ELORA

“What guts!” The elders yelled and turned to leave.

“Halt!” I ordered and they obeyed.

They turned to look back at me, their eyes were literally spitting fire, but I cared less.

“Tomorrow night will be my coronation. I want you all to be there, and if by any chance I didn't see any of you, you'll have me to contend with. So, tomorrow night, wear your finest robes, visit the barber for a haircut if you want any and look good for my coronation,”

One of them was about to talk, but I raised my hand and stopped him.

“It's an order coming from me, Luna.” I snapped.

They sighed and nodded before walking out, leaving only me, Dexter and Elder Blake.

“I'm proud of you, daughter. You've shown me that you have the blood of our late Alpha running through your veins. You'll make a great Luna, and you have my full support.” He smiled.

I returned the smile and he walked out.

I got down from the throne and walked to where Dexter stood, glaring daggers at me.

“You should have stepped down when I asked you to, Dexter. Maybe, I would have shown you an inch of pity.” I scoffed.

“Mark my words, Elora. This isn't over! I will make sure your stay on that throne is one with endless troubles and calamities,” He threatened.

“You have no shame, do you? You have the guts to threaten me? Let me make it clear to you, in case you have forgotten so soon. Presently, your fate is in my hands. I could order for your execution with just a flick of my little finger and trust me when I say you won't like stepping on my toes.” I snarled.

He chuckled darkly and looked me directly in the eyes. “Watch and see, I'm going to make this palace a living hell for you. Kill me now that you have the chance, Luna.” He chuckled.

I snickered and took a step closer to him. The heels I was wearing made it easier for me to tower over him because he was average in height.

“I'm going to spare you. You know why? Because, I want you to see me do things that you've never in your 35 years of existence done. I want you to see me take over kingdoms, fight and win battles, bring this pack out of the mud you've thrown it into and polish it. After you've noted that, then I will end your miserable life. So, calm down, beta. Your death will not be profitable now.” I smirked and walked away.

He growled and cursed under his breath, but I said nothing and continued moving.

Just you wait and see how I'm going to bring you all down one by one. I'm sparing no one because my revenge must be served cold.

I clapped my hands and the maids ran to meet me. “Tomorrow night is my coronation,” I announced, and they exchanged looks. “Yeah. I want this palace decorated to meet my taste. Nothing should be out of place. I don't care whatever theme you're going to use, just make it beautiful,” I ordered.

They bowed and left.

“Guards!” I called.

They ran to meet me with their heads bowed. “Spread the word. Tomorrow night is my coronation. I am going to officially become the Luna of White Tide pack. I want every single person in this pack to be in attendance, okay?”

“Okay, your majesty!” They bowed and ran to do as I've said.

I sighed and made my way to my room. I sat on the bed and rid myself of the heels I was putting on. As I slid out of my clothes, my thoughts drifted to Damon and what happened in school today.

I was already tired of asking the moon goddess why she mated me to him. Most of the reasons why I'm trying as much as possible to avoid him is because of everything I've done to him. I've been so terrible to him and can't help it. If I decide to be nice to him now, the guilt will eat me whole.

I sighed and entered the bathroom. The maids had already prepared my bath. I looked at the bathtub and couldn't wait to get in.

Removing my towel, I entered and sighed in satisfaction. The water was warm and smelled like roses. I sunk my body deep into the tub and rested my head against the side of the tub.

I closed my eyes, allowing the bubbles to tickle my bare skin. My muscles relaxed under the heat.

“This is more like it.” I smiled.

After enjoying the water enough, I started scrubbing myself clean and then got out. I dried off before wrapping the towel around my chest.

When I walked back towards my room, I stopped in front of a mirror, staring at my reflection and recalled how the sword pierced through my heart. I sighed and rubbed my chest.

I was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Yes?” I answered.

“My princess, your best friend is here to see you.” The maid at the door said and I frowned.

Best friend, my ass! The best friend I trusted and she betrayed me.

“Let her in.” I responded, and before I knew it, the door flung open and Zora ran in.

