Chapter 3

Raven’s POV

I could hear whispers around me as I slowly opened my eyes to the blinding light, the beeping of a monitor, and the strong smell of medicine.

I peered my eyes studying the room, catching the sight of Jess, Alpha Orion, along with Enzo, who sat around a table talking in a hushed tone as the realisation of my surroundings settled in.

I was in a hospital; it clicked, and quickly, like a jolt of lightning, all the memories came flooding in. With my shoulder thumping in pain whenever I tried to lift my hand. It throbbed back down to the bed with a loud bang, catching everyone's attention as they spun around rushing to my side as they realised I was conscious.

“Can I get water? Water, please, I rasp out. Enzo held a glass of water with a straw and nudged it toward me, and I sipped slowly.

“Raven, what he has done to you is so... I'm sorry you are going through this.” He said, his voice laced with pain. “I was out on patrol; I had no idea what was going on. I'm sorry I wasn't here for you when you needed me the most.”

“It’s not your fault, Enzo. You were doing your job as I instructed. My shoulder, what’s happened? It’s thumping.” I asked, wincing in pain.

Alpha Orion scooted closer to me, his soft, pale brown eyes etched with concern as he studied me. “He marked her, Raven. After putting you through so much misery and pain, he finally marked her. He severed the chosen mate bond unlawfully; you would no longer be able to feel them intimately, and gradually your shoulder will heal. You've been unconscious for 3 days now; thankfully, your wolf has been so strong, lending you strength when needed. If not, you wouldn't have made it; there are reasons why these laws about severing a chosen mate bond before marking another were put in place. It is normally fatal if not served correctly. You are an exceptionally strong Luna.” He said, as his eyes glistened and his voice laced with a hint of admiration.

Interrupting, Enzo lashed out, ”He completely disregarded the laws and belittled the agreement you both had for that w***e…”

“I would be careful how you address her, Enzo. To avoid getting yourself into trouble, she is your new Luna, and you must respect her just as you did me.” I speak gently with a soft voice, interrupting him.

Yeah, right. She cannot perform Luna duties unless the Luna ceremony has been done and she is sworn into the pack and you hand over, but for now you are still the acting Luna, Raven.” Enzo proceeds, “As per your agreement, you will have to train her until she is deemed fit to take over and is responsible for her duties as Luna. However, due to Alpha Damiens infidelity, he broke the agreement, and now you do not have to do any of that as it is now null and void. Now it is up to you to make whatever choice you must.”

"To think we respected each other," I scoffed, the word tasting like bitter ash on my tongue. "I always knew this could happen; it was inevitable. I've always been prepared for him finding his fated mate. What I wasn't prepared for was this... this level of betrayal."

My voice trembled, barely a whisper. "I understood a kiss, a hug, a fleeting moment of tenderness upon meeting her. I would have supported it. But to be... to be with her within an hour? The primal need to mate with your fated mate is strong, I know. But I thought… I thought what we agreed on was set in stone."

Alpha Orion raised an eyebrow, his gaze questioning. "Agreement?" he echoed, his voice low and dangerous.

"We mated," I began, my voice gaining strength, "because by the age of 24, Alpha Axton had not yet found his fated mate. The Council, and our former Alpha, agreed that if he remained unmated by 25, he would take a chosen mate to strengthen the pack. I grew up in this position, understanding the role of Luna. I also had no mate by the time I reached age 21."

The tension in the room crackled like static electricity. Orion’s gaze narrowed, his expression a mask of controlled fury. He knew the agreement; everyone in the pack did. But his actions… they spoke louder than any words.

This was three years ago, and now, at age 28, he has now found his fated mate. We agreed that if it ever came to this, either of us would step aside for the fated and allow the relationship to brew as it should.

However, owing to how complicated the chosen mate bond is, we must sever it lawfully and follow the rules to prevent causing pain or harm to either party. Something in which he has done the exact opposite and had not considered the damage.“ I heaved a heavy sigh to gather my thoughts.”I will not involve myself in anything about the Lunaship file; since he had not followed through with our agreement, I would also default.

She should lean towards the roles of a Luna; naturally, the moon goddess makes no mistakes. Mating her to an Alpha would mean she has all the qualities of a Luna. I will, however, make sure I assign roles and appoint someone who would help her for the time being to make sure the pack does not suffer. As for Damien, he is no longer my Alpha. Once I am able to find my feet and heal completely, I intend to move far away, severing my ties to him, and go to the pack.

“You will leave? To where? Luna, Jess asked, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Yes, I must leave Jess.” I came here to carry out my duties as Luna, which I have performed wholeheartedly to the best of my ability. I have strengthened the pack as well as the Alpha during my time of service. I guess my job here is done, and I will not sit quietly and let them disrespect me in such a manner.“ I let out softly,”

If Damien had held up his own end of the bargain, I wouldn't have been this hurt, and maybe things would have played out differently. I had no intention of hitting in the way of their love; rather, I was going to help forge and strengthen it, but they clearly do not deserve me.

