Chapter 486 Once a Luna, always a Luna

Alpha Killian wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip by. The second the conversation drifted elsewhere, he calmly walked over and dropped onto the stool right behind Athaliah, positioning himself close enough that he could talk to her whenever the moment felt right.

Athaliah didn’t even bother glancing his way. She carried on like he wasn’t even there, completely unfazed.

Across the lively gathering, Daisy caught the tense look on Seraphine’s face and a satisfied little smile tugged at her lips. She figured Seraphine was bothered by Luna Mayo’s, and that thought alone lifted her mood way up.

Before Seraphine could even respond to Luna Mayo’s snide question, Kael stepped forward, disappointment written all over his face. He folded his arms across his chest and stared straight at Luna Mayo.

“I’m honestly disappointed that a Luna like you doesn’t even know our traditions,” he said, his words carrying enough weight to hush everyone standing nearby. “Once a Luna, always a Luna.”

He slowly glanced toward Seraphine before turning back to Luna Mayo. “And every Alpha or Luna has the right to decide who stands beside them.”

Luna Mayo’s face stiffened immediately. Her husband subtly tugged at her arm, silently begging her to stop before she embarrassed them even more, but she completely ignored him.

Her chin lifted in stubborn defiance. “That only applies to those who retire,” she shot back, narrowing her eyes at Seraphine. “Not someone who disgraces the position.”

The atmosphere turned thick and tense in an instant. Several leaders exchanged uneasy glances.

Voren’s jaw clenched hard. He had promised Seraphine he’d let her handle things on her own, but hearing Luna Mayo insult her again pushed him dangerously close to breaking that promise.

Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Athaliah beat him to it. She looked straight at Luna Mayo, her expression calm but razor-sharp. “I can see why so many packs struggle,” she said, the words landing like a hard slap. She tilted her head slightly.

“How exactly do you support your husband? Or are you only there as a breeder?”

A few people gasped in shock while others fought to hide their smiles. Athaliah kept going, not showing even the slightest bit of fear. “As a woman…” She placed a hand over her chest. “If your husband cheated on you, would you stay with him?” She answered her own question before anyone else could jump in. “I wouldn’t.”

Her eyes settled warmly on Seraphine. “That’s exactly why I stand with Luna Sera.”

Luna Mayo’s face flushed bright red with fury. She pointed a shaking finger toward Athaliah. “But—”

“Enough!” Her husband’s furious roar cut through the air before she could finish. Everyone nearby whipped around to look at Alpha Oren, whose face had gone dark with pure embarrassment. “I said shut your mouth,” he growled, leaving zero room for argument. “I forbid you from saying another word tonight.”

Luna Mayo immediately lowered her head, looking pissed as hell but smart enough not to challenge him in front of so many powerful leaders.

Alpha Oren took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, then turned toward Seraphine and Corvine with genuine embarrassment in his eyes. “Luna Sera… Beta Corvine…” He dipped his head in apology. “Please forgive my wife. She’s still very naïve.”

In truth, Alpha Oren was already eyeing a future business partnership with Corvine, and the last thing he wanted was his wife’s foolish behavior ruining that chance.

Seraphine had only come to the festival for one real reason, and she refused to waste her energy on pointless arguments. A gentle, warm smile appeared on her face.

“It’s alright,” she said, her voice staying kind and composed. “This is supposed to be a joyful night.” She looked around at all the guests enjoying themselves. “No one should spoil the celebration before the full moon rises.”

Her graceful response earned approving nods from several nearby Alphas.

Not everyone felt the same way, though. Daisy secretly winked at another woman sitting a few seats away—Luna Joyce. The second woman caught the signal right away. Unlike Luna Mayo, she knew a direct attack on Seraphine wouldn’t work. She needed a smarter approach.

A cheerful smile spread across Luna Joyce’s face. “This is the only night we can truly relax and be ourselves,” she said, raising her drink high. “Who cares about titles for a few hours?”

Several guests laughed and agreed. “I have an idea,” she continued, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Let’s play Truth or Dare.”

The suggestion instantly grabbed everyone’s attention. Laughter rippled through the group as people chimed in enthusiastically. “That’s a great idea!” “I haven’t played that in years!” “It’ll make the night even more fun!” Another Luna clapped happily. “Yes! After that, we can dance until the moon is high.”

The excitement built louder and louder. Seraphine quietly watched Luna Joyce, Bryan’s warning echoing in the back of her mind. A faint, knowing smile crossed her lips. So… this was their plan.

Around her, almost every Alpha and Luna agreed to the game without hesitation. Then Luna Joyce turned toward her with an innocent-looking smile.

“Luna Sera,” she said sweetly. “What do you think?” She gestured toward the she-wolves, most of them sitting close to their husbands. “Will you join us? It’s only between the she-wolves.” She pointed toward the men. “The werewolves can simply watch… or help if someone gets a dare.”

Corvine’s expression changed instantly. “Don’t,” he warned.

At the exact same moment, Athaliah spoke up too. “I don’t think you should.”

Both of them looked at Seraphine with clear concern, neither one trusting Daisy’s group for a second.

Seraphine glanced from one to the other before letting out a soft laugh. “You two really know how to ruin the fun.” Her smile stayed relaxed and easy. “Sure. I’ll play.”

Joy lit up Luna Joyce’s face. “Wonderful!” She let out a warm smile. “Let’s make the first round simple.” She picked up her drink. “Everyone, lift your drinks.”

The women happily reached for their cups. Luna Joyce explained the rules with a widening grin. “Whoever finishes their drink in one go is safe. Anyone who can’t finish theirs…” She pointed playfully toward the center of the circle. “Gets the first challenge.”

Seraphine quietly stared at the drink sitting in front of her. She couldn’t touch it, not with the baby growing inside her. Her fingers rested lightly against the cup.

Across from her, Daisy didn’t hesitate for a second. She emptied her entire drink without leaving a single drop behind. Seraphine’s heart tightened painfully.

She didn’t know whether to feel relieved or sorry for the unborn child. No one else knew Daisy was pregnant. Only she and Damon carried that heavy secret for now.

Luna Joyce looked around the circle, and her eyes landed on Seraphine’s untouched drink. A bright, triumphant smile spread across her face. “Luna Sera…” Her voice sounded almost too cheerful. “It looks like you’re taking the very first challenge.”

She leaned forward slightly, her eyes glittering with anticipation. “So… Truth… or dare?”