Chapter 61: The Luna’s Sacrifice
"May I have everyone’s attention?" Zayn’s voice echoed loud and clear.
After bidding farewell to the visiting Alpha King and Alphas, Zayn called for the attention of the entire pack. Hundreds of eyes stared back, all eager to hear their Alpha’s announcement. Zayn clasped Lily’s trembling fingers firmly.
"As many of you have already heard by now," Zayn’s deep voice carried across the courtyard, I have chosen Lily Brightpaw to be my Luna. Those rumors are true."
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by angry murmurs. Lily felt her heart hammering against her ribs. The weight of their stares made her want to hide.
"This is madness!" someone shouted from the back.
"She’s a Brightpaw! The enemy’s daughter!" another voice called out.
Lily struggled to keep her composure. Her palms grew sweaty against Zayn’s grip. She quickly wiped her free hand against the soft fabric of her blue dress, trying to appear stronger than she felt.
She straightened her spine and lifted her chin, just as Martha had taught her for formal occasions.
But when her gaze landed on Victoria, Lily couldn’t help but look away. The woman’s face was contorted with rage, her perfect features twisted into something deadly.
Lily flinched instinctively. Everything happened so quickly that she barely had time to react. Zayn’s hand shot out, catching a jagged rock inches from hitting her on the forehead. Blood dripped from his palm as he crushed the stone to dust.
"Who threw that?!" he roared, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Who attacked your Luna?"
The crowd fell silent. Everyone exchanged glances, but no one moved. No one breathed.