LUNA CRIMSON

GREAT RESPONSIBILITY

Chapter 10

SERAFINA

"Good morning, Miss Serafina." Beverly's voice streamed into my ears, stirring me.

"Morning..." I replied groggily. "Please call me Serafina; the formality feels awkward," I said sitting up.

Beverly smiled, "Oh, Miss Serafina, Alpha Fenrir will have my head if he finds out."

I sighed, slipping out of my bed; I yawned, stretching my bones. Thoughts of Grandma Flora flooded my mind, an invisible weight resting on my shoulders.

"Beverly, can I get a phone? I must place a call through someone." I said, my fingers intertwining nervously.

"Sure. I will get it while you get ready." She said, her charming smile settling the worry I harbored.

"Thank you."

As Beverly left, I had a quick shower and picked out one of the numerous in the closet. I hoped the bright yellow sunflower dress would reflect my mood after I had a conversation with Grandma Flora and the kids.

Beverly arrived shortly, handing me her phone, I dialed the known numbers and watched it ring.

"Hello." Grandma Flora's voice tinged into my ears.

"Grandma, it's me. Serafina."

"Oh dear." She exclaimed. "How are you doing my child?"

My eyes watered hearing her worried voice, " I am doing great, Grandma; everything is fine over here. You don't need to worry about me. What about you and the kids?" I asked, wiping the tear stain off my face.

"I am better than ever, Serafina. Alpha Robert canceled the contract and even offered to elevate the orphanage. I have been trying to reach you but to no avail. I knew you would be worried sick about us, so I tried to give you the good news. The kids miss you so much."

Fenrir.

Tears streamed down my face in heavy flows, my heart felt lighter than it had ever been. "I am so happy to hear this, Grandma, the kids, can I speak to them? I equally miss them so much."

"Hold on a sec, my dear." She said, not long after, I heard the most cheerful voices ever.

"Serafinaaaaa!" They exclaimed, I endured the ache it brought to my ears, laughing out tears.

"Hey kids, how are you all doing?"

"Daniel here!" Daniel's voice was the loudest. "Hi, Daniel."

"Give me the phone Daniel, we are all here too... Serafina, it's Peace, your favorite." I chuckled. "Hi, Peace."

"Lies Lies, I am her favorite." What seemed like an argument ensued between Daniel and Peace.

"Hello Serafina, it's Stella. I miss you and wish you were here with us. I got a new toy, and I named him Mr. Fenrir; he's a unicorn, and he's like your large friend."

"Oh Stella, that is so beautiful. I missed you just as much; I wish I was there to speak to Mr. Fenrir."

"I believe you will one day. Daniel and Peace are still arguing, so I am going to give this back to Grandma now.

"No!" Faint exclamations ensued, making me laugh out loud.

"Sera." Grandma Flora called.

Happy and fulfilled, I replied, " Grandma Flora."

"Take care of yourself, and never worry about us. I love you and the kids love you too."

"I love you more," I replied and the call went off. I sigh, my lips spreading across my lips.

I turned to Beverly and hugged her tight. "Thank you so much." She patted Mr on the back. "You are welcome, Miss Serafina."

I detached, drying my face. "Call me Serafina, please," I added.

She nodded, "Serafina."

"See, sounds better."

AN HOUR LATER

I stood in the courtroom, it looked fancy and formal, with a lot of elaborate decorations.

Alpha Manos had requested my presence here; Beverly claimed he had something urgent to talk about, so I had to skip breakfast.

"Sit Serafina."

I took my seat around the large twenty-four sitter set, burying my hands under the table.

Fenrir was present, and his thoughts were surprisingly silent; I wondered how he could pull that off. Frederick and his mate Angela, an extra unfamiliar face; Gamma Dominion, and of course, Luna Diane, whose scornful gaze never went unnoticed.

" I know you must be curious as to why we have beckoned on you today, and what I am about to say might not sound so favorable to you, but I believe that you will understand our helplessness in this situation." Alpha Manos's suspense had me on cold feet. I could feel it, his next words were not going to be in my favor.

