Moira
(n.) A person's fate or destiny
"You did so well Artemis, I'm so happy that you're an official member now," Aylin squealed, pressing her smaller body into mine with a tight hug. I chuckled and hugged her back.
After the Elders had announced the celebrations would be in the ballroom, all the werewolves had trickled out the garden and headed indoors to celebrate and only the other spirit wolves had stayed behind to congratulate me personally.
"Let the girl breath," Selene scolded the blond woman who let me go with a giggle. I took a moment to look at my new family, my eyes wandering over their outfits.
Aylin's dress was short with a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps, small rhinestones decorating the length of it. It suited her shorter stature and curvier body perfectly.
Selene was elegant as always with a pure white floor length gown, with only a thin diamond belt around her waist. It had a plunging v neck and two long slits up each leg, showing off smooth bronze skin.
The males all wore white suits with varying details. Koray had a silver detailing on his suit jacket while Vikesh had a golden detail on his. Reiko had some intricate black patterns on his suit while Badar chose a deep red pattern.
They were all unique, but there was no denying the pure white colours we all wore that signified our status.
That and all our matching crowns.
We all wore forehead crowns, all of them made of silver and decorated with white diamond. They weren't as intricate as the crowns on the Elders, but they were still a shining beacon to all werewolves that we stood out.
The silver would burn any normal werewolf and vampire, but against Spirit Wolves and Pure Blood Vampires, it had no effect.
"Come on, lets go before they finish all the wine," And with that we all walked inside, instantly greeted by the sound of chatter and the clinking of glasses and cutlery.
The ballroom was a magnificent space, decorated tastefully with countless tables and chairs set up. The white and silver theme colours made the space look like something out of a fairytale. As we entered, all eyes fell on us. I was about to make my way to familiar group towards the back, when an arm around my waist stopped me.
I turned to look at Badar besides me who shook his head slightly.
"Our table is over there. You can speak to people after the first meal," he whispered. I nodded and let him guide me to an impressive table in the center of the space.
"Where are the Elders?" I asked as we sat down.
"Over there," He gestured with his head. I followed his direction and realised that there was a raised platform at the front of the room where all the elders sat on decorated thrones. A long table was arranged before them so they could see the whole room below them while sipping from their chalices.
The Elders were the closest thing to a monarchy the werewolf world had and normally speaking, each elder was scattered across the world and had a specific province to rule with the help of one appointed spirit wolf.
Up until now, the First Elder had ruled the Northern American territories on her own, Selene working the Southern American territories with the Second Elder.
I asked her why she wasn't working with her mother instead, but she cryptically told me I'd find out soon enough.
The food was served by the waiters and we all dug into the delicious meats, talking lightly amongst ourselves. In the background, some classical musical was playing by a live orchestra on one side of the hall.
"Don't look now but this guy has been staring at you," I looked at Badar besides me, furrowing my brows as he gestured subtly with his head behind me.
I wasn't one for subtly myself so I just opted to do a full 180 in my seat to survey the people behind me.
"Damn woman, I just said don't look," Badar muttered to himself, running a hand through his white corkscrew curls.
I ignored him, letting my gaze roll over all the different wolves until they caught an unwavering one.
I should have known it would be him.
I took a moment to really assess him, noting how he wore a midnight black suit with a black shirt and tie underneath, the dark colour only emphasising his dark hair and contrasting nicely with his alabaster skin.
His blue eyes were pale and icy, to the point where they almost looked grey with dark shadows underneath them.
Catching movement besides him, my eyes caught sight of Genevieve and Apollo, the former giving me a shaky smile while the latter just looked defeated.
"Artemis," my name being called made me turn back around and look at Selene questioningly. The waiters had already cleared the table and refilled our wine glasses while some dessert was served.
"This is Ophelia," I looked up at the woman that had approached our table. She was tall, as tall as Selene and wore a striking black sequinned dress that no doubt belonged on the red carpet. "My mate," Selene added.
It was only then that I noticed the soft expression she was giving the woman, her otherwise calm and impassive look swapped for a warmer expression.
"Ophelia my dear, this is Artemis," Ophelia held up a smooth olive hand which I accepted in a firm shake.
"It's nice to meet you. I hope Selene wasn't too harsh with you," Ophelia had a slight drawl to her words, a faint accent.
"Selene was more than kind to me," I smiled back. I looked over her shoulder and noticed more figures approach our table, all donning incredible black outfits.
I was then promptly introduced, learning their names and that they were each mated to a spirit wolf. They all soon coupled off as everyone finished their desserts and people began mingling and dancing freely.
I was the odd one out, left at the table.
I clutched my wine glass tighter, debating if I should go and find Romeo and the others but I swiftly decided against it.
I was only delaying the inevitable after all.
Downing my glass, I let the liquid courage settle in my stomach before I got up and made my way across the room. I caught his eyes and held his gaze as I approached their table, stopping right before them.
"Artemis-," Genevieve paused, seemingly unsure what to say. It was comforting to know they were all as lost as I. A flash of uncertainty and fear passed in her eye and I realised what my silence could be mistaken for.
"May I take a seat?" I asked, glancing back at Aurelius who only stared mutely.
"Of course My Lady-,"
"It's Artemis, Gen. No need for formalities," I waved off. I gave her a comforting smile since she seemed oddly nervous while her brother was oddly silent. I took the seat besides Aurelius, aware of our close proximity.
It remained silent for a moment while I gathered my thoughts and words.
"I'm sorry," I looked up, surprised at the gruff voice. I blinked at my mate, somehow the words not digesting in my brain. "I'm sorry for-for everything," I could tell there was more he wanted to say, but not with a crowd.
"We can talk later," I murmured. Before I could stop myself, my hand had moved on its own and rested on top of his on the table.
I was not prepared for what it did to me.
The sparks I had felt long ago had come back with a new force and vigour, almost making me jerk. The tingles spread up my arm, making my breath hitch involuntarily.
His fingers wrapped around mine, holding them tightly and I marvelled at how his large and calloused hand felt so right around my smaller one. I shook myself out of my stupor, breaking eye contact and pulling my hand back to focus on my next words.
"I want to come back," I could feel their confusion before they even voiced it so I continued. "I am the rightful Luna of the Phantom Pack, so I have duties I need to fulfil,"
"Of course Artemis. You are always welcome, it is your pack too," I smiled at Apollo in reply.
"Good. We can discuss the details later. Enjoy the celebrations and have a wonderful night," I stood up and offered them all a polite smile before leaving the table.
I'm gonna need another glass of wine, I thought sullenly.