I swallow, my throat tight with emotion. “I feel… different. Stronger.” I hesitate, searching for the right words. “It’s like everything I’ve gone through has led me to this moment. To you.”
Lucian’s gaze softens, and he leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “I’m honored to have you by my side, Talia. As my mate… and as our Luna.” His thumb traces a small circle over my stomach. “Are you ready to stand beside me? To be presented to the pack as the Luna of Darkfang?”
I nod, my chest swelling with a mix of pride and trepidation. “Yes,” I whisper, the word barely more than a breath, but it holds all the conviction I feel. I reach up, cupping his face, letting my thumb brush over his jawline, feeling the strength there, the steady, unbreakable will that I know will protect us both.
He pulls me close, pressing one last lingering kiss to my lips, a silent promise, before he stands and offers his hand. I take it, letting him help me out of bed, his hand a steady presence in mine, grounding me. We dress in silence, a ritualistic calm settling over us, each movement deliberate, almost sacred. I fasten my cloak, feeling it settle over my shoulders, a tangible reminder of the role I’m stepping into.
Together, we leave the mansion, stepping out into the dawn, hand-in-hand. Lucian’s grip is firm, reassuring, and as we walk through the grounds, I feel every gaze turning toward us, every head lifting to watch as we pass. They know. Somehow, they all know what’s happened, that Lucian and I have completed the bond, that I am their Luna now, bound to him in every way.
Wolves stop in their tracks, their eyes widening, a ripple of awareness spreading through the pack. Some of them bow instinctively, their heads dipping in respect, a gesture that sends a shiver through me. I’m not just Talia anymore. I’m their Luna. Their leader. And as I walk beside Lucian, I feel the pride and responsibility settle over me.
We reach the main hall, and Lucian pushes open the doors, guiding me inside. The room falls silent, every wolf turning to face us, their expressions a mix of reverence, curiosity, and, in some cases, awe. Lucian's hand remains on the small of my back, a grounding force as he leads me down the center of the room.
"Bow to your Luna," he commands, his voice resonating through the hall, powerful and unwavering. There's no question, no hesitation. The wolves drop to one knee, their heads bowed in submission. It's an overwhelming sight, the power and loyalty of the pack focused entirely on me, and for a moment, I feel a pang of uncertainty, wondering if I can live up to the expectations in their eyes.