I Left Before He Learned My Worth novel Chapter 31

**TITLE: I Left Before He Learned My Worth**
**Chapter 31**

**ARIA**

41

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“That’s a solid answer,” Nina remarked, a glimmer of pride in her eyes. “But if Alpha Cross decides to show his face at the ceremony, if he dares to challenge or disrupt the ritual—”

“Then I’ll put him in his place,” I declared, my voice steady, even if my heart was racing. “Publicly. Once and for all. I’ll make it unmistakably clear that he means nothing to me, that I’ve made my choice in Kael, and that no amount of his theatrics will sway my decision.”

Nina’s smile widened, radiating encouragement. “That’s the spirit, my Luna. Now, let’s get down to business. If you’re going to reject an Alpha in front of everyone during your bonding ceremony, you’ll need to practice your words.”

The remainder of the afternoon was a whirlwind of preparation. We didn’t just study the formalities; we crafted statements that would be both assertive and diplomatic. I needed to ensure that if Damon dared to show up, I would be ready to quash his challenge without igniting a diplomatic crisis.

By the time dinner was served, I felt a surge of confidence. I was resolute in my choice. Regardless of what unfolded in two days, or who might appear to disrupt the moment, I was prepared and aware of my intentions.

The pre-ceremony gathering was more intimate than I had anticipated, comprising only the core pack leadership and a select few wolves I had come to know during my brief stay in Shadowmere. Nina had orchestrated a stunning dinner in one of the private dining rooms, adorned with flickering candles, vibrant flowers, and an array of dishes that filled the air with tantalizing aromas.

When I walked in, Kael was already seated, his imposing figure somehow blending seamlessly with the elegance of the setting. He had taken his place near the head of the table, and I noticed his ears perk up at my arrival, a flicker of excitement in his gaze.

*”You look stunning,”* he communicated through our mindlink.

I had donned one of the elegant dresses Nina had gifted me—a deep forest green that accentuated my eyes beautifully. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was certainly a step up from my usual practical attire.

*”Thank you,”* I replied, settling into the chair beside him. *”This is exquisite. Did Nina coordinate all of this?”*

*”With some help from Eliza and the other healers,”* Kael confirmed, his mental voice warm and sincere. *”They wanted to ensure you felt celebrated. They wanted you to know how much the pack values your decision to join us.”*

His words struck a chord deep within me, tightening my chest with a swell of emotion. These wolves, who barely knew my name, had welcomed me with open arms. They had embraced me as their Luna even before I had truly earned the title.

The dinner unfolded in a warm atmosphere filled with laughter and camaraderie. Pack members exchanged stories about past ceremonies, their bonding experiences, and the profound meaning of belonging to Shadowmere. I found myself letting go of my anxieties about Damon, allowing the joy of this moment to envelop me.

This was my future—these wolves, this pack, this life I was choosing for myself.

“Completely normal,” Nina reassured me. “Bonding ceremonies are intense, even in the best of circumstances. Add in ex-Alphas throwing threats and imprisoned Lunas, and it’s a miracle you’re handling it as well as you are.”

“I have excellent support,” I replied sincerely. “You, Eliza, Kael—everyone has made this so much more manageable than I ever thought it could be.”

“That’s what being part of a pack means,” Nina echoed her earlier sentiment. “We look out for one another. And Aria? No matter what happens in two days, know that we will stand by you. Every single wolf in this pack will protect you from anyone who tries to challenge your place here.”

Her unwavering certainty instilled a sense of safety within me that I hadn’t felt in years.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice barely above a breath. “For everything.”

Nina enveloped me in a tight embrace before sending me off to bed with instructions to get plenty of rest. “Tomorrow, we finalize preparations. The day after, you’ll become Luna. You’ll need your strength.”

That night, I drifted off to sleep to the soothing sounds of the pack settling in around me, comforted by the knowledge that I was surrounded by wolves who had chosen me just as I had chosen them.

And if nightmares of Damon crashing the ceremony haunted my dreams, if I woke in the night with my heart racing and fear clawing at my throat—well, that was a battle between me and the darkness.

By morning, I would be ready to confront whatever lay ahead.