The Luna's Second Chance

Chapter 14: The Oath of the Luna

**Isla's POV **

The soft hum of music floated through the air, accompanied by the gentle clink of champagne glasses and the sound of voices in conversation. The pack house had been transformed for the night, the backyard draped in twinkling lights and decorated with elegant floral arrangements. Long tables were set with delicate desserts, champagne flutes, and sparkling silverware, all centered around the grandest table where Damian and I would sit.

Tonight was the night I would be introduced as the new Luna of the Blackwood Pack.

Harper sat on the plush sofa in my room, scrolling through her phone while I stood in front of the mirror, taking in my reflection. I was dressed in a floor-length gown of deep emerald green, the fabric smooth and flowing, hugging my curves in all the right places. Harper's stylist, Eric, had outdone himself. He was currently adjusting the final touches to my hair-a delicate updo with a few loose strands framing my face.

"You look stunning, darling," Eric said, his voice soft but full of pride. "Absolutely perfect for your big night."

Harper grinned from her spot on the sofa, raising her glass of champagne in my direction. "I told you Eric was the best. You're going to knock their socks off, Isla."

I smiled, though my stomach was a bundle of nerves. "Thanks. I just hope I don't trip down the stairs or something."

Eric chuckled, giving my hair one last adjustment before stepping back. "Don't worry. You've got this."

The reality of the night ahead settled heavily in my chest. This wasn't just another social event-it was the night I would be formally recognized as Damian's mate and the Luna of the Blackwood Pack. I would be taking an oath to protect, lead, and nurture the pack alongside Damian, stepping into a role I wasn't sure I was ready for.

But there was no turning back now.

"You'll be fine," Harper said, standing up and smoothing her own elegant navy dress. "Just remember, I'm here if you need to escape. I've got a few strategies up my sleeve if things get too intense."

I laughed softly, grateful for her humor. Harper had always been my rock, and knowing she was by my side made the night a little less daunting.

Eric stepped back, admiring his handiwork. "You're all set, darling. Now go out there and show them what a real Luna looks like."

I took a deep breath and nodded, giving them both a nervous smile. "Okay. Let's do this."

---

As I descended the grand staircase, my heart pounded in my chest. The sound of the music below grew louder, mingling with the soft chatter of the pack members gathered in the backyard. My dress flowed behind me, the emerald green fabric catching the light with each step.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I looked up to see Damian standing near the entrance to the backyard, dressed in a sleek black suit that highlighted his strong, imposing figure. His eyes found mine the moment I appeared, and for a brief second, everything else faded away.

He stared at me, his gaze traveling slowly from my face to the elegant curve of my gown. I saw the way his eyes darkened, the flicker of something more than admiration in his gaze. He remembered our kiss. I could see it in the way his lips pressed together, as if he was trying to push the memory aside.

But despite the tension between us, Damian offered me a small, approving nod, and I felt a rush of warmth spread through me. I didn't know what we were, or what our bond would become, but in this moment, I felt like we were a team-two halves of a whole.

Damian's mother, Liana, stood at the head of the grand table, waiting for me to join her. The ceremony would begin shortly, and with it, I would officially take on the responsibilities of Luna.

I stepped out into the backyard, the eyes of the pack turning toward me as I made my way to the center of the gathering. The soft glow of the lights reflected off the champagne glasses, casting a warm, golden hue over everything. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation, as if the entire pack was holding its breath.

Liana smiled warmly as I approached, her elegant presence commanding respect from everyone around her. She was the former Luna, and tonight she would pass the mantle on to me.

"Welcome, everyone," Liana began, her voice carrying over the quiet murmurs of the pack. "Tonight, we gather to celebrate the introduction of Isla Kingsley as the new Luna of the Blackwood Pack."

A soft cheer rippled through the crowd, but there was still a palpable tension in the air. Many of the pack members were still grieving for Lyra, Damian's first mate, and I knew that my role would not be easily accepted by everyone. But this was my moment to step up, to prove that I was worthy of the title.

Liana turned to me, her expression kind but serious. "Isla, as the Luna, you are not just a partner to the Alpha. You are a mother figure to the pack, a leader, a protector. Tonight, you will take an oath to uphold these responsibilities with honor, courage, and compassion."

I nodded, my heart racing. "I'm ready."

Liana held out a scroll, the words of the oath inscribed in delicate script. "Repeat after me."

I took a deep breath as she began to read the oath. "I, Isla Kingsley, pledge to serve as the Luna of the Blackwood Pack, to protect, guide, and nurture our people with strength and wisdom."

"I, Isla Kingsley," I repeated, my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves, "pledge to serve as the Luna of the Blackwood Pack, to protect, guide, and nurture our people with strength and wisdom."

"I vow to stand beside my Alpha, Damian Blackwood, as an equal partner in leadership, and to uphold the honor of our pack."

"I vow to stand beside my Alpha, Damian Blackwood, as an equal partner in leadership, and to uphold the honor of our pack."

Liana's eyes softened as she finished the oath. "Welcome, Luna."

The crowd erupted into applause, and I felt a rush of emotion swell in my chest. It was real. I was Luna now.

Champagne glasses were raised, and Damian stepped beside me, his presence steady and reassuring. As Liana led the pack in a toast to the new Luna, I couldn't help but steal a glance at Damian. His eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, I saw the flicker of pride in his gaze.

---

**Damian's POV **

I watched Isla as she stood at the center of the gathering, her face glowing under the soft light. She looked radiant, poised, and every inch the Luna she was meant to be. But as I stared at her, I couldn't stop the memory of our kiss from flooding my mind.

The way her body had fit against mine, the way her lips had tasted, the heat between us-it had ignited something in me, something I had been fighting to control. But now, standing here, seeing her like this, I couldn't deny that the bond between us was growing stronger. And it scared the hell out of me.

The applause died down as the event continued, and I tried to focus on the task at hand. But before I could fully push my thoughts aside, Ethan appeared at my side, his expression tight.

"Damian," he said quietly, his voice laced with concern. "Something's not right."

I frowned, turning to him. "What do you mean?"

Ethan's eyes scanned the crowd, his jaw clenched. "There's something off about this event. I can't put my finger on it, but... we need to be on alert."

I followed his gaze, scanning the crowd. Everything seemed fine, but Ethan's instincts were rarely wrong. "Keep an eye on things. If you sense anything, let me know immediately."

Ethan nodded and slipped back into the crowd, his movements tense and alert. I tried to shake off the unease that had settled in my chest, but something told me that tonight wasn't going to end as smoothly as I had hoped.

And with the ball just two days away, I had a feeling things were about to get even more complicated.

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