Chapter: The Luna Ascends
~Ruby’s POV~
Sunlight stread into the room, shining brightly through the light, flowing curtains that danced in the breeze.
I blinked slowly and felt the soft silk sheets against my skin, reminding that I wasn’t in my old ho anymore. This place felt new, different, and—most importantly—safer.
Being back here in the Silver Frost Pack House brought back mories—mories that I’ve tucked down deep in the abyss of my mind.
But none of that mattered as much as the warmth that pulsed quietly through my heart. A warmth I hadn’t felt in years.
I sat up, running a hand through my hair, exhaling deeply.
The scent of sage, firewood, and freshly baked bread drifted in from sowhere down the corridor. Even with the grandeur surrounding , it wasn’t the luxury that settled my nerves—it was the laughter I could hear in the distance. The twins. Safe. Happy.
And Roman.
A soft knock echoed from the door before it cracked open. "You’re awake," ca his voice, deep and calm.
He stepped inside, dressed in a dark embroidered shirt and slate-colored pants. He looked like he belonged here—and, in so odd way, like I belonged with him.
"Good morning, beautiful," he greeted.
"Morning, morning, love."
Roman leaned against the doorfra with a lazy smile that made my already flushed cheeks warm again. His eyes flicked over —still tangled in the silk sheets, bare beneath them—and his grin deepened.
"You know," he said, voice low and teasing, "I’m starting to really enjoy being married again."
I rolled my eyes, unable to hide the smirk tugging at my lips. "You an the part where you keep up all night and I wake up sore and barely functioning?"
He chuckled, stepping farther into the room. "That’s the part." He leaned down, brushing a kiss over my temple. "But also the part where I get to wake up knowing you’re mine."
Warmth curled low in my stomach, but I swatted at his chest lightly. "You’re incorrigible."
"Mmhm," he murmured, clearly not sorry in the least. "Council eting in fifteen minutes, Luna."
I groaned and flopped back against the pillows. "Why does politics always have to ruin the afterglow?"
He laughed again, and the sound filled the room, rich and warm. "Because our people are waiting for a Luna who doesn’t look like she was just thoroughly—"
"Roman," I warned, throwing a pillow at him.
He caught it easily, grinning like a devil. "What? I was going to say ’loved.’"
I arched a brow. "Try again and I’ll throw sothing heavier."
"You wound ," he said dramatically, pressing a hand to his heart. "But in all seriousness, if you need help getting ready..." He trailed off, eyes darkening just a fraction, his gaze slipping down to the sheets.
"Oh no," I said quickly, sitting up and wrapping the blanket tighter around . "I think it’s better we avoid another ’situationship’ this morning. You’re lucky I can walk straight as it is."
He looked far too pleased with himself. "Fine, fine. I’ll go put on my Alpha face and leave you to it. But just know I’ll be counting the minutes until we’re alone again."
"Focus on the council," I said, shaking my head as I slipped out of bed and padded across the room to where my robe hung. "If you get caught daydreaming about our late-night activities, I’m not coming to rescue you."
"Tempting offer," he replied, watching with hungry eyes as I shrugged the robe over my shoulders. "But I suppose I’ll behave. For now."
He made a show of adjusting his cuffs, then winked before turning for the door. "Fifteen minutes, my Luna. Don’t be late—your throne misses you."
"My throne, or your lap?" I called after him.
"I’ll be waiting downstairs," he said before the door clicked shut.
***********
The council hall towered above us, its high ceiling made of dark, ancient beams that felt powerful. Torches flickered in silver holders on the stone walls, creating a warm glow that moved across the floor like shadows.
The whole place felt significant—the glossy black table in the centre, the strong scent of incense filling the air, and the sense of history weighing down on us, as if we were being watched by a thousand years of leadership.
I stepped inside, my heels clicking softly against the marble as the large double doors shut behind with a decisive thud.
A hush fell over the room. Conversations paused. Chairs shifted quietly.
