chapter 14 The choice of a Luna

Alpha Caleb stepped forward, his towering figure commanding attention. "The time has come," he announced, his voice booming across the grand hall. "The time for my son, the future Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack, to choose his Luna, the woman who will rule beside him."

The hall fell silent, tension rippling through the crowd. Excitement and anticipation were etched on every face. This was no ordinary ceremony—this choice would shape the future of the most powerful werewolf pack in the realm.

Alpha Caleb gestured for Prince Ezekiel to step forward. Dressed impeccably, Ezekiel exuded authority and charm. "Thank you all for joining me tonight to celebrate this monumental occasion," Ezekiel began, addressing the crowd with a calm confidence that belied the storm brewing beneath the surface.

Beta Mateo caught Ezekiel's gaze and gave a slight, knowing nod. A smug smile crept onto the Beta's face, sure of what was about to happen. After all, he had already secured Ezekiel's agreement to choose Emily as his bride. Everything had been carefully arranged.

Emily, seated at the front, busied herself with perfecting her appearance. She adjusted her hair and smoothed her red gown, her heart racing with anticipation. This is my moment, she thought, imagining herself walking up to Ezekiel's side as the future Luna.

Ezekiel's voice rang clear and strong. "I, Ezekiel, the future Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack, choose Calista, daughter of Beta Mateo, as my future Luna."

The hall descended into stunned silence. The shock was palpable, followed quickly by an uproar. Confusion and disbelief filled the air, as whispers and gasps erupted from every corner of the room.

Emily froze. Her world felt like it had just shattered into a million pieces. Her body trembled, and she sank back into her chair, shaking her head in denial. This isn't happening. He can't have chosen her, she thought, her nails digging into her palms. Anger and shame burned through her, her hatred for her younger sister consuming her entirely.

Rachel was equally stunned, her jaw tightening as she stood to console her eldest daughter. She placed a hand on Emily's shoulder, offering a whispered reassurance. But deep down, she was seething.

Beta Mateo, however, was not one to stand idly by. He stepped forward, addressing the crowd with a calm, authoritative tone. "My prince, it brings me great joy that you would choose one of my daughters as your Luna. However," his voice grew louder, carrying a note of disdain, "we all know that Calista is a jinxed child. She does not possess the strength or resilience to lead alongside you."

The crowd murmured their agreement, emboldened by Mateo's words. He pressed on, his tone becoming more persuasive. "Why not choose my eldest daughter, Emily? She has already transformed into her wolf form before her eighteenth birthday—a feat that is nearly unheard of. She is strong, capable, and has proven herself to be one of the most talented she-wolves in our history."

The murmurs turned into loud voices of agreement. "Beta Mateo is right," one guest shouted. "Calista is too weak to lead us."

"She's a jinx!" another added. "The Crescent Moon Pack deserves better."

The tension in the room was thick. Ezekiel clenched his fists, his face betraying none of the pressure he felt. He could feel the weight of the crowd's disapproval pressing down on him, but he refused to yield.

"Enough!" His voice thundered through the hall, amplified by the power of his Alpha blood. The room fell silent as the guests cowered under his commanding presence. His once-calm demeanor was gone, replaced by an intensity that made even the strongest wolves tremble. His iris glowed crimson, his claws extended, and his fangs bared in warning.

"I have made my choice," Ezekiel growled, his voice laced with raw authority. "Calista will be my Luna. Let me see who among you dares to challenge my decision."

The hall was deathly quiet. Even Beta Mateo bowed his head in submission, though his jaw tightened in barely concealed rage. He had underestimated the prince's resolve, but the battle wasn't over yet.

Alpha Caleb's face darkened with anger, his displeasure evident. He had hoped his son would marry the princess of the Blood Moon Pack, forging a powerful alliance. Instead, Ezekiel had made a decision that defied not only his father's wishes but also the expectations of the pack.

"The party is over!" Ezekiel barked, storming out of the hall without another word. The tension lingered as the guests began to disperse, disappointment and unease thick in the air.

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The throne room was bathed in the golden glow of candlelight, its regal atmosphere marred by the tension between father and son. Alpha Caleb sat on his ornate throne, his imposing figure radiating fury. Ezekiel stood before him, his expression calm but defiant. Beta Mateo lingered nearby, his face a mask of irritation.

"What was the meaning of that?" Caleb roared, his voice echoing off the walls. He rose from his throne, his towering figure looming over his son.

Ezekiel met his father's gaze without flinching. "Father, I am sorry if I offended you, but Calista is the one I've chosen. She is the one in my heart."

Alpha Caleb's fists clenched. "You know as well as I do that Emily is the better choice. You've thrown away a golden opportunity to strengthen our pack. Do you realize what you've done?"

Beta Mateo took a step forward, his voice dripping with frustration. "The future of this pack is at stake. Emily has the strength, the skill, and the respect of our people. Calista is weak—she has no place as Luna."

"I said enough, Mateo," Caleb snapped, silencing him with a growl. "My son's decision is reckless, but it will not stand."

"Father—" Ezekiel began, but Caleb cut him off with a menacing glare.

"You will marry the princess of the Blood Moon Pack. That is final." Caleb's voice was calm, but it carried the weight of absolute authority.

Ezekiel's jaw tightened. "I will not—"

"If you want to challenge my decision," Caleb interrupted, his voice cold and sharp, "then challenge me for the throne."

Before Ezekiel could respond, the heavy doors of the throne room creaked open. Alexander entered, his presence commanding. "Oh, a family argument," he drawled, smirking. " That is a field my specialty, prince Ezekiel, you are welcome to ask for my advice ."