If there was anyone in the Vernal pack I still cared about, it was Lizzie.
And she wasn't the type to ask for help lightly. I didn't know how long she'd held out before finally making this call on the day of the Moon Ceremony.
I could refuse Elias's orders, but I couldn't ignore Lizzie.
I sighed. Instead of answering her question, I said, "Wait for me. Everyone follow my instructions."
"I'm coming back to the mansion. Right now."
CHAPTER 8
SERENITY KELLER
The Moon Ceremony took place deep in a forest that the Vernal pack had sealed off. There, a perfectly round lake—shaped like the full moon—reflected the moon's complete image on the water's surface one night each year when the Moon Goddess ascended her throne.
It was considered the Vernal pack's sacred ground.
Since Lizzie had called when the ceremony was about to begin, I went straight to the sacred lake to find her. I'd worn a hooded cloak to avoid drawing attention, but as I walked along the shore, I still heard pack members observing me from the shadows, along with barely audible whispers.
"Look—it's that traitor! How dare she show her face here? Didn't the Alpha lock her up?"
"Maybe the Alpha let her out for the Moon Ceremony."
"Haven't you heard? She's not leading the ceremony this year. The sweet and kind Miss Liv is."
"My God, how does she have the nerve to come here? Why does she still look like she doesn't even care?"
I kept my spine straight, unaffected by the gossip.
I had voluntarily given up the ceremonial role. They probably wouldn't believe that if I told them.
But without those heavy responsibilities, without hundreds of eyes on me, terrified of making even the smallest mistake—I felt lighter than I had in years.
They thought losing the ceremonial position would crush me.
But I had already let go of Elias, my fated mate. What was a ceremonial role compared to that?
I walked on with a light heart, searching for Lizzie while admiring the sacred lake's silver beauty under the night sky. Once I left the Vernal pack for good, I would probably never see this place again.
"Excuse me, coming through?—"
While I stood by the lake lost in thought, I suddenly heard Lizzie's voice. I turned to see her and a group of pack members rushing toward me through the crowd. All of them were carrying armloads of ceremonial supplies, panting heavily.
"Luna, you really came!" Lizzie's face lit up with grateful joy.
I nodded and reached out to take some of her load. "Lizzie, let me help."
She tried to stop me, snatching the items back. "No, no! I can't let you do this kind of work!"
"I came specifically to help you." I gently but firmly dodged her hands, then looked at the people behind her. They were also carrying ceremonial supplies, their eyes darting around uncomfortably. I knew what they were thinking. I deliberately raised my voice. "I'm not staying for the Moon Ceremony. Once we're done, I'm leaving."
I watched them quietly exhale with relief.
Only Lizzie looked disappointed. "You really won't stay? Not even as a regular member?"
I didn't answer. Lizzie followed my gaze and turned to see their expressions.
She suddenly exploded and grabbed my arm to lead me away.
