Chapter 78

The ceremony for Giana's appointment as Delta began at sunset, with the pack hall transformed into an elaborate showcase of her rising power. The crimson accents she'd insisted upon caught the torchlight, creating an atmosphere more suited to conquest than traditional pack hierarchy.

Hundreds of pack members filled the ceremonial space, their formal attire creating a sea of silver and blue—the traditional colors of Blood Moon Pack. Yet Giana's crimson touches stood out like drops of blood against the familiar palette, a deliberate statement that hadn't gone unnoticed by the traditionalists present.

I took my position as Luna, wearing my ceremonial robes with the silver crescent prominently displayed. The midnight blue fabric, embroidered with phases of the moon in silver thread, had been worn by Luna women for seven generations. The weight of tradition settled around my shoulders like a mantle, reminding me of the responsibility I bore to preserve what mattered while navigating this dangerous political landscape.

The traditional blessing of a new Delta required Luna participation, and I would perform my duties flawlessly while observing which pack members aligned with Giana. Years of training had prepared me for such ceremonies, though none had felt as fraught with hidden meaning as this one.

Kane maintained careful distance during the public ceremony, though our subtle signal system remained active. His three operatives, disguised as Raymond's security, positioned themselves strategically throughout the hall. To the casual observer, they appeared to be standard protocol, but I recognized the tactical positioning Kane had taught me to identify.

As the ceremony progressed, I presented the Delta medallion with practiced grace, my voice carrying the ancient words across the assembled crowd. "By moonlight and blood, by tradition and honor, we welcome our new Delta to serve Blood Moon Pack."

Giana accepted the medallion with perfect humility, but her eyes held triumph as she scanned the crowd. Many pack members cheered enthusiastically—younger wolves and ambitious council members who saw opportunity in her rise. Others maintained polite applause, their expressions carefully neutral.

During her acceptance speech, Giana made subtle references to "modernizing outdated traditions" and "strengthening bonds with neighboring territories." To most listeners, these sounded like reasonable improvements. Kane and I recognized them as veiled references to her alliance with the Rogue King.

"Some customs bind us to the past when we should embrace the future," she declared, her voice carrying across the hall with practiced authority. "Unity sometimes requires change, and change requires courage from those willing to lead."

The words were carefully chosen, appealing to ambitious pack members while maintaining plausible innocence to traditionalists. I noticed several younger wolves nodding enthusiastically, drawn to the promise of advancement in a "modernized" hierarchy.

Raymond watched from the Alpha's throne, his expression distant and somewhat troubled. I noticed moments when his attention sharpened, particularly when Giana deviated from traditional ceremonial language. The fog of her influence seemed thinner tonight, perhaps weakened by the lingering effects of whatever substance she'd been using to control him.

After the formal ceremony, the reception provided opportunities for political maneuvering. I strategically reconnected with key pack members, rebuilding alliances while carefully gauging their loyalty. The conversations revealed concerning divisions—supporters spoke of Giana with genuine enthusiasm while traditionalists expressed private concerns about rapid changes.

Elder Morris approached during the festivities, his weathered features grave as he surveyed the transformed hall. "The old ways are being forgotten too quickly," he murmured, clearly troubled by the ceremony's modifications. "Your grandmother would have recognized none of this pageantry."

"Traditions exist for good reasons," I agreed quietly, noting how his words carried to several nearby elders. "They connect us to our ancestors' wisdom and protect us from repeating their mistakes."

Kane's subtle signal caught my attention—a casual adjustment of his wolf pendant indicating he'd identified potential allies among the younger warriors. Several seemed uncomfortable with Giana's supporters, whispering among themselves near the hall's periphery. Their body language suggested growing unease with the factional divisions becoming apparent throughout the pack.

Giana held court at the ceremony's center, accepting congratulations while her supporters formed an increasingly obvious faction. The division within our pack was becoming undeniable, drawn along lines of tradition versus supposed progress. What concerned me most was how organized her supporters appeared—this wasn't spontaneous enthusiasm but coordinated political maneuvering.

Late in the evening, I overheard a conversation that sent chills through me. Two of Giana's supporters, emboldened by wine and perceived victory, spoke in hushed tones near the ceremonial altar. Their words carried just far enough for me to catch fragments that confirmed our worst fears.

"The border adjustments are nearly complete," one said, his voice thick with self-importance. "Once the eastern passages are secured, our allies will have clear access to the interior territories."

"The timeline remains unchanged?" the other asked, glancing around nervously. "After tonight's success, surely we can accelerate—"

"No changes," the first interrupted sharply. "The Alpha Council meeting approaches. Everything must be ready, but not before. Timing is crucial to the broader strategy."

I touched my left earring—the extraction signal Kane and I had arranged. Within moments, he appeared at my side with casual efficiency, his expression relaxed despite the urgency I knew he felt.

"The evening grows late," he observed smoothly, his voice carrying just the right note of polite concern. "Perhaps we should ensure the Luna's quarters are properly secured before retiring."

His words provided perfect cover for our departure while maintaining the appearance of routine protocol. As we moved toward the exit, I caught several pack members watching our interaction with interest—some with approval, others with calculation I found troubling.

As we departed, I caught Raymond watching us with an expression I couldn't decipher. For a moment, his eyes held unusual clarity before Giana claimed his attention, drawing him into conversation with visiting dignitaries.

Back in my chambers, Kane and I reviewed what we'd observed and overheard.

"The factions are clearly defined now," I said, analyzing the evening's interactions. "But Giana's support isn't as universal as she pretends."

"The traditionalists are wavering," Kane agreed. "They're uncomfortable with the changes but afraid to oppose them openly."

"And Raymond?" I asked, though I already knew Kane's assessment.

"Fighting harder against her influence. The ceremony seemed to crystallize something for him—moments of genuine resistance I haven't seen before."

We were interrupted by an urgent communication from Kane's operatives. "Border patrol reports unusual activity in the eastern territory," the message read. "Request immediate consultation."

Kane's expression darkened as he processed the implications. "They're moving faster than anticipated."

"What do you mean?"

"The Rogue King's forces. They're positioning for something bigger than we realized."

As if summoned by our conversation, a formal message arrived bearing the Alpha King's seal. Kane broke it carefully, his expression growing grave as he read.

"We're summoned to a private meeting," he said finally. "Dawn, at the sacred grove. The Alpha King has intelligence we need to hear."

I nodded, understanding the urgency. Giana's ceremony had been more than a simple promotion—it was a signal to allies that their plans were advancing on schedule.

"Tonight changes everything," I said quietly, touching the silver crescent at my neck. The mark had grown warmer throughout the evening, responding to some unseen tension in the air.

Kane's hand covered mine, our connection providing stability in an increasingly dangerous situation. "Then we'd better be ready for what comes next."

Outside, the sounds of celebration continued as pack members honored their new Delta, unaware that the ceremony they'd witnessed marked the beginning of a larger, more dangerous game. Giana had publicly claimed her position of power, but she'd also revealed the scope of her ambitions.

The Alpha King's summons suggested he'd reached similar conclusions. Whatever intelligence he possessed would likely confirm our worst fears about the conspiracy we'd uncovered.