Then, my father spoke. His voice carried the weight of authority, leaving no room for argument.
"What do you mean by that? It doesn't matter if you are eighteen or not. The moment you come of age, you will take over as Alpha—whether you like it or not."
I clenched my jaw.
Of course.
The conversation was never really about finding my Luna. It was about forcing me into my role.
"But my birthday is on Monday," I pointed out, the realization clicking instantly. "That's the same day as the school camping trip. It's a mandatory event."
"We know," my father said, completely unfazed. "That's why we've decided to hold your coronation that day."
I stiffened.
What?
"But—"
"No buts." His tone was final. "Your education means nothing compared to your duty as Alpha. Your life belongs to the Blood Moon Pack. Do you understand me?"
I sucked in a sharp breath, my hands clenching into fists beneath the table. There was something off about his reaction. My father wasn't the type to get angry over trivial things.
Something was wrong.
And he was hiding it.
Before I could press further, my mother finally spoke.
"Dear, calm down," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "It's only one week. Who knows? Maybe he'll meet his mate at the camp."
A deep scowl formed on my father's face. "And what if he doesn't?"
She smiled knowingly. "Then we can arrange something."
His expression relaxed slightly at her words. "Fine. The coronation will be postponed, but only for one week."
Then he turned his sharp gaze back to me.
"You must find your mate during that time," he warned. "If you don't, I will personally select an Omega for you to marry."
Shock coursed through me.
What?!
My father was always a strong believer in fated mates—why was he suddenly trying to force me into an arranged marriage?
Before I could demand answers, the oldest elder in the room—a man with white hair and deeply wrinkled skin—finally spoke.
"Future Alpha," his voice was heavy with importance, "it is crucial that you find your Luna. A great calamity is upon us."
Silence filled the hall as his words sank in.
"The goddess spoke to me in a dream," he continued. "She has warned of an ancient prophecy."
I narrowed my eyes. "What prophecy?"
The elder's gaze bore into mine.
"In the heart of the forest, the pack has lived under the shadow of a curse for centuries," he said. "A curse that the goddess herself temporarily sealed away. But the seal is weakening.
She spoke of a prophecy—a future Luna destined to rise. The Alpha's fated mate, the only one capable of breaking the curse and bringing balance to the pack."
A chill ran down my spine.
"The future Luna will be the light that guides us through the coming darkness," he continued. "Her existence is not just a matter of love—it is a sacred duty. If the Alpha fails to find her, the pack will fall."
The room fell deathly silent.
I swallowed hard.
For the first time since entering this meeting, I felt the weight of my role settle onto my shoulders.
The fate of the Blood Moon Pack…
Rested in the hands of a girl I hadn't even met yet.