Chapter 36

Raymond's voice carried through the council chamber with practiced authority as he raised his hands for silence. The pack members fell quiet immediately, their attention fixed on their Alpha and the young woman standing proudly beside him.

"Today marks an important moment for our pack," Raymond announced, his expression solemn. "As we continue to strengthen our position and forge new alliances, we require leadership that demonstrates innovation, dedication, and vision."

I maintained my Luna stance—spine straight, head held high, expression serene—though inside, my stomach twisted with dread at what was coming.

"It gives me great pleasure to officially appoint Giana to the position of Delta," Raymond declared, gesturing toward her with unmistakable pride. "Her contributions to our pack have already proven invaluable, as demonstrated by last night's extraordinarily successful Mating Gala."

A wave of applause followed, though I noted several confused glances among the council members who had worked closely with me on the event. From their expressions, it was clear they recognized the falsehood, yet none spoke out.

Raymond continued, presenting a detailed account of Giana's supposed achievements that mirrored my own work with painful accuracy. "Her woodland theme concept, connecting our dual nature as both wolves and humans... her meticulous attention to diplomatic seating arrangements... her innovative use of moonflowers paired with silver birch to symbolize the connection between earth and sky..."

Each stolen idea twisted the knife deeper. He was describing my plans, my vision, my countless hours of work, and attributing them all to Giana without a moment's hesitation.

From across the room, I caught sight of Alpha Marcus and Luna Elena. Though they maintained proper protocol, their expressions revealed clear disapproval—tight-lipped and stony-eyed as they watched their son elevate his mistress using another woman's accomplishments.

At the back of the chamber, Kane stood absolutely rigid, his jaw clenched so tight I could see the muscle jumping beneath his skin. His hands were balled into fists at his sides, knuckles white with restrained fury.

When Raymond finally concluded his praise, he turned to Giana with a flourish. "Our new Delta will now address the pack."

Giana stepped forward, her expression a perfect mask of humble gratitude. She wore a gown of deep crimson—deliberately close to the traditional Luna blue, yet distinct enough to establish her as something new, something different.

"Thank you, Alpha," she began, her voice pitched to carry throughout the chamber. "I accept this position with deep humility and a commitment to serve our pack with every ability I possess."

Her speech continued with practiced eloquence, weaving false modesty with subtle barbs directed toward me. Each phrase was carefully constructed to elevate herself while diminishing my position—all while appearing gracious on the surface.

"Growth requires change," she said, her eyes briefly meeting mine across the chamber. "And leadership requires recognizing when to step forward and when to..." she paused meaningfully, "step aside."

Several pack members glanced uncomfortably in my direction, clearly understanding the implication.

"I must especially thank Luna Aurora," Giana continued, turning to address me directly with a smile that never reached her eyes. "For stepping aside to allow new leadership to flourish. Her... contribution... has not gone unnoticed."

The veiled insult hung in the air, but I kept my expression neutral, betraying nothing of the rage and humiliation burning within me. I had been trained for this my entire life—to maintain dignity in the face of any provocation.

When the ceremony concluded, pack members approached me with awkward expressions of sympathy poorly disguised as congratulations.

"A lovely ceremony," murmured Beta Wilson's mate, squeezing my hand with genuine compassion. "Though perhaps... unexpected."

"The Gala was truly magnificent," said another, deliberately emphasizing the point. "Your touch was evident in every detail, Luna."

Luna Elena approached last, her expression carefully controlled as she spoke loudly enough for those nearby to hear. "Aurora, your mentorship of Giana shows remarkable generosity of spirit. To share your knowledge and guide someone with no pack experience to such a position... well, it speaks to your character."

Her words were a masterful rebellion—acknowledging my work while making it clear who had truly designed the Gala. Several council members nodded in agreement, their eyes reflecting respect for the elder Luna's diplomatic defiance.

Across the room, I noticed Raymond engaged in what appeared to be a tense conversation with his Beta. Though I couldn't hear their words, the Beta's rigid posture and Raymond's defensive stance told me enough—the appointment was being questioned, and Raymond didn't appreciate it.

More concerning was the pattern forming around Giana. Younger pack members—particularly those from the outer territories—clustered around her with unusual deference. They moved in coordination, almost like a separate unit within the pack, their loyalty clearly aligned with Giana rather than Raymond.

I watched as one leaned close to whisper something in her ear, his expression suggesting he was delivering important information rather than mere congratulations. Giana's eyes darted to me briefly before she nodded and whispered back.

As the assembly transitioned to the formal lunch that would follow the ceremony, I made my way toward a quiet corner, needing a moment to compose myself before facing more hours of pretense.

"Aurora."

Kane's voice behind me was low and urgent. I turned to find him looking even more tense than during the ceremony, his expression grim.

"We need to talk," he said quietly. "Something's not right with—"

"Kane."

Raymond's voice cut through whatever Kane had been about to say. He stood just feet away, his expression cold as he looked between us.

"I believe your security team needs your attention," Raymond said, the command clear beneath the casual words. "Several allied Alphas have concerns about territorial boundaries that should be addressed immediately."

It was a transparent attempt to separate us, but with so many witnesses, Kane had little choice but to comply.

"Of course, Alpha," he replied, his tone neutral though his eyes communicated a silent warning to me. "We'll continue our discussion of security protocols later, Luna."

Raymond watched him go, then turned to me with barely concealed hostility. "You should take your place at the head table," he said. "Your absence would be noticed."

"As yours was during the ceremonial dance last night?" I replied quietly.

His eyes narrowed. "Careful, Aurora. Your position as Luna is traditional, not essential. Don't force me to reconsider its necessity."

The threat was unmistakable, and entirely unprecedented. Never in our pack's history had an Alpha dismissed his Luna, regardless of their personal relationship. That Raymond would even suggest it showed how far things had deteriorated—and how much influence Giana now wielded.

The formal lunch that followed was a study in tension. The pack divided into clear factions—those loyal to traditional hierarchy seated near Luna Elena and Alpha Marcus, those aligned with Giana clustered at the opposite end of the room, while those uncertain of where to place their allegiance occupied the middle ground, watching and waiting.

I performed my duties flawlessly, circulating among guests with perfect Luna poise while acutely aware of Giana holding court from what should have been my position beside Raymond. Kane remained engaged with the security team, though I caught him watching our interactions with calculated intensity.

As I accepted a glass of wine from a passing server, I noticed Giana observing me as well, a satisfied smile playing at her lips. Something about her expression chilled me—not just triumph, but anticipation. Whatever she had planned, today's ceremony was merely a step toward a larger goal.

And somehow, I suspected, both Raymond and I were merely pieces in a game whose true scope we had yet to comprehend.