Chapter 132: Luna Eva!
Ella.
I slowly walked down toward the arena where the grand ceremony was about to take place.
The entire place was already filled with people.
Pack members stood in orderly rows, while distinguished guests from different packs occupied the seats prepared for them.
Every eye was fixed on the entrance, as everyone waited in anticipation for the two Lunas to be officially crowned.
Beside me, Eva matched my pace with practiced elegance.
Neither of us spoke at first.
Behind us, the omegas assigned to attend to us carefully lifted the long trains of our dresses, making sure the fabric never touched the ground.
Every step was slow, graceful and measured.
The atmosphere around us was solemn, yet beneath the surface, I could almost feel the silent tension between us.
After several moments of silence, Eva finally spoke.
"Your face looks pretty, Ella." She said, as her voice carried a sweetness that sounded pleasant to anyone listening.
But I knew better.
I knew exactly what she was trying to do.
There was mockery hidden beneath those words. A subtle provocation, and she wanted to see my reaction.
Instead of giving her the satisfaction she sought, I simply smiled. In fact...my smile widened.
"Thank you, Eva," I replied pleasantly, as I gently touched the edge of my veil. "The veil seems to add to my beauty." I paused deliberately before continuing. "Our veils are the same color." My eyes slowly drifted toward hers. "But I can’t help feeling yours is even more beautiful." I smiled warmly. "It makes you look extraordinarily pretty."
The compliment had its intended effect.
Eva immediately lifted her chin proudly, and her shoulders straightened with obvious satisfaction.
"Of course, Ella," she replied confidently. "Alex has always showered me with all the attention in the world."She paused dramatically, allowing the words to settle, and then she leaned slightly closer. "So it’s no surprise my veil is more beautiful than yours," she whispered.
A smug smile appeared on her lips.
"But considering we’re friends..." she continued, as she emphasized the word with deliberate sweetness. "And co-Lunas..." She chuckled softly. "I’ll always remember to share whatever Alex gives me with you." Another small laugh escaped her lips. "So you won’t feel left out."
For the briefest moment, I almost scoffed.
The urge was so strong that I nearly failed to hide it.
Fortunately, I managed to suppress it before it showed. Instead, I carefully arranged another pleasant smile on my face—one that looked completely genuine.
"That’s so thoughtful of you, Eva," I answered sincerely, as my voice carried nothing but warmth. "At least now I know I can count on you." I held her gaze. "And I truly hope you’ll have my back in this pack."
I continued smiling as though every word I spoke came from the bottom of my heart.
"So together..." I added, as I paused slightly. "We can both assist Alex in ruling this pack."
The smile never left my face, and neither did hers.
To everyone watching us...we probably looked like two women sharing a peaceful conversation before an important ceremony.
Only we knew the smiles we wore concealed something entirely different.
Eva scoffed quietly, the sound dripping with open disdain.
"Alex told me he only brought you back to pacify the elders of the pack." She said, as she deliberately emphasized every single word, making sure I understood exactly what she meant. "To pacify the elders."
A smug smile slowly spread across her face.
"So," she continued confidently, "I don’t think you’ll be assisting him with anything."
I simply smiled at her, and there wasn’t the slightest trace of irritation on my face. Instead, I answered with remarkable calmness.
"You’re right, Eva." I nodded lightly. "You can handle all the pack matters." I added, as my tone remained pleasant, and almost admiring, and then I paused for a brief moment before continuing. "But I heard that ever since I left..." I slowly turned my head toward her. "...the affairs of the pack haven’t exactly been handled properly."
I allowed the words to linger.
"It definitely can’t be because of your dealings." I added, as my smile widened just a little. "After all... you’re quite capable."
The moment those words left my mouth, Eva stopped walking altogether.
She froze where she stood.
I, however, didn’t stop.
I continued walking gracefully ahead as though nothing unusual had happened.
Several seconds later, I heard hurried footsteps behind me.
Eva quickly caught up with me.
"Of course," she replied through tightly clenched teeth. "I am more than capable."
Her voice remained controlled, but the irritation beneath it was impossible to hide.
I let out a soft laugh.
"Very capable, Eva." I nodded in agreement. "How else could you have managed to become the wife..." I paused deliberately. "And Luna..." I said, as another small smile appeared on my lips. "To another woman’s husband."
"You—!" Eva suddenly shouted, as her raised voice immediately drew attention.
Several nearby guests instinctively turned toward us.
Curious eyes lingered for a few uncomfortable moments.
As though I hadn’t heard Eva at all, I calmly continued walking.
I refused to acknowledge her outburst.
I simply waited.
Eventually, the curious gazes drifted away, and everyone returned their attention to the ceremony.
Only then did I slowly turn toward Eva.
A pleasant smile remained on my face.
"I’m not interested in the pack’s affairs, Eva." I said, as my voice was calm and steady. "You can handle all of that."
I looked away from her once more as we approached the seats reserved for us.
"What I truly want to see..." I muttered, as a quiet chuckle escaped my lips. "...is the moment you unveil your face before the entire world." I glanced sideways at her. "Luna Eva."
Without waiting for a response, I took the remaining few steps toward my seat.
Then I gracefully lowered myself onto the chair reserved on Alex’s right.
Moments later, Eva quietly occupied the seat on his left.
The arrangement couldn’t have been more symbolic.
The instant I settled into my seat, my attention drifted away from everyone around me.
My eyes slowly swept across the gathering—past the pack members, past the distinguished guests, and toward the row reserved for the Alphas.
I searched carefully and patiently, as I was looking for them.
And then in the middle of my search...my gaze landed on someone entirely unexpected.
I froze.
What the hell was he doing here?
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