Fate of the Lost Moon

Chapter 17

Rowan’s POV

I leaned against the doorframe of my room, absently tapping my fingers against the wooden surface as I overheard snippets of conversation outside. News had spread quickly through the pack about the shifting ceremony planned for tonight—a pivotal moment for both Cassandra and Stephanie. My thoughts immediately gravitated toward Steph.

“Are you serious? Tonight?” I murmured to myself. “Seems like the tension between those two is about to reach a breaking point,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “Cassandra’s finally going to have to face the fact that her sister isn’t wolfless anymore.”

Lucius growled low in my chest, his frustration mirroring my own. There’s something off about this, Rowan. We need to look out for her. She deserves to feel safe in her own skin.

I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that had settled over me. The ceremony would be a public affair, with the pack’s eyes on them, and I knew that the weight of expectation could be overwhelming. For Cassandra, the future Luna. But for Stephanie, who still struggled under the shadow of her sister’s ambitions.

“Let’s check on her,” I said, pushing away from the doorframe. Lucius agreed, his excitement bubbling beneath the surface as we made our way through the pack house.

I found Stephanie in the garden, her lilac eyes reflecting the soft light of the setting sun. She seemed lost in thought, unaware of my presence at first. I watched her for a moment, noting how the breeze played with her hair, making it dance like moonlight on water.

“Hey,” I called softly, stepping closer.

Her head snapped up, and a smile broke across her face. That smile could light up the darkest night, I thought, feeling Lucius stir with interest.

“Rowan! What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice a melody in the quiet evening air.

“I heard about the ceremony tonight. Just wanted to make sure you’re okay,” I replied, leaning casually against a nearby tree.

Her expression shifted, and I could see the conflict beneath the surface. “I’m fine. Just...thinking.”

“Thinking about what?” I pressed, my curiosity piqued.

She hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. “About everything. This ceremony, my sister, my wolf...”

Lucius nudged my mind, urging me to reach out. She needs you to be strong for her, Rowan. She feels lost, like a ship at sea.

“Stephanie,” I said gently, “it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s a big night for you, too. Just remember, no matter what happens, I’m here for you.”

She looked down, biting her lip, and I could sense her hesitation. “Thanks, Rowan. I really appreciate it.”

The silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken words. There was something more I wanted to say, something my heart ached to express. While I could feel the connection between us deepening, there was an elusive barrier that held it back, leaving me frustrated and confused.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The air crackled with tension, and I could sense something was off. Why isn’t she telling you everything? Lucius growled, pacing restlessly in my mind.

“Steph, do you think—” I began, but she cut me off.

“Rowan, I—” she started, her voice trembling slightly.

I could feel the weight of her emotions, the storm brewing just beneath her surface. “You can tell me anything,” I urged, stepping closer.

At that moment, I caught a flicker of something in her eyes—fear, perhaps? Doubt? But then it was gone, replaced by a mask of determination. “I’m just...nervous, I guess. What if I mess up? What if things don’t go as planned?”

“Everyone will be rooting for you, you know that, right? Especially me,” I reassured her, a small smile tugging at my lips.

A glimmer of hope crossed her face, and Lucius stirred within me, sensing her growing confidence. We can be her anchor. She needs to feel secure tonight.

“Thanks, Rowan,” she said softly, and I noticed how her shoulders relaxed a little, the tension easing from her posture.

As I turned to leave, I caught a glimpse of the setting sun casting a golden hue over her, and for a moment, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to have her by my side, fully bonded and completely ours.

“Before I go, though,” I added, flashing her a grin, “I heard another ridiculous rumor about you.”

She raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Oh? What is it this time?”

“Apparently, there’s a story going around that you have a secret power: you can make plants grow just by singing to them. And that you’re planning to start a botanical symphony tonight during the ceremony!” I chuckled, enjoying the lighthearted moment.

Stephanie laughed, the sound brightening the atmosphere. “Really? A botanical symphony? That’s a new one! I should have known they’d come up with something like that!”

“Just wait,” I said, grinning back at her. “Next, they’ll say you’re going to turn the entire pack into plant-based werewolves.”

She shook her head, still chuckling. “That would be one way to deal with the pressure, I guess!”

We shared a laugh, and for that brief moment, the tension slipped away.

As I made my way back inside, my mind swirled with thoughts of the night ahead. I wanted to be there for her, to support her, and yet the unfulfilled bond between us lingered like a ghost in my heart.

Stephanie’s POV

After Rowan left, I felt a warmth radiate in my chest, a sense of comfort that lingered even as the sun dipped below the horizon. But why hadn’t the mate bond snapped?

Hera stirred within me, her presence a gentle whisper in my mind. Maybe it’s because of the turmoil surrounding this ceremony. The fear, the pressure. It’s affecting him, too.

And yet, I thought, glancing back at the retreating figure of Rowan, there’s a spark between us that I can’t ignore.

As I leaned against a tree, I let out a slow breath, considering the weight of the upcoming ceremony. Cassandra’s excitement could overshadow my moment, I worried, feeling a tug of uncertainty about sharing the stage with her.

“Do you think it will be okay?” I asked, addressing Hera, who seemed to radiate warmth and understanding.

We’ll make it work, Stephanie. You just need to believe in yourself. You’re stronger than you think.

Artemis, who had remained quiet until now, added playfully, And if things go awry, I’m more than ready to show our true strength. I’m hiding for as long as we need to!

But we agreed, I reminded her, for my safety and to keep this bond from being exploited.

I know, Artemis replied with a teasing tone, but it’ll be hard to stay quiet if things get dicey tonight!

I chuckled softly, a mix of anxiety and amusement bubbling to the surface. The two of them, my wolves, were my anchors in this chaotic sea of emotions.

I closed my eyes, envisioning the ceremony—the moment I would finally reveal Hera to the world. Would everyone be as accepting as I hoped?

As I prepared myself mentally, I sensed Rowan’s earlier presence lingering, his warmth radiating through my thoughts. The mate bond was elusive, but my heart ached to know him fully.

Maybe tonight would be the night when everything changed. When I’d not only claim my wolf but also understand what it truly meant to have a mate.

I smiled softly to myself, my resolve solidifying. I won’t let fear control me. Tonight, I’ll show everyone who I am.