Elara had never expected Erica to be at the event. But she's there, standing, making every unmated Alpha look at her like she was a delicate jewel. She's beautiful. She's every Alpha wanted to be a Luna.
She had a sharp jawline and cool blue-grey eyes, which made it clear that she was someone of importance; she was, after all the daughter of the strongest pack in North.
Elara had a list of all the people attending, but it was natural that she wouldn't know everyone here—most of the guests were unfamiliar. But when Erica's eyes suddenly landed on her, the younger woman took her in from head to toe with a frown. Elara fought the urge to smooth out her dress. It was almost as if Erica's face hardened, and her eyes slanted with a hint of malice.
Elara's heart began to race as Erica's stare bore into her. There was something about her, something Elara couldn't quite place, that made her wolf stir in uneasy recognition.
It wasn't until a moment later that Elara realized Erica wasn't alone. Standing next to her was none other than Guinevier, Kaelan's younger sister, tall and with blonde hair and a body that everyone, including her, wished for.
The sight of her only added to Elara's discomfort. Her gaze flicked back to Erica, and she recognized the woman's poised elegance. It was no surprise they were friends—they both exuded a kind of beauty and confidence that made Elara feel out of place.
Despite her hesitation, Elara forced herself to walk over. She needed answers. She needed to know where Kaelen was and if everything was alright. Though Elara had no idea why her sister was here.
When Elara reached them, Erica didn't even glance in her direction. She was too busy whispering something to the woman beside her. Elara felt a twinge of nervousness, but she pressed on, trying to ignore the unsettling energy radiating from them.
Lance, Erica's adoptive brother who was also their cousin, was the first to acknowledge her. His eyes narrowed as he looked her up and down, a look of distaste curling his lips. Elara winced, remembering the history between them, the constant tension, the insults, the way he never seemed to believe her side of things. She had hoped that maybe, just maybe, he had changed. But it seemed she was wrong.
He turned toward Erica, speaking in a low voice that only added to the thick tension hanging between them. It didn't take long before Elara's heart sank further, realizing the words were not good. The whispers around them grew louder.
Lance's voice cut through the noise, directed at Elara with a growl.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
The growl made Elara flinch, her heart skipping a beat. She took a step back instinctively, the force of his voice making her feel small, exposed. He took a step toward her, his cold eyes filled with contempt, making Elara's wolf growl in warning.
"I-I'm the Luna," she stammered, her voice trembling as she tried to introduce herself, hoping to de-escalate the situation but Lance wasn't having it. His harsh voice rang through the room, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
"I know who the fuck you are, but that doesn't explain what you're doing here," he snarled, his eyes flashing with anger.
Elara's pulse quickened, but she kept her composure, knowing she couldn't let the situation get out of hand.
"I'm the Luna here, that's why I'm here," she answered, hoping the title would at least give her some authority in this strange confrontation.
But Lance wasn't done. He stepped closer, his towering presence blocking her retreat. His blonde hair glinted like gold under the lights, his sharp features even more intimidating.
Elara took another step back, but there was nowhere for her to go. He was closing in on her, the distance between them shrinking with each heartbeat.
"Luna?" He scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. He turned to Erica, "Didn't she know?"
Erica shrugged.
Lance glanced at Elara, filled with menace.
"You have the nerve to show your face here? At my sister's Luna's introduction and then disrespect her? Or didn't he even tell you?"
Confusion gripped Elara.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she tried to explain, but the words faltered on her lips as Lance cut her off.
"Erica, why is this bitch here?" He spat the words with venom, his eyes blazing.
Erica, standing just beside him, sighed softly, her demeanor poised and elegant despite the tension. She flicked a glance at Elara and smiled coolly.
"Apparently she doesn't know."
"Oh, poor her," Lance added, laughing mockingly, rolling his eyes as if the very sight of Elara was beneath him.
The room seemed to hold its breath as whispers swirled around them. The atmosphere shifted from elegant to charged with hostility, and all eyes were on Elara. She could feel every gaze piercing through her, but none of it helped her understand why they were treating her this way.
Then came the introduction, one that rocked Elara to her core.
"This is our Luna Erica and her brother, Lance," Guinevier introduced, even if Elara already knew who they were. "Finally, I have a worthy sister-in-law," she added, announcing proudly, her voice carrying through the room.
Luna Erica.
The words hit Elara like a punch to the gut. She had never expected her younger sister to be here, especially not as Luna of the Blue Moon Pack. The realization began to settle in, but Elara still couldn't make sense of what had happened. Why was Erica here, and who was her mate? Why hadn't she told her?
"Thank you, Guin," Erica proudly said, and touched her shoulder.
"I don't know what you guys are trying to say, but I won't accept disrespect in my own pack," Elara said, voice faltering.
"Your pack?" Lance sneered. "As far as we know, you're not Luna yet."
"I'm Kaelen's mate, and I am the Luna," Elara corrected, her voice trembling with a mix of defiance and pain.
Lance laughed, the sound dry and humorless, looking at Erica with a smug expression. Erica merely shrugged, a casual smile on her lips. Elara could feel her face flushing with embarrassment.
"If you're his mate, then you haven't been doing a good job," Lance said with a cruel grin. "He's been between my Erica's legs every chance he gets. He's practically fucked her everywhere when they met."
Elara froze, her mind reeling with the brutal words. She couldn't breathe. The world around her began to shift, the laughter, the music, the whispers—all of it felt far away.
"That's a lie," she whispered, barely able to find her voice.
But Lance's smile only widened, a look of victory in his eyes.
"Oh, poor you, you're still naive, Elara, always. Like always."