NO WOMAN COULD SING THE LUNA HYMN FOR THE ALPHA KING… UNTIL THE REJECTED OMEGA WHO HAD NO VOICE BROKE THE SILENCE

The Great Hall of the Thorn Citadel had been transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland for the Solstice Council Banquet. Thousands of white candles floated magically above long mahogany tables laden with roasted meats, silver goblets of spiced wine, and cascading arrangements of frost-kissed ivy.

Foreign dignitaries, regional Alpha lords, and high-ranking noblewomen filled the hall, dressed in their most lavish furs and jewel-encrusted silks.

Yet, despite the festive splendor, the atmosphere was thick with predatory anticipation. Everyone knew what was coming. Tonight was the official presentation of the new Luna before the foreign ambassadors—and the constitutional deadline for the high council to invoke the Rite of Blood and Voice.

Sirsha stood before the grand mirror in her dressing room, staring at her reflection. She wore a stunning gown of deep midnight-blue silk, embroidered with delicate silver threads that shimmered like starlight against her skin. It was magnificent, yet she felt like a prisoner dressed up for her own execution.

Karen Thorn and Lady Isolt stood near the doorway, watching her with synchronized, venomous smiles. Isolt had managed to secure a minor invitation through her high-born allies, eager to witness the grand finale of her stepdaughter's humiliation.

"Remember your place, little mute," Isolt whispered maliciously as Caelan’s guard arrived to escort Sirsha to the hall. "When you stand before the foreign kings and they ask you to speak, don't embarrass us all. Just bow your head and run back to the kitchens where you belong."

Sirsha’s heart hammered against her ribs, but she kept her chin up. She walked out into the corridor, where Caelan was waiting.

The Alpha King looked magnificent in his formal royal doublet, adorned with the platinum medals of the Northern Campaigns. When he saw Sirsha, his stern, intimidating face softened completely. He offered his arm. Sirsha hesitated for a fraction of a second before slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow.

As the heavy oak doors swung open, announcing their arrival, the murmuring hall instantly fell dead silent.

"All hail Alpha King Caelan Draven Thorn, and his chosen Luna, Sirsha Hollowvale!" the herald bellowed.

They walked down the center aisle under the microscopic scrutiny of hundreds of elite wolves. Whispers broke out immediately.

“Look at her... she really can’t speak a word.”“A mute peasant on the throne? The kingdom is a laughingstock.”“The council will invoke the Rite before midnight.”

Sirsha kept her eyes fixed straight ahead, her legs trembling slightly. Caelan felt her tension; his jaw clenched so hard a muscle twitched, and his Alpha aura flared dangerously, forcing the closest nobles to shrink back in sudden terror.

They took their seats at the high table overlooking the assembly.

For the first hour, the banquet proceeded in a tense, brittle silence, broken only by the clinking of silverware. But as the wine flowed, Lord Morgran stood up from his seat, raising his silver goblet high.

"Your Majesty!" Morgran’s booming voice cut through the hall, dripping with false humility. "We celebrate the Solstice, and we celebrate the ancient bond of the pack. But tradition demands transparency. By ancient constitutional law, a true Luna must address her people and foreign allies during the Solstice feast to seal her legitimacy. We humbly request that our new Luna speak to us... or forfeit her crown."

The entire hall held its breath.

Caelan half-rose from his seat, his eyes blazing with murderous intent, his fangs visibly lengthening as his wolf prepared to slaughter any man who dared challenge his mate. "Sit down, Morgran, before I feed you your own teeth."

"My King!" Lord Cassian interjected smoothly, standing up to support Morgran. "You cannot threaten constitutional law with brute force. If she is truly chosen by the Moon Goddess, let her speak a single sentence of greeting to our foreign guests. If she cannot... then the bond is null and void."

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the noble tables. Isolt smiled triumphantly from the back of the room.

Sirsha froze. The blood drained entirely from her face. The trap had snapped shut.

She looked at Caelan. He was shaking with fury, ready to declare war on his own council right then and there, plunging the kingdom into civil bloodshed just to protect her.

Sirsha knew she couldn't let him do that. She couldn't be the weakness that brought a king to his knees.

Slowly, deliberately, Sirsha stood up from her chair.

The entire hall went deathly quiet. Every eye was locked on her.

Sirsha stepped away from the high table and walked to the edge of the elevated dais, standing completely alone under the harsh glare of the chandelier lights. She took a deep, shuddering breath. She opened her mouth. She tried to push every ounce of her courage past the iron wall in her throat.

Silence. Absolutely nothing came out.