Chapter 115: Chapter 115: Country Bumpkin Luna
Estelle’s POV
I surveyed the packed room one final time. Every seat was filled. Council members sat rigidly in their chairs while division leaders lined the walls. Even Harold and Nelson looked uncomfortable standing near the back.
Perfect.
“Before we begin,” I said, my voice cutting through the tense silence, “I want to make sure everyone understands who I am and why we’re all here.”
Ernest shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Benedict’s jaw tightened.
“I am Estelle Harper, daughter of James Harper, your previous Alpha.” I paused, letting that sink in. “According to my father’s will, I am the sole heir to the Blackmoon Pack. Until I am mated, I will serve as Luna and sole ruler of this pack, with power equivalent to that of the Alpha traditionally.”
Whispers erupted around the room. Several people leaned toward each other, murmuring in low tones. I caught fragments of their conversations.
“She really is James’s daughter?”
“How do we know for certain?”
“She’s been gone for fifteen years...”
Most people knew that I was their new Luna, but clearly, not everyone knew why. Benedict was, after all, an adopted son. There were rumors going around that I was a distant relative of James Harper. Not everyone knew that I was actually his biological daughter and the legitimate heir.
I waited for the murmurs to die down before continuing.
“I understand that some of you might doubt me.” My eyes swept across the room, meeting each gaze steadily. “You’re wondering why someone who disappeared for so many years should suddenly lead you. You’re thinking I haven’t grown up in Blackmoon. I don’t know your ways.”
Benedict nodded slightly, as if agreeing with these unspoken concerns.
“These doubts are natural,” I continued. “Your lives depend on strong leadership. You have every right to question my qualifications.”
Ernest’s posture straightened. He probably thought I was about to admit defeat.
“However,” I said, my tone sharpening, “I want you to know that I was fortunate enough to grow up in an Alpha’s family. I have managed a pack before.”
More whispers erupted. Geoffrey leaned forward with interest.
“The pack I led was small when I took over. Through careful planning and strategic partnerships, I grew it from a struggling group to a mid-tier pack with significant influence.”
I gestured toward Edmund and Juliet. They both nodded firmly, showing their support.
“These accomplishments weren’t achieved alone,” I added. “I had help from capable people who shared my vision.”
Ernest cleared his throat loudly. “That’s all very impressive, but managing a small pack hardly qualifies—”
“I’m not finished,” I cut him off.
His mouth snapped shut.
“To prove my worth to Blackmoon, I completed a task that previous leadership couldn’t accomplish.” I smiled coldly at Benedict. “I secured trade partnerships with both Tidal Valley and Silverclaw packs.”
The room erupted in surprised voices. Council members turned to each other with raised eyebrows. Even Walter Frank looked impressed. Silverclaw was a small pack compared to Blackmoon’s status, but Tidal Valley was an impressive ally to have. Their Alpha was notoriously difficult to work with.
“Both are powerful allies that Blackmoon has sought relationships with for years,” I continued. “I want to acknowledge that Benedict provided assistance in these negotiations.”
Benedict forced a smile onto his face. He had no choice but to accept the credit graciously, even though we both knew his “help” had been minimal to none. In fact, he was the one who caused the problems to begin with.
“I also want to recognize Edmund, Juliet, and their team for completely transforming our agricultural division,” I added.
Edmund stepped forward slightly. “Luna Estelle’s leadership made these improvements possible. Her vision guided every decision.”
Juliet nodded in agreement.
The positive murmurs grew louder. I could see several council members nodding approvingly. That’s when Ernest stood up abruptly.
“This is all very basic,” he declared loudly. “Any competent leader should be able to secure trade deals and improve the pack’s way of life.”
Ethel, one of the council members who had arrived late, joined him. “The real test of leadership is battle. Can you lead Blackmoon warriors into combat when necessary?”
I tilted my head slightly. “Are you suggesting Blackmoon should be remembered as a violent pack that starts wars for nothing?”
Ethel’s face reddened. “That’s not what I—”
“Because James Harper led this pack peacefully for decades,” I interrupted. “He only fought when defense was absolutely necessary. Are you criticizing his approach?”
The room fell silent. No one wanted to speak against the beloved former Alpha’s memory.
Ethel tried a different angle. “What about your mate situation? You’re unmated. What if you choose poorly? What if you bring in some... country bumpkin who destroys everything Blackmoon has built?”
“Didn’t you hear?” Ernest said, his lips curdling into a smirk. “She has led a pack before. That only happens when she is the Luna of another pack. Unless, you’re saying you’re not actually a Luna for another pack, but just a small-time team leader?”
Several people nodded. This was clearly a concern that had been discussed before.
I smiled. This was the moment I’d been waiting for.
“There is nothing to worry about,” I said calmly. “I’m happy to announce that I am engaged.”
The room went dead quiet. Even the people standing along the walls stopped moving.
“Rest assured, that my position in the other pack was simply the acting-Luna. There was no capable Luna to take over the position, and so I had to step in as payment for living in the Alpha’s household for years,” I said.
“I have since cut off ties with that Alpha and his family upon returning to Blackmoon and repaid my debt. Now, my fiancé is Zayne Silvius,” I continued, watching faces carefully. “The Lycan King.”
The silence stretched for several heartbeats. Then chaos erupted.
“The Lycan King?”
“Are you serious?”
“That’s impossible!”
Ernest’s mouth hung open. Ethel looked like she’d been slapped. Even the supportive council members seemed stunned by this revelation. Benedict, who already knew about this, worked hard to prevent a scowl from showing on his face.
I waited for the initial shock to pass before speaking again.
“Does anyone still have problems regarding my choice of a mate?” I asked, my voice carrying easily over the dying whispers.
The room fell silent again. Every eye was fixed on me.
“Or shall I inform the lycan royal palace that the engagement is to be called off?”
