JACE 

Damn elders. Always calling meetings at the worst possible time. 

I stood in the council chamber, trying to focus on Elder Thorn’s explanation of the Blood Moon ritual details, but my thoughts kept drifting back to my conversation with Aria. I should have told her the truth. Told her that from the moment she stepped into Moon Shadow territory, Phantom recognized her as my true mate. But Hunter’s interruption ruined everything. 

Alpha, do you agree with this arrangement?” Elder Thorn’s voice pulled 

reality. 

“Yes, of course,” I nodded, though I had no idea what he’d just said. 

After the meeting ended, I hurried back to my quarters. I needed to make sure 

was ready. 

I pushed open the door to find the room empty. The temporary makeup station was covered with various bottles and containers, the air carrying faint traces of herbs. She had already gone to prepare. 

As night fell, I stood at the entrance to the traditional training grounds, waiting for Aria’s arrival. The training area had been completely transformed–silver moonlight lamps surrounding a massive tent, traditional tribal decorations hanging from every corner. Aria and Eliana’s careful design was impressive. 

I adjusted the collar of my deep blue ceremonial attire, checking my watch for the third time. Twenty minutes until the ceremony began. 

In the distance, a figure approached slowly. It was her. 

Aria wore the blood–red ceremonial dress I’d had specially made for her, seeming to glow in the twilight. She looked nervous but determined, each step careful and measured. 

I walked forward to meet her, feeling Phantom growl eagerly inside me. Calm, I warned my inner wolf. We have more important matters tonight. 

“You look… stunning,” I said, offering my arm for her to hold. 

She gripped my arm tightly, her eyes revealing obvious nervousness. “I feel everyone watching me.” 

Gabriel, carrying the already sleeping Aurora, stood with Lucas and Eliana at the entrance waiting for us. I gestured for them to go 

I turned to face Aria, gently pulling her into my arms. “Are you alright?” 

“A little nervous,” she admitted, “This is my first time appearing before the entire pack as your… companion.” 

ahead. 

“What the other wolves think doesn’t matter,” I cradled her face, “Tonight I just want everyone to know how lucky I am to have you by my side.” 

I leaned down to kiss her, feeling her relax in my embrace. When we parted, her eyes shimmered with new courage. 

‘Ready,” I smiled, “Let’s start tonight’s celebration.” 

When we entered the tent, all conversation immediately ceased. Pack members bowed their heads in unison, showing respect to their Alpha. More surprising was how many faces lit up with genuine smiles seeing Aria enter with me. She had earned their respect. 

I led Aria through the crowd to the main table prepared for high–ranking warriors and to join. 

After we took our seats, I stood to address the pack. The tent instantly quieted. 

myself. Gabriel, Lucas, and Eliana were already seated, waiting for us 

“Brothers and sisters of Moon Shadow,” my voice cut through the silence, “Thank you for joining tonight’s Blood Moon celebration. The Blood Moon holds special significance for our pack. It was on a Blood Moor night that our ancestors established Moon Shadow Pack, from which our name derives.” 

I looked around, ensuring everyone was listening. 

1/3 

Chapter 55 

Tonight we celebrate not only the Blood Moon, but also a special birthday,” I glanced at Aria, ‘ter’s make this night unforgettable. 

Pack members began to cheet, many shouting birthday wishes to Aria. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but I could tell she was pleated. 

Dinner began, with young pack members serving the main table. Aria conversed naturally with everyone at the table, keeping the atmosphere relaxed i noticed how she always offered warm smiles to the young wolves serving us, thanking them sincerely, even thoughtfully reminding them to enjoy the food themselves when they could. 

Phantom rumbled with satisfaction inside me. She will make a perfect Luna, he stated firmly. For once, I completely agreed with him. 

After dessert, warriors quickly moved the tables to the sides of the tent, expanding the central dance floor. Traditional music played as several young werewolf couples began dancing. 

I turned to Aria, extending my hand. ‘Dance with me, little hunter?” 

She smiled, accepting my invitation and following me to the center of the dance floor. Through mind–link, I signaled the musicians to play a traditional Moon Shadow ballad–an ancient love song about werewolves and the moon. 

As the music began, I pulled Aria close, and we started to turn slowly on the dance floor. I noticed Scarlett and several unmated she–wolves standing nearby, whispering among themselves, but I chose to ignore them. Tonight belonged only to Aria and me. 

I lowered my head, softly humming the ancient love song in Aria’s ear. She leaned against my chest, our bodies moving perfectly together with the music. 

When the song ended, I didn’t immediately let her go. “I feel this song was made for you,” I said softly, “Tonight you’re so radiant, every time I look at you, I can feel Phantom stirring excitedly within me.” 

She smiled, her eyes reflecting a depth of feeling I’d never seen before. 

As the night deepened, I noticed the time approaching eleven o’clock. Only about an hour until midnight and the Blood Moon’s zenith. I needed to be alone with Aria, to be by her side when she turned eighteen and whatever changes might come. 

I walked over to Eliana, who was holding the sleeping Aurora. “Eliana, I need some time alone with Aria,” I said quietly, “Can you look after Aurora?” 

“Of course, Alpha,” she nodded in understanding. 

I then found Gabriel and briefly explained the situation. He nodded with a smile, patting my shoulder. “Good luck, Alpha.” 

Returning to Aria, I took her hand. “Come with me, I want to show you something.” 

She looked at me curiously but didn’t question, just gripped my hand, letting me lead. 

We left the noisy tent, the cool night air immediately surrounding us. The moon hung high, emitting an unusual red glow. The Blood Moon had begun. 

‘You might want to take off your boots,” I suggested, “We’ll be crossing through some forest.” 

She nodded, quickly removing her leather boots. Hand in hand, we walked through the Montana mountain pines toward the lakeside clearing I had specially prepared. Along the way, I could feel her curiosity and anticipation. 

Finally, we reached our destination. The lake was mirror–calm, reflecting the red glow of the Blood Moon. On the clearing by the lake, I had placed several handcrafted lanterns and a bench covered with soft furs. 

“Wow,” Aria gasped softly, “This is beautiful.” 

“I wanted tonight to be about more than just the Blood Moon ceremony,” Jace said, guiding me toward the furs. “Something special, just 

We sat quietly, gazing at the Blood Moon’s reflection on the lake surface. I felt an unprecedented nervousness. It was time to tell her the truth.