The gown I wore sparkled in the warm light, with silver and white silk flowing elegantly around , and its hem touching the floor as I walked.
The edges of the sleeves and bodice were intricately embroidered, giving the garnt a delicate yet sturdy appearance.
On my chest, the Luna symbol was stitched in a soft gold thread—it was a crescent moon surrounded by a circle of thorns for protection.
Roman stood next to , tall and confident in his dark suit that highlighted his authority. He lightly touched my fingers, a simple gesture ant to reassure , not draw attention. I found comfort in that touch.
We approached the circular table slowly, every pair of eyes fixed on us.
The council—twelve elders, each representing a different lineage within the pack—watched with a mix of curiosity, scrutiny, and sothing else I hadn’t expected: cautious hope.
"Alpha Roman," ca the first voice. Elder Naresh, his snow-white hair pulled into a tight braid, rose from his chair with surprising grace. "You stand before us reborn—Alpha by bond, not blood, and with you... your chosen Luna."
He turned his gaze to . "Ruby Blackwood, do you co before us of your own will?"
"I do," I said in a clear voice, despite the hum of nerves under my skin.
"Do you vow to protect this pack, to serve its future, and to stand beside your Alpha not as shadow nor queen, but as shield and soul?"
"I do," I said again, firr this ti.
Another elder, this one younger and sterner in appearance—Elder Amari—stood next. "Do you accept the weight of our legacy and pledge to preserve the balance between law and instinct, strength and rcy?"
"I do."
A mont of silence passed, and then Elder Naresh lifted his hand solemnly. "Then let it be known."
The rest of the council rose as one.
"We, the Twelve, accept Ruby Blackwood as our Luna," Naresh declared. His voice rang with conviction. "May her strength guide us, and her heart protect our people."
A low murmur of approval rippled around the table.
Roman leaned slightly toward , voice quiet and proud. "You did it."
I turned to him, my chest tightening, not just from nerves, but sothing else.
Purpose.
I nodded, my gaze still on the council. "No. We did."
And in that mont, I knew the room had shifted.
Not just for , but for all of us.
After the eting, we stepped out into the courtyard where the rest of the pack waited. Hundreds of them—n, won, children—all lined up, flanked by massive stone pillars and flickering braziers that turned dusk into a soft, golden glow.
I stood at the centre, my heart a wild drum in my chest.
Roman raised my hand. "This is your Luna," he said, his voice booming through the clearing. "And she will lead beside ."
The crowd bowed as one. Kneeling.
And just like that, the weight in my chest eased.
For once, no one was chasing . No secrets to guard, no lies to keep. Just this mont. Just peace.
The ceremony ended with a quiet al under the stars, the firelight dancing over smiling faces. Helen sat with the twins, their laughter filling the night. Esperanza and Keely teased Kai by the buffet table.
Rhett stood off to the side—looking at ease. Quiet as ever.
He gave a slow nod and I nodded also in response.
I stood with Roman near the back garden, fingers brushing his as we stared out into the night.
"You did good," he murmured.
I smiled faintly, letting my gaze rise to the moon.
"For the first ti in my life," I whispered, locking eyes with him, "I’m not just surviving... I’m living."
And I ant it.
Peace, finally.
For now.
**********
Chapter: A Night to Rember
~Little Ruby’s POV~
Few hours ago...
"Co on, kids, we’re running late!" Aunt Helen’s voice echoed from the living room.
I pulled my socks on in a rush. "Coming, Aunt Helen!" Rhett shouted before I could say it first.
I pouted as I looked in the mirror. "We should’ve just slept over after the wedding," I said, brushing my hair quickly.
Rhett sat on the bed, trying to fix his shoelace. "Oh yeah? And we couldn’t just because you forgot your gown."
I narrowed my eyes. "So you’re trying to put the bla on ?"
He shrugged like it was nothing. "Not exactly. But we do know whose fault it was."
Before I could throw my hairbrush at him, the door swung open.
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