The great hall buzzed with low conversation as wolves from all ranks filled the long tables, the morning light spilling through tall windows. The smell of roasted meats, fresh bread, and brewed tea filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of wolves in close quarters.
Kate walked at Ryker's side, her pulse quickening with every step toward the head table. She felt every stare, every whisper — but Ryker's steady hand in hers grounded her.
They reached the front, and Ryker pulled out her chair himself before taking his place beside her. The murmurs rose at the gesture, but Ryker ignored them.
"Caden," Ryker addressed his Beta, who sat two seats down, "after breakfast, I want the patrol routes reviewed. Have the council ready for a midday meeting — I have an announcement."
Caden raised a brow. "What kind of announcement?"
"You'll hear it with the rest," Ryker replied smoothly, but his hand brushed Kate's under the table. She glanced at him, and he gave her a small, reassuring smile.
The meal began, but the air was heavy with curiosity. It didn't take long before Ryker set down his goblet and rose to his feet. The chatter died instantly.
"My pack," he began, his deep voice carrying across the hall, "last night, I claimed my mate. Today, I claim her before all of you — Kate will be your Luna."
Gasps and murmurs swept through the room. Kate felt the heat rise in her cheeks, but Ryker's hand found her shoulder, steadying her.
"In one week's time," Ryker continued, "we will hold the Luna Ceremony, and you will honor her as you honor me."
Not everyone looked pleased. At the far end of the table, a tall, striking woman with the same icy blue eyes as Caden leaned forward, her smirk curling like a blade.
"Well," she said, her voice loud enough to carry, "isn't that sweet? The Alpha King picking a wolfless Omega for Luna. Bold… or foolish."
Kate's stomach tightened, but she met the woman's gaze.
Ryker's tone sharpened. "Careful, Aria."
"Oh, I'm just concerned," Aria said, standing slowly, her confidence dripping into every word. "A Luna should be strong, should inspire respect. Can someone with no wolf truly lead beside an Alpha King? Or will she just be a pretty ornament at his side?"
A ripple of unease ran through the hall. Ryker's wolf stirred beneath his skin, but before he could speak, Kate pushed back her chair and stood.
Her voice was calm, but each word landed with precision. "I may not have a wolf like yours… but I am bonded to your Alpha. I am his mate, his chosen, his equal. And I will stand beside him — whether you approve or not."
The mark on her neck pulsed, and a strange sensation stirred in her chest. It wasn't the release of her hidden power, but her wolf — her hidden wolf — gave the faintest ripple of presence. The air in the hall shifted; some wolves stiffened as if they'd caught the edge of something ancient, dangerous.
Aria's smirk faltered, but only for a moment. She tilted her head, eyes gleaming. "If you're so certain, prove it. I challenge you for the Luna title. We fight — here, before the pack. If I win, you reject him and leave The Eclipse. If you win…" She gave a mocking little bow. "…then I will kneel and call you Luna."
Gasps erupted from the tables.
Ryker's voice was a low growl. "Aria—"
"I accept," Kate cut in, her tone clear and unwavering. Her heart pounded, but the certainty in her bones left no room for fear. "I will fight you, and I will win."
The hall erupted in a mix of shock and excitement, wolves whispering rapidly to one another. Ryker's gaze snapped to her, a mix of pride and worry flickering in his eyes.
Aria's smile returned, sharper this time. "Then we'll settle this at the training grounds. Two days from now. Don't be late."
She swept out of the hall, leaving the air charged with tension.
Kate sat back down, her hand still warm from Ryker's grip. He leaned in close, his voice low enough for only her to hear. "You don't know what you've just agreed to."
"Yes," she murmured, meeting his gaze. "I do. And I'll win, Ryker. I promise."