They arrived in the Alpha's private Manor after a twenty-minute drive. The residence is an old, huge, pitch-black Victorian Manor with its tailored gardens and magnificent topiaries. This has been the Alpha's residence since the Black Moon pack was established a half of a millenia ago. It is located a mile from the heart of the town, whereas the Pack House, at the same time, the Headquarters are in town. They passed by the massive brick packhouse, where the Alpha and her father are doing their pack duties. The packhouse serves as the Town hall, complete with amenities in case of large gatherings (where Tristan's grand birthday bash and epic engagement occured). The Black Moon Council also held office there, their High Priest and the Great Elders, all convene in the PackHouse in times of meetings, assemblies, and conferences.
In this modern year, their pack is prized for strictly upholding old-age traditions, rules and virtues. They have not done any amendments to the olden laws with which she was torn in the moment.
One of which, (primarily that covers of a soon to be Luna) states that once a woman was formally engaged or was chosen as the Alpha's bride, she will be removed from her family and will start living with his future mate. They will live under the same roof but on separate rooms to protect each others purity.This will also serve as a challenge for the couple to restrain themselves from the tempting presence of each other and check their level of responsibility and obedience to given protocols. During the duration, they will be trained according to social, political, moral and family standards. The Bride-to-be, will be educated by the Luna herself while the groom will continue his daily routines and trainings. Until such time, the pair are ready for the next ceremonies. There are two official ceremonies, the wedding officiated by the High Priest and the marking/union ceremony led by the Great Elder, usually the latter event will occur during a full moon where the Moon Goddess' power is at peak. Basically, the Great Elder will do some rituals and offerings to the Moon Goddess so that she will bless the marriage. Mona now realizes the impact of these traditions especially to her.
These laws and traditions have been taught to them at school, Mona is a relatively attentive student but she was not always at her best. Either she was too bothered or too bullied to listen. In addition, reality is far too complex from theories. Mona just wished to go back to her old home. Her life that has started to lighten has turning in an unpredictable twist once more.
The Alpha and Luna was waiting for them along with the many servants of the Black Moon Manor. As they stepped down from the car, an echoing greeting from them meet her.
The Alpha met them happily while the Luna seems to be unwell. Maybe she had swallowed something bitter. Especially when Troy emerged behind her, the Luna's face looks even more grim.
"Mona, welcome to the family! And Troy, it's good to see you again." The Alpha, as good-natured as he is, offered his hand to Troy for a shake. Troy immediately accepted his hand and shake it gently.
"You are also welcome in our home." The Alpha smiled genuinely to both of them. His cheer is utterly contradicted by his wife's grimance. Either way , the Alpha's greetings lifted some of her worries, still, the Luna makes her nervous. Her piercing glares and her evident dislike to her. Suddenly, her childhood demons are slowly creeping to the surface. She reminds herself to be very careful especially around her and keep her cool.
She was brought to a large bedroom where the dominating colors are red and gold. Her bathroom is as big as her old bedroom in her home, she even have her own bathtub the size of a bed, the furnishings in the room are elegant and she loves the four poster bed covered in red and gold. Large windows in scarlet drapes, plush carpets so soft as fresh snow, a velvety red couch with gold trimmings and a crystal chandelier above. Troy was in the next room from hers. It was as large as her room and the colors are all moss green, from the drapes down to the carpet. All in all, the Black Moon Manor screams grandeur and timeless elegance, she felt so out-of-place.
"Miss Mona", a maidservant called her, "the Luna needs you in the dining hall." she said politely.
"Yeah, let's go." Mona smiled at the girl as she replied and nudged Troy.
"The Luna also said that the gentleman should stay where he is." she added, referring to Troy. He was about to oppose when Mona hold his arm and mouthed it's okay.
"Wait for me here..." she said brightly to Troy. The latter nodded. The maidservant brought her into a dining hall. It was large and the furnitures glisten everytime it catches light. The centerpieces are quite a sight and above all, another grand chandelier hangs above the dining table. Maybe the Jones loves chandeliers.