"You have to become the LUNA of this pack by WEDDING Fenrir, the Alpha." He dropped the bombshell and I froze, my blood running cold.

"Wed?"

Alpha Manos nodded in confirmation of his words.

Don't cry Sera, Don't cry Sera, Don't cry Sera. I heaved a deep breath chanting in my head.

I glanced at Fenrir and he avoided my gaze. "I am sorry." That was all he thought about.

"Why do you look surprised, Serafina? Isn't this what you wanted? Why else would have chosen to come after my son." Luna Diane retorted, but her harsh words were the least of my problems.

Become Luna, of such a great and gigantic pack? That's a death wish and I still very much loved my life.

"I can't," I said after moments of sulking in the news.

Alpha Manos shook his head, "You don't understand, Serafina; I am not asking you to be Luna; I am telling you the title you upheld the moment you stepped foot into this pack. You are Fenrir's mate, and with you is blessed a gift beyond the ordinary. You hear the thoughts of my son. It is long overdue for Fenrir to settle with his fated mate, and The Luna has directed you to us. For what it is worth Serafina, I believe in you."

"But I ..."

Serafina, please calm down; trust me on this; I ed you to calm down." I stared at Fenrir and he was staring back at me, his eyes passing a plea.

I gulped down my spew, feeling my throat dry out. " Alpha Manos, I really cannot thank you enough for your kindness and hospitality, and it may come out disappointing, that I do not know a thing about being Luna."

"You don't have to worry about that, Serafina; Angela here will teach you all the basics before your wedding and coronation in a month., Fredrick said, forcing my gaze to snso in his direction.

"A month!"

"Bring your voice down, you lousy woman." Luna Diane yelled, and I cleaned my mouth shut, biting my lips.

A month to be forever married and tied to Fenrir, a month to shoulder all the responsibilities that come with being Luna.

Somehow, I was surprised that I didn't have a panic attack. "That is all we have to share today, Serafina; I trust that you will do great. All you need is dedication towards your role, you have our support."

I didn't reply, my thoughts a whirlwind mess. "The Elders will meet you tomorrow you must prove your abilities to them so they can accept you and prepare you to face the world." I nodded shaken to express the words that clinged to my chest. A fierce protests.

As the meeting came to an end, I stood up ready to head back to my room and probably soak my sheets with tears.

However, I heard my name, and the voice was unfamiliar. Angela, the slender and tall mate of Fredrick, approached me, a pitiful smile on her face. The last thing I needed.

"Hi." I smiled in response. "Can I walk you to your room?" She offered. I didn't want to act rude; she was going to be my teacher, after all.

"Sure."

We walked out into the hallways.

"I am sorry, I know you must feel down, taking up a great responsibility overnight." she began, initiating a conversation between us.

"Can I say the same for you?" Angela nodded, firing for a split second.

it's not so heartwarming, at least you were given a month. I have trained my entire life. My father, Elder Harrington, thought I was going to be Luna, Fenrir's mate when I was of age, so he trained me from age five until I turned eighteen. To his disappointment and my Joy, Frederick turned out to be my mate." Her voice held this joy, a joy I could relate to whenever I was with Grandma Flora and the kids.

"Why? The lesser responsibility?" I asked.

She shook her head glancing at me, "Love."

I almost gagged at the word; I get why she's happy; she's in love with Fredrick, well, that's great news.

"You don't seem to share my joy? Have you not experienced love before?"

"No, I don't see the essence if it just makes one feel hopeless. On the other hand, it seemed to have a different effect on you." I said, tucking the loose strand of my hair behind my ear.

"Frederick and I were in love before I turned eighteen, I was overjoyed when we became mates, glad that I didn't have to break his heart by getting married to Fenrir. The Goddess was greatly on my side for that part of my life." Her expression suddenly became solemn.

"Is something wrong?"

"We are here." She announced and I stared at the door, recognizing it to be mine.

"Thank you." I said, opening my door, "See you at dinner." Angela said and turned to leave when I noticed a white mushy fox tail behind her as she walked away.

I blinked twice, and it was gone; what exactly was wrong with my vision?