Chapter 0254

The path ahead was lined with pack members I hadn't met yet. Nathaniel paused to settle Genevieve into a front-row seat before guiding me toward the stage.

Sebastian took my hands the moment we reached the top. His eyes burned with devotion as he led me to a ceremonial table.

"Welcome, Nightshade Pack and honored Blackthorn guests." His voice carried across the gathering. "Tonight, we celebrate the induction of an extraordinary woman as your Luna."

I spotted Gregory, Adrian, Evelyn, Alistair, and Seraphina in the front row. Gregory winked. Evelyn gave a discreet wave.

Sebastian's fingers tightened around mine. "The Moon Goddess has blessed me beyond imagining. Fierce yet compassionate. Strong yet nurturing. She is everything this pack deserves in a Luna."

The crowd erupted. Sebastian mouthed, Ready?

My pulse thundered. Never more certain.

The ritual blade flashed. His blood dripped into the chalice. When my turn came, the sting barely registered. Our essences swirled together in the cup.

His tongue sealed my wound, gaze locked on mine. "Repeat after me, Seraphina."

The vows poured from my lips. The chalice touched them next.

Eight hundred voices exploded in my skull. Valeria surged forward, taming the cacophony with practiced ease.

Sebastian's grin told me he'd noticed. "As Alpha of Nightshade, I present your Luna—Seraphina Blackstone!"

Howls shattered the night as he crushed me against him. The kiss left me breathless.

Later, between greeting well-wishers, I caught Seraphina Grey at the buffet.

"Sweetheart!" She cradled my face, pressing kisses to my cheeks. "Alistair and I are overjoyed for you both."

"Thank you, Lu—"

"Seraphina," she corrected.

I twisted my fingers. "Gregory suggested I ask... Would you mentor me? Teach me to be the Luna they need?"

Her smile outshone the torches. "The honor would be mine."