“I rushed in here the moment I got the news. You're taking over the throne?” She asked. The disbelief was evident in her tone, and I couldn't help chuckling.

“Why are you surprised?” I asked.

“Because I don't comprehend what's going on. Since this morning, you've been acting entirely different from the person I used to know. Are you sure you're Elora, my best friend?” She asked.

The Elora part, yes, it's still me but best friends? Not anymore.

“It's me. Believe it or not, I'm getting crowned tomorrow. You're invited and oh, don't forget to invite that loser too. What's his name again?” I narrowed my eyes and sat on a chair with my legs folded.

“Lucien?” She sighed. “Come on, Elora. Because he is interested in you doesn't make him a loser.”

“You talk like you know him too well.” I smirked.

She suddenly became silent before ruffling her hair.

“Elora, explain what's going on to me. I'm lost here. The other day, you said that you were going to ascend the throne when you turned 20 and married. What suddenly happened?” She asked.

“I don't think I owe you that explanation,” I retorted. “You can leave for now, Zora. I need to sort some things out on my own. The door's that way.” I used my head to point there and started applying body lotion.

“We'll talk better tomorrow.” She walked out.

I scoffed and continued massaging my body with the cream when my phone beeped.

I stretched my hand and picked it from the bed. It was a text message from Damon. I stood for a while, contemplating on whether to open it or not.

I decided to open it and when I did, my eyes widened.

It read;

“I am standing at your door. I told the maids not to inform you since I want you to give me the orders directly, Luna.”

What the heck is wrong with this person? I sighed and quickly put on a short yellow gown. It was the nearest to me, and I had no choice.

I exhaled and texted him to come in.

The door slowly opened and he stepped in. He had changed his clothes and looked casual. I forced myself not to stare at him.

“Leave us,” I ordered the maids.

They bowed and walked out.

“What do you want?” I snapped.

“Is it wrong to see my mate because I missed her?” He asked. His eyes are not leaving my body.

“I won't warn you again, Damon. Do not call me your mate. I am not your mate!” I snapped.

He chuckled and started walking towards me. I moved back, but he followed until my back hit the wall. He bent to look into my eyes. Our faces were only inches apart, and his hot breath fanned my face.

My heart beat accelerated, and I couldn't stop my body from the reaction. I wanted to avoid moving because if I did, I might end up kissing him.

He bent his head and I quickly closed my eyes. When nothing happened, I opened them slowly to see him looking at me with a bemused expression on his face.

He suddenly started laughing and I frowned.

“You said you aren't my mate, but I see something entirely different in your eyes, my love.” He blew me a kiss.

“You!” I growled in embarrassment.

“Were you expecting me to kiss you, mate?” He asked.

“Stop annoying me.” I snapped.

“It's the truth, you were expecting a kiss.” He chuckled.

I felt like throwing him through the window. “Just get out. I don't want to see your face.”

“But, I want to see yours.” He argued.

“Get out!” I growled louder this time and he chuckled.

Dammit. He is so annoying.

ELORA

I sighed as I stared into the mirror, at my face. My hair was in a tight bun that framed my head. With a pair of small, silver hoop earrings on the left side of my ears, a single gold chain hanging from my right shoulder, and a small silver stud that pierced the tip of my nose, I had to admit, I looked good.

The stupid me looked good.

Tonight was the night I would be crowned the Luna of White Tide pack. I went through a lot to get to where I am now, I had to lose my life to realize what I truly wanted and what I should be. Now, here I am, staring into the mirror to see the new me; the new Elora, who is thirsty for revenge and who would stop at nothing to make sure it was served cold.

I slowly took my glasses off and dropped them on the table next to my phone. I ran my fingers over my face, careful not to spoil the makeup the maids took almost forever to do for me.

“You're no longer a nerd, Elora. You're someone new now, and your sole aim is to make your enemies pay for everything they've done to you. No mercy! You have to do it.” I said aloud to myself before sighing again and looking back up at my reflection. My eyes trailed down my body, the maids did a wonderful job in getting me the best dress for the ceremony.

It was a beautiful ball gown with a white, flowing material. The neckline stopped just above my collar bones, which were covered by an ivory lace choker necklace with silver buttons.