"Sit." a cold voice echoed in the room disrupting her thoughts. The Luna was sitting in the top chair. Untouched food lay in front of her. She meekly went near her and sit in the nearest chair.
"You called for me Luna?" she asked hesitantly. "Do you need something from me?"
"Yes. In fact, I need to give you clarifications and some pointers... " she sternly said with her perfect brows arching.
"Yes, Luna. What are those clarifications?" Mona felt her scrutinizing gaze from her head down to her feet, as if her gaze can penetrate through the mahogany table to see her feet. Still, she felt shivers climbing up and down her spine with her every cold stare.
"I don't like you for my son, and I don't like you as a person..." she tensed up when the Luna uttered these words with conviction. She was speechless. All her life, she was used on being judged and the Luna's remarks are just some icing in her cake.
"You are not even his mate chosen by the goddess and for all I know, he is still pining for Leizel and is just using you as a cover-up." she continued coldly, even her tone is full of sarcasm and dislike. Seriously, how can you dislike people even without knowing them well? Is this the meaning of that cliche "first impression lasts"? Clearly, Mona is not having a great first impression of her too.
"What do you mean, Luna?" she quietly said, choosing her words.
"Tristan loves Leizel more than anything but she chose another man over my son! She is the perfect girl for him and we could have made amends if only you did not show up! You ruined all my plans!" she was blaming her for her failed plans as if she stole Tristan from Leizel. Her face now is already red, not from shame but from her restrained anger.
"But Luna, with all due respect, I was also taken by surprise during that night. I was shocked that he picked me over other eligible girls around. And to clarify, I did not do anything that caused them to break their bond. It was their decision. Besides, I am just acquainted with your son, nothing more. " she was surprised of herself that she was able to say all of it calmly.
"Why don't you ask your son on why he do what he did before blaming me of something I have no idea of." she added. The Luna's eyes glinted dangerously, her alarms can blaring on her.
"If there is nothing more to say, may I be excuse now?" she stood up, if she don't respond at the count of three, Mona will walk out. And three! She was about to leave when she speaks, this time, in a very chilly tone.
"Not too fast girl. I would like to remind you that I am the Luna of the Manor. What I say is the law here. Don't be too confident, you and Tristan are not married yet. Therefore, don't feel entitled. Follow every word I say and we won't have a problem. Above all, hold your tongue and don't talk back to me, you are not on my level. Remember what you are!" she leaned closer to her ear. Very near she can smell her overpowering perfume.
Then she whispered in her cold tone. "Even if you become the Luna, nothing will change the fact that you are a freak! Don't forget who the cursed girl is!!" And then she walks out, leaving Mona terrified and choking with tears.
Tristan saw his mother exits the dining hall, when he reached the room, he saw her in tears. Something inside him welled, as if poked by a sharp object. He approached her but when she saw him, she glared and run off. Now what? He decided to went after his mother.
He found her in her bonsai garden. Somehow, it is her habit. She is pruning a 50-year old miniature oak tree.
"Mom, can we talk?" Tristan spoke as he approched Miranda.
"You are already talking." was her casual response.
"Please, do me a favor, Mom. Don't be mean to Mona. Soon, she will be my wife and Luna of the pack, she must be treated with respect and dignity. " Tristan asks his mother nicely, the latter still focused on pruning her plant.
"She told you already?" was her cold reply, the snipping sound of her scissors more audible.
"No. I saw you left her in tears." he exhaled, one sign that Tristan is irritated and is trying to keep his cool.
"Maybe she is realizing how unworthy she is for you!" the Luna said forcefully, looking sharply at her son.
"Don't hurt her! Or you'll have to answer me... " Tristan replied, matching his mother's tone.
"Is that a threat, son?"Miranda's brows is in full arch.
"No. Just a reminder." Tristan replied with finality.
"I'll take note of that, but I can't promise much." she said with a vicious smirk on her face as she returned to her bonsai.