Eighth-Born Luna (Emily and Nathan) novel Chapter 25

I couldn’t stop staring at the Memory Tree. Thousands of tiny lights glowed among the silver leaves, making the entire clearing look magical.

We made that happen: Jessie, Poppy, Tessa, and I. Knowing I had actually helped create something this beautiful, and seeing everyone love it, filled a part of me I didn’t know was empty. Everywhere I went, wolves were praising the decorations.

“The lights are incredible.”

“It looks amazing this year.”

“This is the best Remembrance Day we’ve had in years.”

A rush of happiness swept over me. I felt so proud.

Then I noticed movement near the entrance, and the crowd split apart. Alpha King Garrett, Luna Queen Meredyth, and Nathan walked in. Every wolf bowed as the royal family came closer.

The ceremony began shortly afterward. The Alpha King stepped onto the small stage beneath the Memory Tree.

“Today we gather to honor those we have lost,” Garrett said, his voice echoing across the space. “Thank you all for joining us. And thank you to everyone who helped prepare this place.”

He glanced at the decorations, and I felt my face turn red. I looked around at the huge crowd. Thousands of wolves filled the clearing. Maybe more. Maybe two thousand.

“Where did all these people come from?” I whispered to Jessie and Poppy.

Jessie laughed softly. “Emily, this isn’t even everyone.”

“What?”

“The royal territory is enormous,” Jessie explained. “There are villages, training settlements, farming sectors, and mountain communities. Wolves live all over the kingdom.”

I blinked. The kingdom. Sometimes I still forgot I wasn’t in the Gray Moon pack now.

“You still have a lot to learn,” Poppy teased.

I smiled. “Apparently.”

The Alpha King’s voice pulled my attention back to the stage. “I now invite the Priestesses to honor the fallen.”

Five silver-robed priestesses stepped forward, and an elderly woman moved to the center. Her silver hair flowed beneath her hood, and she had an intense air of authority.

“That’s Asta,” Jessie whispered. “She’s been at every pack ceremony I can remember.”

“And she never looks any older,” Poppy added. “I want whatever skincare routine she’s using.”

Jessie snorted. “Maybe that’s what happens when you’re close to the Moon Goddess.”

We all laughed quietly.

Asta spoke about memory, loss, family, and honoring those who came before us. When it ended, the heavy mood lifted, and everyone began talking again.

I started to ask the girls more about the priestesses, but Poppy got called away to help with supplies. Jessie and I were left alone, and I looked around the crowded clearing.

“Hey, I noticed Tessa isn’t here with us. Is she going to miss the wolf run, too?”

“She’ll be here a little later,” Jessie said with a soft smile. “You know how Tessa is. She’s totally into her gardening, and she can’t miss her special night-flower blooming. She literally told me,” Jessie said, pretending to adjust glasses and imitating Tessa’s dramatic voice, “It only happens once a year, and I absolutely must harvest the petals before it closes.”

I burst out laughing, completely distracted by Jessie’s impression. I was laughing so hard that I didn’t even notice Kane and Owen approaching until they were standing right in front of us.

Owen was the same guy who’d been by the SUV during my worst moments, back when I was in heat at that club. When he smiled at me, I could tell he wanted to talk.

“I need a drink,” I blurted out.

I didn’t wait for a reply. I hurried to the refreshment tables. Safe. Problem solved. Or so I thought.

I reached for a glass of water, and another hand appeared right beside mine. My chest hitched.

Nathan.

“You look beautiful,” he said.

“Thank you,” I said softly.

I completely lost my train of thought. Almost everyone wore white for the ceremony today. I was so glad the girls had talked me into buying a white dress on our city trip.

He looked at me longer than usual. Something between us had shifted. I couldn’t explain it, but the cold distance felt thinner, like it was finally starting to break.

“I…” Nathan started.

A phone rang, breaking the moment. The timing couldn’t have been worse. Nathan frowned and pulled out his phone. He glanced at the screen and muttered a quiet curse.

“I’m sorry,” he said, and he actually sounded disappointed. “I need to take this.”

Then he walked away, leaving me standing there, wondering what he’d been about to say.

“Do you really think you’ll ever become his mate?” A sharp, familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.

I turned. Stella stood near the tables.

She came over with a glass of red wine and pure dislike in her eyes.

I stepped back before she could grab my arm.

Stella saw me move, and a slow smile appeared on her face. “Looks like training taught you something after all.”

“Looks like I’m learning quickly,” I shot back.

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