LUNA ELARA

Chapter 6

The car finally pulled up in front of a massive estate, hidden deep in the woods. Elara stepped out, and was surprised at just how big it was. This was bigger than her former pack house — it was a small kingdom.

"Home sweet home," Dorian said, a slight pride in his voice. "At least until further notice.".

As they walked closer to the middle building, the wolves began to appear. They looked at her curiously, though there was nothing aggressive in their gazes. It was an improvement from judgment she had initially gotten in her former pack.

"Everybody," Dorian yelled, his voice carrying strength. "This is Elara. She will be staying here for a time. Welcome her."

To her surprise, the pack members respectfully nodded. Some even smiled slightly. It was kindness she had never seen in months.

"Come on inside," Dorian said, leading her in. "There is someone I want you to meet."

He led her into a cozy sitting room where an old woman sat waiting. Her silver hair flowed elegantly onto her shoulders, and her eyes were warm at once, putting Elara at ease.

“Elara, this is Mariel,” Dorian introduced. “My adopted mother.”

Mariel stood and embraced Elara without hesitation. “Welcome, dear.”

Elara found herself relaxing into the woman’s embrace, tears threatening to spill. It had been so long since anyone had shown her such unconditional kindness.

---

Over the next few days, she began to settle into life in this new pack. Dorian encouraged her to mingle, to get to know others. It was strange at first, being among wolves who knew nothing of her history, who didn't judge her for past failure.

She met Nessa, a gossipy she-wolf who claimed her right away, showing her the grand tour and introducing her to the rest of them. There was Kalen, head guard of the pack, who issued her a spar challenge when he caught her eyeing the training grounds. And Bella, healer of the pack, who showed her immense quantities of werewolf biology and herbs with unguarded fondness.

All the while, Dorian remained a steady presence. He did not urge her to train or to scheme revenge. He simply ensured she was at ease, that she was getting used to being there.

One evening, as they walked through the pack's expansive gardens, Elara found herself conversing with him.

"I never imagined a pack could be like this," she said. "So. accepting. So nice."

Dorian smiled, a nod of assent. "This is how it has to be. A pack is family, Elara. It should uplift and mend its members, not kill them."

---

Days turned weeks of her being in the new pack.

Dorian didn't keep her waiting to begin her "training," as he liked to call it. It was emotionally and physically stressful. Mornings consisted of aggressive workout routines to try out her werewolf strengths to the limits of endurance. Afternoons involved pack politics lessons, lessons about werewolves, and the tactics of war.

"You must understand the broader picture," Dorian discussed one night beside the fireplace.

Elara stepped in closer, ears pricked up with interest. "What's this?"

The flames danced at Dorian's eyes. "Ancient families, secret councils, continent-wide unions. Conquest battles that go far past simple pack politics."

She could feel the tone shift in the room as he talked. There was something shadowy about Dorian she wasn't aware of before, something so coiled up that her wolf took note.

And where do you fit into this?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

For a moment, she was positive she'd caught a glimpse of something in his eyes. Hesitancy? Guilt? But it was gone so quickly she wasn't sure if she'd even seen it.

"I have my part to play," he said brusquely. "And I'm offering you a chance to discover yours."

---

Weeks became days, and Elara herself was transformed. She was stronger now, not only physically but mentally as well. The submissive, shy Luna she once was seemed a distant memory.

One night, during sparring in the moonlight, she finally pinned Dorian. She looked down at him, both of them gasping, and felt a surge of triumph. and something else. Something that caused her heart to thud in a way that had nothing to do with being physically exerted.

Dorian seemed to feel it too. For a long moment, they stayed frozen, her hands on his wrists, his body beneath hers. Then, slowly, he smiled.

“Well done, Elara,” he said softly. “You’re ready.”

She climbed off him, trying to ignore the way her skin tingled where they’d touched. “Ready for what?”

Dorian stepped, brushing off his clothes. "Ready to move in on your revenge. Time to apply what you've learned."

Fear and excitement warred in her stomach. "What are you going to do?"

His grin was almost feral. "We're going in on a top-level werewolf meeting. Your old pack will be there. including your old mate and his new Luna."

Her breath caught. This was it. The moment she’d been preparing for. But as she nodded her agreement, a small voice in the back of her mind whispered a warning.

Was she really ready for this? And more importantly, did she truly understand what she was getting herself into?

She nodded, trying to hide how nervous she felt. “Okay, I’m ready. Tell me more about this gathering.”

Dorian leaned in close, his voice low. “It’s a big party for important werewolves. All the top packs will be there, including your old one. We’ll go in disguise. You’ll see your ex-husband and that backstabbing friend of yours.”

Her heart raced at the prospect. Part of her wanted to simply turn and run and hide, but another part — the good part — wanted to stand up to them. To show them that she wasn't broken.

"What are we exactly going to do?" she asked.

Dorian's eyes flashed. "We're going to turn everything on its head. Show them you're not the shy Luna they've always thought you were. And maybe. maybe. we'll find secrets that will flip everything around."

She took a deep breath. "Okay. I'm in. When do we go?"

"Tomorrow night," replied Dorian. "Get some rest. You're going to need it.".

As she returned to her room, her mind was whirling. Was she really ready to face Kaelen and Lyra? What if they recognized her? And what secrets did Dorian keep?

She slept fitfully all night, having nightmares of Kaelen's cold glare and Lyra's patronizing smile. By morning, she was more tired than ever.

The day flew by in a blur of desperate last-minute arrangements. Before she knew it, it was dark and Dorian was on her doorstep.

"Ready?" he asked.

She nodded, not sure if she ever actually would be ready. They walked out to his car — the very same one that had brought her home all those years before. As they drove, she couldn't help but question what she'd gotten herself into.

The party was at a huge mansion, even bigger than Dorian’s estate. As they walked in, she was amazed by how fancy everything was. She’d never seen so many important werewolves in one place.

Dorian leaned close to whisper in her ear. “Remember, you’re not Elara tonight. You’re Seren, my date. Keep your eyes open and follow my lead.”

She nodded, trying to calm her racing heart. That’s when she saw them — Kaelen and Lyra, walking into the room like they owned it. Lyra’s hand rested on her stomach. She was pregnant.

The sight hit Elara like a punch to the gut. She must have made a sound because Dorian squeezed her hand.

“Stay strong,” he murmured. “We’re just getting started.”

She stood up straight and took a deep breath. He was right. She wasn't that weak Luna anymore. She was there for a reason. It was time to let them all witness what she could do.

A few minutes later, Dorian told her he was going out for a minute. Apparently, they had finished the first meeting that had been held, and now was the time for the main ceremony — the announcement of the New Lycan King. As Dorian disappeared into the crowd, more guests from other packs arrived. She even spotted familiar faces from her new pack. Surprisingly, Dorian had not said this party was to be for introducing the new king.

The ceremony began, and still, Dorian had not returned. The host approached, stating that the Lycan King would be there any moment. Everyone rose to receive him.

"All hail the King! All hail the King!" the room exclaimed.

When Elara gazed up to view who it was, she stood there rigid where she stood.

"What!"