“B—but where will you go, Raven?” Enzo asked, his voice cracking with emotion.

"With me?" My eyes darted quickly to his, wide with a mixture of shock and disbelief. Alpha Orion held my gaze, his pale brow eyes steady and unwavering. "You should come with me," he repeated, his voice firm.

"Crescent Moon is strong; we are a close-knit pack. You'll be near Enzo and Jess, and you can find your place within us. You'll have opportunities to grow and contribute in ways that make you feel fulfilled."

"You... you would do that for me?" I breathed, still staggering from the unexpected but amazing offer.

He nodded firmly. "You've shown tremendous strength. To wake up after three days, after what you've been through. It's something I've never seen before.

I slept for two weeks when it happened to me. You're… well, you're an inspiration."

"Not only that, but you were amazing at the meeting," he added, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You opened a lot of eyes that morning. It’s not every day someone walks in and changes the game like you did. We’d be lucky to have you join our pack.”

"Oh! The meeting!" I exclaimed, suddenly remembering. "I missed the dinner..." I trailed

“Don’t worry; everything has already been taken care of. Once I have returned to Crescent Moon, I will ask for a meeting with Beta Lesley. I will also request a meeting with the Grandhound Pack, the Night Howl Pack, and the rogues. We can decide how to proceed from there. You were right; we need to be unified as one front,” he declared efficiently.

Did you arrange all of this yourself? I stared wide-eyed.

I believe this is the right decision and the best thing to be done. Thank you so much for your help with everything.“ I add on, a smile forming on my lips, softly revealing my gratitude. ”What did Alpha Damien have to say about everything?”

The atmosphere became still and quiet, followed by a long pause as tension hung heavy in the room; they exchanged weird glances amongst themselves quickly.

“Enzo…?” I asked quietly.

“Sister, we really had no say in any of it. They've been locked up in that room for three whole days. I knocked on the door to get Alpha Damiens attention when the meeting was about to start under Alpha Orion's orders but was met with a loud Get lost. With that I took my cue to take up the role of acting Alpha of this pack as Alpha Orion helped out in sorting out the meeting and gaining the support of other Alphas. Once you were stabilised, I could care less about any of them; I moved back to Dad's cottage, as being near Damien irks me.” Enzo says, his face wrinkling in guilt.Q

“Of course, brother. I understand; you've shown incredible strength and loyalty. Your ability to step up when the Pack needs you shows that you are a great asset to this Pack. Thank you.” I added on, with a heart full of gratitude.

“We will leave you now. Get some rest, Raven; the doctor will monitor you just to make sure nothing else arises. I will arrange your belongings, and you'll be ready to leave by the break of dawn.“ Jess said, as she lurched back into the room gently.

“Alpha Orion, may I be allowed one question?” She asked as his eyes searched her. He replies with a nod.

“Is it possible that I travel with Raven to join the Crescent Moon Pack? She has been my friend for 17 years before she ascended as Luna. I see no reason to remain here; she is my only family here, and it is clear that my mate isn't within this pack. Maybe he would be in yours.”

A smirk flickered across his face. "I've been waiting for you to ask me that question. Of course, Jess. Get yourself ready; we leave at 11:00 AM. We'll sever the pack ties when we depart. If you will excuse me, I need to get my Beta to put things in place for your welcome ceremony and accommodation. Good night, everyone.” He says his eyes fixated on mine as he flashed a small smile before taking his leave.

“Wow, Raven. What do you think, huh? That man is a total demigod. Jess praised.

“He’s okay, I guess.” I said, blushing from ear to ear, “But let’s not forget he is soon to be Alpha; keep those thoughts locked up in your head from now on, Jess.”

With a chuckle she replied, “Looks like another Alpha has his eyes set on you, Rave.” With that she exited the room, still chuckling to herself.

“Enzo, am I doing the right thing?” I ask, my voice barely audible above a whisper.

“Yes, Raven.” He answered without hesitation. “You are." What Damien did to you is unforgivable. It’s a disgrace to his title and the pack. But you—Raven, you’ve shown strength I’ve never seen before. The pack will feel your absence, but I’ll do everything in my power to keep it standing.”

If I weren't Beta, I would have packed up my bag and followed you; however, you should know that Damien must have the wrath of the council, and he will stand trial for his actions. I need to be here to make sure of that; somebody needs to pick up the pieces.” He resounded.

“I couldn't think of anyone more suitable for the job, Enzo. Our parents would be so proud of what you have turned out to be if only they were here. I need to rest and regain my strength. Come say farewell to me in the morning." I reply quietly as my eyelids begin to sag.

“Of course, Raven. I'll be here at 7:00 am to get you ready and sorted out. Sleep well, sis.”