Moon of Misfortunes

35

The Town Hall proceeds as expected. Despite the reassuring presence of Matt and Garrett beside me, the amphitheater stage feels isolating. The weight of hundreds of eyes on us makes my skin prickle with anxiety. I shift uncomfortably in my shoes, the scrutiny of the pack piercing through my composure. Rubio's voice reverberates through the crowd, confidently outlining the new changes, but my rising anxiety muffles his words.

I try to focus, but my thoughts are scattered, a whirlwind of fears and doubts. What if they don't accept us? What if they see me as weak, a mere shadow of what a Luna should be? 

I look out into the crowd, and many members stare back at me skeptically. Several members eye Rubio's mark on my neck, their discomfort palpable. I can feel the weight of their judgment, knowing that rumors about my past with Nikolai still linger. The whispers haven't stopped; they've only shifted focus.

"And what about Luna Em—Candella," a pack member corrects themselves. "Will she interact with the pack this time?"

The mention of my name snaps me back to reality. I frown instantly, feeling a pang of frustration and hurt.

"It wasn't my choice to not interact with the pack. It was Alpha Emerson's decision," I say, my voice steady but tinged with sadness. "I plan on being involved. I hope to earn everyone's trust over time."

A murmur ripples through the crowd. I can see some skeptical faces, but there are also a few nods of understanding. I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment.

Rubio steps forward, his presence commanding attention. "Adaline is committed to being a part of this pack. We are committed to transparency and inclusivity. The past is behind us, and we need to move forward together."

A few more heads nod, and the atmosphere begins to shift slightly. Rubio's words carry weight, and his support gives me strength.

"We're introducing a suggestion platform," I continue. "This will allow everyone to voice their concerns and ideas openly. We're also planning regular Town Hall meetings to ensure ongoing communication."

"How do we know things will change?" another member asks, doubt evident in their tone.

"Actions speak louder than words," Rubio replies firmly. "We're here to prove our commitment through our actions. Give us a chance to show you."

The crowd falls silent, contemplating his words. I can sense a mix of hope and skepticism.

"We'll start by addressing immediate concerns," I add. "We'll work together to rebuild trust and improve the pack's infrastructure and overall well-being."

As the Town Hall wraps up, Rubio and I exchange a look that conveys a shared understanding: we have a long road ahead, but this is at least a step in the right direction. The crowd dissipates into the town, their murmurs of conversation fading into the background. Rubio steps down from the amphitheater stage, sighing deeply.

"I think that went well," he mumbles, exhausted. 

Matt nods in agreement, while Garrett folds his arms across his chest, a skeptical expression on his face.

"This pack is going to be resistant to you guys, especially to Adaline," Garrett bites out before turning to walk away.

"I know," I whisper, the confidence I felt earlier fading instantly.

Rubio scowls at Garrett, stepping forward with an intent to confront him. Matt postures up, ready to support whatever Rubio is planning. I place my hand on his chest, shaking my head. He reluctantly backs down, looking at me with a frown.

"He was being honest. No need to punish him for honesty. I'm sure the transition has been rough on him," I say, trying to calm him. He takes a few deep breaths, the tension in his body slowly easing.