My dress hugged my curves perfectly before billowing out slightly in the skirt. It flowed around my feet, which were adorned with two quarter length silver heels that matched with the chokers.

I looked beautiful. I am beautiful.

“Luna,” I turned to where the voice came from and saw a maid, sticking her head through the partially opened door.

“Your best friend is here to see you.” She said, and I nodded, signifying that she should be let in.

The door opened and Zora walked in.

“Leave us,” I ordered the maid, who bowed and left. Turning to face Zora, I gestured for her to take a seat, and she sat down on the bed. She looked surprised while staring at me, and I chuckled.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” I asked and she quickly looked away.

“You look beautiful,” She complimented. “And different.”

“Thanks,” I smiled and picked up my phone. “So, what are you doing here?” I asked and she frowned.

“Elora, is it wrong for me to come escort you out to where you'll sit on the throne as your friend?” She asked, sounding hurt.

I wanted to ignore her question, but there was something I needed to make clear to her. She stopped being my friend the day she connived with that bastard to kill me. I opened my mouth to speak, but then an idea popped into my head.

“Well,” I started with a smirk, “if you were really my best friend… we could both go together. If not, I guess I can wait to find out if you'll still be my friend when I'm Luna.” I finished with a shrug. She looked at me for a moment, seeming confused and conflicted.

Her hesitation told me exactly how much she wanted to stay with me; it was all part of her plans though, and it would be wonderful to see how this game of hers will play out.

It would be fun to play tag with your enemies before destroying them for good. That thought alone made my heart race with joy.

After a while, she smiled. “If that's how you want it, then yes,” she said. I grinned before standing up.

“Let's go.” I motioned towards the door, and she stood up as well.

When we got out, the maids waiting at the door started pouring flowers on the floor for me to walk in. I smiled politely, making my way through the masses until I reached the main throne room. As I approached it, I could hear hushed whispers, people were clearly nervous about how I'd rule them. I am omega and an 18-year-old for that matter.

People curtsied as I walked past, whispering among themselves. Elder Blake stood close to the throne along with the rest of the elders.

When I finally got there, he hugged me and the people started cheering. He made me go down on my knees and faced the people.

“Today marks a new beginning for the pack and us as its inhabitants as well. Today, a new ruler is going to emerge among us, and it will be the dawn of a new era for us…” He paused and took the crown. “Elora is the daughter of our late Alpha. She has come of age and is ready to rule us as the Luna of this pack.” He announced, and cheers erupted from the crowd.

He gestured for the other elders to come stand behind him as he took the crown, blessed it and placed it on my head. The moment the crown landed on my head, the people started cheering and applauding.

“This Scepter was used by your mother, Elora. We hope that you'd use it better than her to rule us all.” He took the Scepter and handed it over to me.

“All hail the Luna!” Elder Blake called.

“All hail the Luna!” The people responded.

I stood up with a bright smile plastered on my lips as I watched the people clap and cheer for me. A lone tear found its way down my cheeks, it was done. I have taken back my father's throne.

The remaining 4 elders had displeased looks on their faces; it was obvious they weren't supporting my Ascension, but this was my right and I have taken it and will make sure to use it well.

“Talk to your people, Luna.” Elder Blake smiled as he stepped aside for me to take the podium.

I looked around as the people looked at me expectantly. While my eyes roamed around the people present, it came in contact with Damon. He winked and gave me a thumbs up. I smiled before returning my gaze to the people.

“People of White Tide Pack, my subjects.” I smiled and they cheered.

“All hail the Luna!”

“It is with great joy that I stand before you today as your—”

“Stop the ceremony! Stop it now!” Someone shouted, and we all looked in the direction it came from. My eyes darkened the moment I saw who caused the commotion. No one needed to tell me what the fool was up to.

“Again with this nonsense?” I snapped and dashed to where he stood.

“What are you doing in my Luna ceremony? Should I banish you before you realize that this is my throne, my pack, and I deserve to rule it?” I yelled and he smirked.

“Are you afraid that your subjects will know your secret?”