Chapter 73

The day of Marcus's funeral dawned clear and cold, the autumn air crisp with frost that glittered like diamonds in the early light. Werewolves from all territories gathered to pay respects to the fallen Alpha, creating a rare display of unity among normally territorial packs.

The ceremonial grounds had been prepared according to ancient tradition—silver torches marking the sacred circle, the burial platform adorned with symbols of pack, family, and the Moon Goddess herself. Pack members worked through the night to ensure every detail honored their beloved Alpha.

I smoothed my ceremonial Luna robes, the midnight blue fabric embroidered with silver phases of the moon—a stark contrast to Giana's deliberately subdued gray dress. The silver crescent on my neck seemed to glow more brightly today, and I made no attempt to hide it.

"You look every inch the Luna," Kane murmured as he passed me in the hallway, maintaining respectful distance though his eyes conveyed so much more.

His formal attire suited him—the traditional black jacket with silver accents highlighting the strength in his shoulders. Though he stood among Raymond's closest companions by protocol, the silver crescent mark just visible at his collar connected him to me in ways that transcended pack politics.

The Alpha King himself arrived with his entourage, his powerful presence causing a ripple through the assembled wolves. I noticed how Giana immediately made herself less visible, slipping into the background with uncharacteristic modesty under such perceptive scrutiny.

The ancient funeral rites fell to me as Luna. I performed each ritual with practiced precision, pouring generations of training into honoring the Alpha who had been more father than father-in-law to me.

"Flame of ancestors, embrace our fallen Alpha," I intoned, the traditional words carrying across the hushed gathering. "Guide his spirit to the eternal hunting grounds, where he may run free with those who went before."

The ceremonial silver chalice felt heavy in my hands as I completed the ancient blessing. As tradition required, I offered the first sip to Raymond, our eyes meeting briefly over the rim as he accepted it.

For just a moment, I saw recognition in his gaze—a flash of the boy I'd grown up with, before Giana had twisted his mind. Then the moment passed, the familiar fog descending as Giana subtly shifted closer to him.

After the primary ceremony, the Alpha King sought me out, his ancient eyes immediately focusing on the silver crescent.

"Under terrible circumstances, but it is an utmost pleasure to finally meet you, Luna Aurora." he greeted me, his deep voice carrying weight beyond the words themselves. "I have heard much about you."

I wanted to ask who he had heard about me from, but instead returned his kind greeting, “It is an honor, Your Highness.”

From across the room, I noticed Giana watching our exchange, alarm and jealousy barely concealed beneath her perfect mask. Her hands clutched Raymond's arm possessively as she whispered something in his ear.

"Be careful," the Alpha King warned, following my gaze. "Desperation makes even calculated predators reckless."

During the funeral feast, Raymond rose to deliver his eulogy. To my surprise, his words carried genuine emotion that moved many to tears—including me.

"My father believed in the old ways, in honor and sacrifice for the good of the pack," Raymond said, his voice steady despite the grief in his eyes. "He saw strength in tradition, wisdom in our history, and value in every member of our community. I can only hope to someday be worthy of the example he set."

His voice broke slightly on the last words, genuine grief showing through careful composure. This glimpse of the old Raymond stirred complicated emotions—not romantic love, but mourning for what might have been without Giana's interference.

I caught Kane's gaze across the room, and the understanding in his eyes told me he recognized exactly what I was feeling without jealousy or doubt.

After the ceremony, the Alpha King convened a private council meeting for the reading of Marcus's will. The sealed document contained shocking stipulations that sent murmurs through the assembled leaders.

"Raymond's confirmation as permanent Alpha requires unanimous council approval after a six-month probationary period," the Alpha King read, his expression neutral though his eyes were sharp.

Raymond's face registered shock, while Giana's composure briefly cracked, fury flashing in her eyes before she could mask it.

"Furthermore," the Alpha King continued, "during this probationary period, all major decisions regarding territory, alliances, and security must be approved by a majority council vote, with Luna Aurora casting the deciding vote in case of ties."

Gasps erupted around the table. This provision effectively limited Raymond's ability to make unilateral changes—and by extension, limited Giana's influence through him.

The most surprising revelation came last—Marcus had left me a sealed letter with explicit instructions that it be opened only by me.

"This is highly irregular," my father protested, his voice sharp with disapproval.

"But entirely within Alpha Marcus's rights," the Alpha King interrupted smoothly. "The letter will remain with Luna Aurora as specified."

I clutched the sealed envelope tightly, aware of the fury in my father's eyes and the calculating gaze Giana fixed upon it.

Alone in the moonlight garden later that evening, I carefully broke the seal, Marcus's familiar handwriting bringing fresh grief:

"Aurora, if you're reading this, my suspicions were correct. Trust your instincts. The silver crescent shows the Goddess has chosen to right what was forced. Follow your true path with courage. Those who truly love you will stand by your choices. M."

The letter continued on the reverse side:

"What you and Kane have discovered about G must be brought to the council. The evidence is in the fourth volume of pack histories, where I've hidden documentation of her true identity and connections. The Alpha King knows to watch for this. Be careful who you trust—the roots of betrayal run deeper than you yet know."

My hands trembled as I realized the full import of his words. Marcus had been collecting evidence against Giana, anticipating his own death even as he prepared a way for us to expose her.

"You don't have to be strong all the time," Kane's voice came softly from behind me.

I turned to find him watching me with an expression I'd never seen before—open, vulnerable, without a trace of his usual mask.

"I've been strong my whole life," I whispered, feeling the walls I'd built beginning to crumble. "It's all I know how to be."

Kane stepped closer, hesitating before gently taking the letter from my trembling hands. "Then let me be strong for both of us sometimes."

The simple offer broke something inside me. Kane's arms wrapped around me as I finally allowed myself to feel the full weight of everything—Marcus's death, Raymond's manipulation, my father's betrayal, and this new, uncertain connection growing between Kane and me.

"He knew," I whispered against Kane's chest. "He left evidence about Giana hidden in the pack histories."

Kane's arms tightened around me protectively. "Then we'll find it. Together."

Neither of us noticed Raymond watching from the shadows, complex emotions crossing his face as he witnessed the genuine connection between us. By the time I looked up, he was gone, leaving only the scent of confusion and loss in his wake.