The Luna's Second Chance

Chapter 22: The Weight of the Past

** Isla's POV **

The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over Damian's sleek, modern house. Inside, Isla moved with purpose, organizing the final touches for the dinner she had planned. Draven and Astrid, along with their Beta, Gamma, and Astrid's Luna aid, would soon arrive to join them. This dinner was important, not just for political diplomacy but for Isla. She wanted to prove herself as a capable Luna, not only to Damian's pack but also to herself.

The long dining table was already set, candles flickering gently in the dimming light. Plates of rich food lined the surface, with help from Sasha and Lily, Isla's own Luna aids, who had been by her side the whole day, making sure everything went smoothly. Ethan, Marcus, and Vivienne arrived early, their presence reassuring. Isla had also invited Damian's parents, the former Luna and Alpha of the pack. Their approval weighed heavily on her, and she could feel the tension in her shoulders as she prepared for the evening.

She adjusted her dress, a simple but elegant blue that complemented her eyes, hoping to project calm confidence. But beneath her composed exterior, a storm was brewing. The discovery of Lyra's upcoming funeral anniversary had unsettled her, and Damian's silence on the matter made her feel like a stranger in her own bond with him.

The sound of approaching vehicles cut through her thoughts. Damian appeared at her side, his presence as commanding as ever, though there was a stiffness in his posture. His hand lightly touched the small of her back, but Isla didn't miss the tension radiating from him.

"They're here," he said quietly.

Isla nodded, glancing up at him. "Are you ready for this?"

"I should be asking you that," he replied with a small, tight smile.

Before Isla could respond, the door opened, and Draven, Astrid, and their group entered. Draven's imposing figure filled the room, his Beta and Gamma standing just behind him, both equally intimidating in their well-tailored suits. Astrid, elegant as always, approached Isla with a warm smile, her Luna aid trailing quietly behind her.

"Isla, this looks wonderful," Astrid said, her eyes scanning the table. "You've outdone yourself."

"Thank you," Isla replied, smiling back. "I wanted to make sure everyone felt at home."

The room quickly filled with conversation as everyone took their seats. Draven and Damian exchanged a few words, the tension between them palpable, but for the sake of diplomacy, they maintained a civil tone. Ethan, Marcus, and Vivienne took their seats, joined by Damian's parents, who gave Isla approving nods as they settled in.

The dinner began smoothly, with laughter and light conversation flowing easily between the guests. Ethan and Marcus shared stories of recent patrols, and Vivienne, always the life of any gathering, made everyone laugh with her witty remarks. But as the meal continued, Isla couldn't shake the weight of what she had learned earlier from Vivienne-the looming anniversary of Lyra's death. She glanced at Damian, who had been silent for most of the evening, his eyes fixed on his plate.

Finally, Isla couldn't hold back any longer. She cleared her throat, cutting through the conversation. "Damian," she began, her voice steady but firm, "there's something I need to ask you."

The table quieted, all eyes turning toward Isla.

Damian looked up, his brow furrowing slightly. "What is it?"

"Why didn't you tell me about Lyra's funeral anniversary coming up in a week?" Her words hung heavy in the air, and the shift in the room's energy was immediate. The warmth of the evening turned cold in an instant.

Damian's expression hardened, and he set his fork down with a sharp clink. "Isla, this isn't the time."

"Then when is the time?" Isla pressed, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "We've been living together for weeks, and not once did you think to tell me about something so important?"

Damian's jaw clenched, and he shot a glance at the others seated around the table. "I didn't think it was necessary to bring it up."

"Not necessary?" Isla's voice wavered slightly, but she kept her gaze steady on him. "How could you not think it was necessary? This is a part of your life, Damian-a part of you. How am I supposed to be a part of your future if you keep shutting me out of your past?"

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Draven exchanged a glance with Astrid, and Damian's parents looked on, their expressions unreadable.

Damian's eyes darkened, his patience clearly fraying. "This isn't about you, Isla. Not everything is about you."

Isla flinched at his words, feeling them like a physical blow. The hurt was immediate, raw. She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor as she pushed it back.

"Is that what you really think?" she whispered, her voice barely holding together. "That I'm making this about me?"

Damian's face softened, realizing too late the weight of what he had said. "Isla, I didn't mean-"

"No," Isla cut him off, shaking her head. "I can't do this right now."

She turned and walked out of the dining room, her heart pounding in her chest. She could hear footsteps behind her-Vivienne and Astrid, no doubt coming to stop her-but she didn't want to be stopped. She needed space, air-anything to escape the hurt that was pressing down on her chest.

Vivienne caught up to her first, her hand gently grabbing Isla's arm. "Isla, don't leave like this."

"I need to, Vivienne," Isla said, her voice trembling. "I need to clear my head."

Astrid appeared beside her, her expression filled with sympathy. "I know this is hard, but you don't have to go through it alone."

Isla pulled her phone from her pocket, ignoring their pleas as she dialed her best friend's number. Her hands were shaking, and she could barely keep her voice steady as she spoke.

"Harper," she whispered when the call connected. "I need you. Can we meet?"

Without waiting for a reply, Isla walked out the front door, leaving the warmth of Damian's house-and the chaos of the dinner-behind her.