Paul Lyall, who was standing next to Jacob, urged everyone to keep quiet. The hall echoed the Beta's words. "We see our Alpha marry Gwen Boris, the Night Wind Pack's selected Luna, tonight. Our people are strengthened and stabilized by this union, which guarantees a bright future."
Among the assembled pack members, there was a chorus of whispers, some uncertain, some in agreement. Leah caught her breath as she saw Jacob shift uneasily, his eyes darting to Serafina, who was standing next to her. The child remained silent despite her bottom lip quivering and her hands balled into fists.
Jacob took a step forward and spoke steadily. "I accept Gwen Boris as my Luna for the benefit of my pack."
The remarks sounded empty, and Leah briefly believed she saw a flash of regret in his eyes. However, it was too late.
Gwen took a seat next to him and put her hand on his arm as her smile widened. "To stand by your side, Alpha, is an honor."
The pack gave a perfunctory cheer, but the atmosphere in the room was tense. Despite the lump in her throat, Leah swallowed. She was aware of her position, which was away from Jacob.
Leah sneaked off to the peaceful gardens later that evening while the festivities went on. In sharp contrast to the tempest raging in her emotions, the air was filled with the aroma of night-blooming flowers. She forced herself to maintain her composure as she pushed her fingertips across the coarse bark of an old oak tree.
"You shouldn't be by yourself out here."
Her spine tingled at the husky voice. When Leah turned around, Jacob was standing behind her with an unreadable expression.
She straightened, trying to hide her feelings. "Are you not supposed to be inside,Spending time with your recently acquired Luna?
Jacob's eyes grew gloomy. "Gwen will be alright without me for a short while."
Between them was silence, thick with unsaid words. Leah resisted the need to grab him and give him the consolation she knew he wouldn't request.
Finally, Leah remarked, her voice barely above a whisper, "She will make a fine Luna."
With a sharp exhale, Jacob combed through his hair. "That is still up in the air."
Leah scowled. "You selected her."
"I went with the pack," he clarified in a quiet voice. "Not her."
Leah's heart was racing. "That is what it means to be Alpha."
With an overwhelming presence, Jacob took a step closer. "Leah, what about what I desire?"
She forced herself to look into his eyes and swallowed hard. "Your desires are no longer important."
They were silent for a long time. The weight of unspoken things was carried by the wind as it rustled the leaves. After giving her a look that suggested he wanted to say more, Jacob leaned out and tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear. It was a quick touch, but it was like fire.
Then he took a step back as fast. "You ought to enter."
Leah turned before he could see the tears that threatened to fall, and nodded. The ghosts of what could never be between them lingered in the garden as she left Jacob.
Even though Gwen Boris was named Luna, she understood one thing when she entered the castle again: Jacob's heart was very far from hers.