once again, but their faces told nothing.

Darius, who sat next to me, had clearly noticed my silence.

He leaned over and tapped my shoulder. "Why so quiet, Liam?" he said with a teasing grin.

He sat back with that irritating smirk he always wore.

the one that screamed confidence and mischief all at once. "Well, to begin with,

we get to meet our mates,” he said, voice lowering. “Not just any mates, either - Lunas from great families. You can figure out what that means for yourself.

I frowned. "What?

"It means every Alpha here might finally get the chance to mark a strong Luna.

And each Alpha wants a powerful Luna by his side.

I nodded slightly, faking the understanding, while my mind felt out of place.

Something in the notion of marking someone-a mate-it caused my chest to tighten.

I wasn't supposed to think that way, not as Liam.

“So, Mr. Perfect,” I said, turning to him, “do you have a mate already?

He smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, kinda. But I haven’t marked her yet. Till tomorrow, at the—”

The voice of the leader of the council cut through the murmurings. The instant result was dead silence. “We're going to have a welcoming ceremony tomorrow.

Be ready.” His eyes scanned the room with that intimidating authority that made even Darius shut up. “You are all dismissed to your chambers.”

Chairs scraped on the marble floor, as all stood.

The sound of boots and murmurs filled the room.

I didn't move. Sat and looked at the floor,

still trying to understand what the big deal was about tomorrow.

Darius noticed I hadn't budged. For once, he didn't tease me.

He sighed and waited, sitting down beside me again. When the last of the footsteps had faded away,

We left the hall together and walked through the long corridor up to the chambers.

Each reminded me of the truth I was hiding.

Darius walked a few steps ahead,

Hands in his pockets, he exudes confidence even in his silence.

I followed him with my head hung low and could not tell what he was thinking.

but something in the way he looked back every few seconds made me wonder whether he suspected something.

When we finally reached our chambers,

he stopped at his door. “Long day, huh?” he said casually.

He looked like he wanted to say more but didn't. He nodded instead and disappeared into our room, leaving me standing in the empty hallway.

I tailed his back, shut the door, and leaned against it. The quiet hit me instantly.

The only sound I could hear was my own breathing for a moment.

I pulled off my jacket and slung it on the bed, then dropped onto the mattress.

I lay down on my back, I lay in bed,

staring at the ceiling. My mind replayed the whole day the announcement of the council,

The

talk about mates and marking.

The very thought of being surrounded by Luna-people tomorrow made my heartbeat faster. I had to stay focused, I had to stay Liam. Then it hit me…