Chapter 228

Hannah

The scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the perfumes and colognes of the attendees. My new crown, though light, felt heavy and unfamiliar around my head as I took my seat.

My throne overlooked the feast reveling below me. Guests swirled around the dance floor to the string quartet playing on the stage. The table in front of me was laden with roast pig and venison and glistening vegetables, but I didn’t have much of an appetite.

Even if I did, I wouldn’t have had much time to eat. Because the line of people waiting to pay their respects to their new Alpha was literally trailing out the door.

Viona settled into the seat beside me, her black gown swishing around her ankles as she got comfortable. “I still can’t believe this is real,” she whispered, leaning in.

I smiled, about to respond when the first group approached the dais: a family consisting of a father, a mother, and two teenagers. They all bowed deeply, and I smiled, gesturing for them to rise.

“Alpha Hannah…” The father wrung his hands. “We wanted to ask... will there be an acceptance ceremony soon? For those who wish to transfer to Silvermoon?”

I felt Viona stiffen beside me, but I maintained my composure. “Oh? Are you considering a transfer?”

The mother nodded. “We... We don’t wish to be part of Nightcrest anymore. Not after Alpha Noah’s recent actions.”

“Despicable,” the father added with a shake of his head.

I could feel the heat of Viona’s anger radiating off of her just at the mention of Noah, but I simply smiled. “Silvermoon will accept all who wish to transfer. Keep an eye out for news on an upcoming acceptance ceremony.”

As they walked away, Viona relaxed slightly. “You handled that better than I would have,” she murmured through clenched teeth.

I continued smiling and nodding to people who approached, handing gifts to the attendant. “It’s best not to show any reaction at the mention of Noah,” I said quietly. “Even if hearing his name makes my blood boil.”

Viona scoffed. “That must take a lot of skill. Skill I don’t have.”

I placed my hand on hers. “You’ll learn in time… Beta.”

Her eyes widened at the title. “I still can’t believe you chose me as your Beta…” She tapped the little phoenix pin on the sleeve of her gown. “Are you sure I’m the right woman for the job?”

Before I could respond, Drake approached next, bowing low. “Alpha Hannah,” he said, a twinkle in his eye. He reached into his jacket and presented a beautiful Faberge egg, its surface gleaming with intricate designs and jewels. He handed it to me, and it must have weighed at least five pounds.

“I figured a fancy egg would be a fitting gift for a bird of prey such as yourself,” he said, then leaned in and winked. “Your wings were magnificent earlier.”

I smirked and handed the egg to my attendant, who took it with the utmost reverence. “Thank you, Drake. It’s beautiful.”

Drake then turned to Viona, extending his hand. “May I have this dance, Beta?”

Viona’s cheeks flushed as she looked to me, as if asking for permission. I nodded, smiling. “Go on.”

I watched as they disappeared into the crowd, arm-in-arm. I was unable to suppress a small smile. If Viona could find love, I’d be happy for her.

Even if I never found it myself again.

My thoughts were interrupted as the Luna Queen approached, flanked by the Luna Council. They all dipped their heads respectfully.

“Alpha Hannah.” Luna Alanna offered me a warm smile and gestured to the Luna closest to her left. She walked up to me and presented an ornate journal. “For you to take notes in at Luna Council meetings, of course,” Luna Alanna explained.

My eyes widened in surprise as I took the journal. “I’ll still be on the Luna Council even though I’m no longer a Luna?”

Luna Alanna nodded. “Of course. We have the utmost reverence for everything you’ve done. You’re making great strides as a woman, not letting this mess get to you and becoming a female Alpha as well as appointing a female Beta. We would be honored to have you on the council.”

Suddenly, I stood and dropped to one knee before her. “The honor is mine. I pledge my loyalty to you.”

The Luna Queen laughed. “Rise, Hannah. There’s no need to kneel. We’re friends.”

Friends. I never thought I would hear the Luna Queen herself refer to me as such a thing, but it made my heart soar.

As I stood, one of the council members spoke up. “In light of the... upcoming wedding,” she said delicately, “we want you to know that our packs will not ally with Alpha Noah. He has proven himself to be a lying cheater.”

“You don’t have to flatter me—”

“We’re not flattering you, Alpha Hannah. We’re fully supportive of you and your leadership.”

As they left, my heart pounded like a war drum in my chest. I barely had time to collect my thoughts when Alvin approached, although his smile—unlike everyone else’s—didn’t reach his eyes.

I felt a sudden lump form in my throat at the sight of him. I hadn’t yet heard how he’d reacted when he was told that he wouldn’t be taking my father’s position after all.

“Congratulations, cousin,” he said, extending his hand. “Care for a dance?”

I glanced at his hand for a moment, unsure. But finally I accepted, allowing him to lead me onto the dance floor. As we moved to the music, I could feel the tension in his grip, his fingers tightening around my waist. His eyes flicked past me, roving the crowd. It seemed he couldn’t bear to look me in the eyes for longer than a moment.

“Are you disappointed about not becoming Alpha?” I asked softly.

Alvin’s smile tightened. “What gave it away?”

I shrugged. “Perhaps you should consider going on one of your usual trips overseas. Find a new woman to comfort yourself.” I couldn’t decide if I was trying to make him laugh or get a dig in. Maybe both.

His eyes lit up at the suggestion. “You know what? I think I will.”

As the song ended, I placed a hand on his arm. “Alvin, you’re still my cousin. You have a place in my court. When you return from your trip, I’d like you to join my personal council. I’m looking for a new public relations officer, and you’re skilled in that field. I’d like to have you on my team.”

Alvin’s eyebrows rose slightly. “You’re certainly a gracious Alpha, cousin,” he said with a dip of his head, his tone unreadable. As he walked away, I was left with an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.

He’ll get over it, I told myself as my fingers came up to touch my crown. He never wanted this. Not really.

The rest of the feast passed in a blur. The party would last all night and likely well into tomorrow, but around midnight, I finally excused myself. My feet were sore from my heels and my back hurt from having to sit ramrod straight all night.

Throughout the night, I couldn’t help but look for one face amongst the crowd: Noah. I’d never admit it, especially not to my friends and family, but I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed that he never came.

But that was just wishful thinking. Of course he wouldn’t come; he was too busy warming what used to be our marriage bed with Zoe.

As I prepared for bed, removing my crown and the intricate phoenix-inspired gown, I couldn’t help but reflect on the whirlwind of events that had led me here. From being Noah’s Luna to becoming Alpha of Silvermoon in a matter of days... It felt surreal.

I was just about to climb into bed when my phone chimed with a message. Curious, I picked it up, my heart skipping a beat as I read the sender’s name.

WhiteRabbit01: “Hey, Alpha. Long time no chat.”