To Alpha Kaiden

Lilian's POV

I watched Henrik with mixed expressions on my face.

He seemed to make his eyes remain on me for more than a few moments before they shifted from me and landed on Kaiden.


"Alpha Kaiden," Henrik greeted him with a smile on his face while I watched wearily.

His voice was deep and quite commanding. "Congratulations on your ascension as Alpha my dear friend.


The Blue Moon pack is surely in capable hands." He said and I tried my hardest to not roll my eyes at his words.


As if that wasn't his doing.....my subconscious inwardly rolled her eyes since I physically would not.


"Thank you, Alpha Henrik," Kaiden replied, "his tone too was equally respectful."
I appreciate your support." He said and Henrik smiled at him. A rather sinister one I must say.



Henrik's piercing eyes slowly shifted back to me, and his expression softened slightly as if he was seeing me for the first time this evening. The bloody liar! I hated him so much.


"Luna Lilian," he acknowledged me, and then he offered me a slight bow which I found to be quite mocking I got to say. It is good to see you again.


You bring honor to your position." He said to me.


I tried my hardest to smile back at him.
"I am not Luna yet." I said in a timid voice as I watched him.


I saw the way both their smiles faltered a bit before they regained them.


"Well," Henrik said. "I'm quite sure that Alpha Kaiden would remedy that soonest." He said to me.


I inclined my head as I smiled again at him. I looked to Kaiden and back to him.


"Thank you, Alpha Henrik. It is an honor to be part of this moment." I said as I smiled at him.


As more pack leaders came forward to offer their congratulations, the atmosphere shifted from solemnity to the ones of more relaxed encouragement and chirpy chats.


Conversations began to flow easily, it was a mixture of both formal exchanges between the dignitaries and friendly banter amongst allies.



It was a rare gathering of powerful figures, and the air was thick with elegance, class and royalties. I simply felt out of place knowing who and what my roots were.



As the morning turned into afternoon, the formalities gave way to a very large, dared I say, grand feast in the Blue Moon packhouse's banquet hall. There was food for everyone.


The tables were laden until there was no space left for any other dishes, with an array of various dishes.


Trust the blue moon pack to showcase the best of our pack's culinary talents. The mood was lighter now and more friendlier, the tension of the earlier ceremony had long dissipated as laughter and conversation filled every corner in the room.



Somehow, I found myself seated beside Kaiden, the two of us were surrounded by pack leaders and elders.


It was a time for networking, for strengthening alliances, and for discussing the future and of course, for eating the tastiest delicacies. Ahem.


I didn't even realize I was hungry until that moment. As we ate and talked, I began to feel something that resembled pride for Kaiden.


Man was doing an incredibly good job and I was proud of him . He went through the conversations with so much ease and composure, his demeanor was a perfect blend of respect and authority.


I felt like kissing his cheeks.


At one point, Elder Marcus stood to propose a toast. He raised his glass, and the room fell silent, all eyes turning to him.


"To Alpha Kaiden," he declared, his voice filled with warmth. "Our newest Alpha, may your leadership bring prosperity and peace to the Blue Moon pack just like it had been and will continue to be.



May your journey as our alpha be guided by wisdom, courage, and the entire support of your people. We are strongly behind you.


To Kaiden!" He said raising his glass and the others did the same.


"To Kaiden!" echoed the room, the voices rang with all sincerity. Or so I thought.
I silently watched Henrik though.


I couldn't tell what was on his mind and the way he was smiling and grinning from ear to ear was quite suspicious.


If I didn't know better I would have said that he was genuinely happy for Kaiden.


Kaiden stood and raised up his own glass.
"Thank you all for being here," he said to everyone as he looked from one end of the table to the other, his voice carried along with it, a note of gratitude.


"Your presence means more than words can express or even tell. Together, we will face the challenges ahead and work towards a future of unity and strength.


To the Blue Moon pack, and to all our allies—may our bonds only grow stronger." He says as he toasts.


The toast was met with applause and cheers from everyone. I watched as Kaiden sat down, and then he glanced at me. I saw on his face a small, grateful smile that played on his lips.


I returned the smile, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. Today had been a success, this meant that Kaiden's capability as a leader and the strength of our pack was now so secured.


The day had indeed been filled with both sorrow and joy, it poignantly reminded me that there was something called the cycles of life and leadership.


While everyone ate and made merry, I chose to step outside only for a beat. Don't get me wrong, I was happy and excited, even proud of Kaiden.


But somehow I still felt guilty. Guilty that I was somehow responsible for the cause of the death of his parents.


No one with a good conscience would eat and make merry when those thoughts gnawed at the back of their minds.


I let out a sigh as I glanced at the open pack field ahead of me.


Then I heard someone, a male and husky voice clearing his throat behind me and I turned to look at who it was. At the same time, my heart skipped a thousand beats at once.


Great.
Just who I wanted to see at the moment.
Maybe I will try to question him this time.

I deserved that much.