The council hall was grand, its high ceilings supported by ancient pillars that seemed to hold the weight of history itself. The air was thick with anticipation as leaders from various packs filled the room, their eyes trained on the pair that stood at the front.
Lucien stood tall, his Alpha presence undeniable, but beside him, Callista stood just as resolute, her spine straight and her head held high. She had come a long way from the unsure girl she once was.
"Welcome," Lucien's voice rang out, his gaze sweeping across the room. "To the gathering of the strongest packs in our territory."
Callista stood beside him, meeting the eyes of every pack leader who had gathered, the weight of their scrutiny heavy on her shoulders.
She wasn't just a girl anymore. She wasn't just Lucien's mate. She was Luna. And today, she would prove her worth.
Lucien's hand brushed against hers, his touch grounding her. He had been through hell to get here, but now he was back—and so was she. Together, they would lead.
"The reason we're here today," Lucien continued, "is to unite. To face the growing threat that looms over all of us. The witches will stop at nothing to tear us apart, but we have a stronger bond. The mate bond. And as of today, Callista is not only my mate—she is Luna of the Blue Moon Pack."
A murmur swept through the council members. Some of them had known her, but most hadn't. They hadn't seen her in battle or felt the power of the bond between her and Lucien. But now, they were about to.
The oldest and most powerful Alpha among them, Alpha Roderick of the Ironclaw Pack, rose from his seat, his eyes narrowing as he examined Callista. "Is she truly worthy?" he asked, his voice gruff and skeptical.
Callista stepped forward, her voice steady but firm. "I've learned what it means to be a mate. To be Luna. I've seen the damage the witches can cause, and I've felt their poison in my soul. But no more. I am here to stand beside Lucien, and I will fight for the pack, for the wolves, and for the future we must protect."
Alpha Roderick didn't speak for a moment. His eyes lingered on her, assessing, weighing her words.
Finally, he nodded. "You have the spirit. And that's enough. We accept you as Luna of the Blue Moon Pack."
The room erupted in applause. The pack leaders all rose, each one acknowledging her with a nod, a few even bowing. The weight of their acceptance hit her hard, but she stood tall.
Lucien's gaze softened, pride in his eyes. He stepped closer to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Together, we will lead. Together, we will unite the packs."
The council continued with their discussions, but now it was clear—Lucien and Callista were in charge, and their bond was unbreakable.
Later that evening, after the meeting had concluded, Lucien and Callista stood on the balcony of the Alpha's mansion, overlooking the vast lands that stretched beyond. The air was thick with the promise of what was to come.
"I've sent word to the other powerful packs," Lucien said. "We need allies, Callista. The witches will attack, but together, we can stand against them."
Callista nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility press down on her chest. But for the first time in a long while, she wasn't afraid. "We will do what we must. Together."
Her hand slipped into his, the bond between them stronger than ever. The war was far from over, but Callista was ready. She was ready to fight for the pack, for the future, and for Lucien.
And as the moonlight bathed the land in silver, she knew their fight was just beginning. But they would face it, not as enemies of fate, but as mates, stronger together.