Chapter 0374

The dinner announcements went smoothly, just as we'd hoped. Later, I sank into a steaming bath, silently blessing Seraphina for the muscle-soothing salts she'd gifted me. The rest of the week became a blur of activity.

Mornings and afternoons were now spent training with Victor and Leopold. Our afternoon sessions stretched to three grueling hours—the first two mandatory for all pack warriors, the final hour reserved for tournament hopefuls. We learned each pack could only send their top twenty fighters, meaning our members would have to battle for the honor of representing Sanctuary. Victor and I exchanged proud glances at the overwhelming number of volunteers—our pack members were fiercely proud of their new home.

On Tuesday, we received the official word. Alpha Alistair verbally confirmed Sanctuary's recognition as an official pack. By Wednesday, Victor informed Sebastian that 250 of our nearly 300 members wanted paid work rebuilding our territory. The number stunned me—virtually every adult volunteered. Victor just smirked. "Our people started with nothing, Isolde. Most fled their old packs with only the clothes on their backs. They understand the value of building something lasting—especially when it provides for their families."

Sebastian agreed to bring his construction foreman Friday afternoon before staying for Saturday's ranked member ceremony. We'd also invited Adrian, Evelyn, Alistair and Seraphina to witness our official pack founding—they'd helped make this possible.

Hunters brought in three wild boars for Saturday's feast. The packhouse buzzed with excitement over hosting three visiting Alphas and Lunas. Isabelle ensured guest rooms were spotless with fresh linens, while Gwendolyn and Lillian reworked Monday's schedules—nearly every kitchen omega had requested rebuilding shifts.

The menu took shape: slow-roasted pork with potato salad (thanks to our surplus harvest) and macaroni salad (using the pasta I'd stocked). Baked beans simmered with boar bacon, accompanied by fresh-baked rolls.

Friday morning, I was finalizing details when two pack members approached. The kitchen fell silent as a woman stepped forward.

"Luna." Her voice made me turn. Every eye watched us.

"I'm Isabella, Nathaniel's mate."

"Pleasure to meet you." I kept my tone light, though the tension prickled my skin.

"Luna, you should know—I was a seamstress before joining Sanctuary. My husband and I restored a sewing machine we found."

"That's wonderful! Our pack desperately needs clothing we can't yet afford to buy."

She smiled, glancing at the others. "Which brings me here. The women of this pack want to thank you and Alpha Victor for giving us a home where we're valued. We know there's no budget for a ceremony gown..."

"The pack's founding matters more than my outfit," I interjected.

Isabella shook her head. "With respect, Luna, we disagree. When you stand before neighboring Alphas tomorrow, you should shine as our Luna deserves." She gestured, and another woman presented a rose gold gown—V-necked, with elbow-length flared sleeves and a thigh slit. Tiny sequins caught the light, elegant without ostentation.

My throat tightened. Fingertips brushed the delicate fabric. "I... don't know what to say."

"Say you'll wear it," someone called.

Tears threatened as women crowded around me. "It's breathtaking. Thank you—all of you."

"Isolde?" Victor's concerned voice cut through the chatter. He must've sensed my emotional spike through our bond.

"Look what they've made." I held up the dress, watching pride soften his features.

He pulled me close, lips brushing my temple. "Stunning. Thank you for honoring your Luna this way."

Isabella beamed. "We made dresses for Beta Lillian and Gamma Seraphina too, but wanted to surprise Luna before Alpha Sebastian arrived."

"Let me hang that for you," Isabelle offered.

"I'll take it." Cradling the gown, I addressed the room. "This means more than words can express."

In our bedroom, I hung the dress with reverent care. Studying the intricate handiwork—likely costing these women their last coins—my heart swelled until it ached.