The Luna's Fated Choice

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight: The Shadows Of The Past

"She's now sunk her demonic claws into Alpha Darius." The hushed growl of a pack member touches her sensitive ears.

The mate bond has increased her hearing to the point that Kiadaria can almost hear thoughts. No longer a Luna in name only, she's beginning to feel the true power of being one. She never had this capability when Luna over The Rising Moon Pack, but here, things are simply different. She shifts in her chair, controlled, but still reacting to the hostility she's sensing.

Suspicious eyes slant all around her as Kiadaria, the new Luna, stands among the pack members. The whispers of "witch" and "demon" can be heard almost in every single direction. It's a familiar hatred, and it's a new branding, as before she simply fell victim to the ugly labels. Yet now, Kiadaria isn't so sure she isn't as she continues to wrestle with her earlier convictions, her motives, and if she is a power-hungry player in whatever game fate has chosen to make her a piece within.

Darius stands by Kiadaria's side.

She's sure he hears them, senses them before the thoughts even materialize, but he's trusting her instinct. Kiadaria side eyes him and breathes in the respect he's giving her. He's not attempting to shade her like some little girl who can't handle the bad or rise above it. That's how Joshua's overprotection sometimes came across, as though she were simply incapable, and it's something she hated.

The Shining Moon pack's meeting hall is buzzing with suspicion and rumor.

"He's been acting strangely ever since he met her, and now that she's here, we may become cursed!"

Another whisper replies. "Well, if she cursed the Rising Moon's Alpha, it's one hell of a curse because he is the most successful Alpha with the most successful pack."

Darius can't believe his ears and eyes.

The way the pack turned a cold shoulder to Kiadaria was not expected. He's frustrated at the reception, knowing they don't truly mean harm but are loyal to him. They've heard the rumors surrounding Kiadaria and Joshua and worry for their Alpha. In one way, it warms his heart that his pack worries for him, but in another way, the question is his authority and the right of Kiadaria to be Luna. He's curious about how Kiadaria will react as Luna. He wonders which kind of Luna she will choose to be within this pack, but he doesn't doubt that no matter the choice, she will have power in it.

Kiadaria can't believe the rumor has grown so large and follows her even to the Shining Moon pack. She works to hide her hurt feelings and the frustration of the lies living against her that aren't her truth.

Or a truth; a truth I don't wish to accept.

Darius puts a hand on her shoulder, and the warm, syrupy feeling of the mate bond floods her nervous system, offering some relief. His gentle show of support allows her to know he isn't affected by the whispers, but doesn't shield her from the effects of them.

"Fucking demoness!" Someone spits out, and the words vibrate through the walls and hall.

For a moment, the emotions are tearing her mind up, but Kiadaria is a seasoned Luna and has faced bigger opposition in the Rising Moon pack. The Rising Moon is led by a culture centered on logic and cunning.

"You!" She bellows out. "What is your name?"

The young, attractive woman, maybe twenty-two, raises her chin in defiance. "I am the wolf, Lyra."

Kiadaria smiles a deadly smile that mirrors the chill Alpha Joshua is known for. She was his unofficial mate and Luna for a little more than a decade now. Her posture is straight, and her arms are crossed as she scans the other woman, approaching and smirking when noticing the tiny tremors in Lyra.