Fern's Perspective
After the applause settled, he continued, "Most of you know of her. Many have met her. Many of us owe her. She's transformed how we collaborate and what drives us during training. Once, I asked her, 'Who do you think of when you're on the battlefield?' Without hesitation, she replied, 'Those who cannot fight on the battlefield.'"
Giovanni's voice carried over the speakers, "She possesses a nobility rarely seen among us. I know you'd all love to hear from her. It is my great pride to introduce our Gamma, my trusted friend and comrade in arms, Vivian. Please join us!"
Vivian rose gracefully and walked to the front of the stage. She embraced Alpha Giovanni briefly before stepping up to the microphone.
"Thank you for the generous introduction, Alpha Giovanni." Everyone applauded, then fell silent as she continued, "As Gamma Tobias mentioned, last year was challenging."
Her expression turned grave. "We lost many of our packmates in the war."
She paused, covering the microphone with her hand in despair before her voice resonated over the speakers, "During investigations, we discovered that these losses were due to time constraints and an insufficient number of trained fighters within our colonies. We sought aid, but often arrived too late to prevent the devastation—bodies, blood, and homes destroyed."
She clenched her fists on the podium, struggling to hold back tears.
Stepping back, she took a deep breath. "We've all heard the stories. Most of us have lost friends. However, we can no longer rely on timely assistance. It's time for every capable member to learn to defend our own. I've spoken with my alpha, and he's agreed to let me organize training sessions for those willing to learn."
"The Rogues grow stronger, and rumors persist about rogue werewolves. Additionally, there may be rival packs seeking to challenge us. For the sake of our people and your families, let us stand united. Thank you all."
As Vivian stepped away from the microphone, every werewolf in the room rose and howled together.
In werewolf culture, howling was the highest honor, a gesture so rare that some considered it a myth. Today, at Alpha Giovanni's urging, this tradition was revived. If memory serves, the last time I heard such a howl after a speech was nearly two centuries ago, during the truce between vampires and werewolves.
I must admit, even I was deeply moved.
When they stepped off the stage, Giovanni approached me, hugged me tightly, and whispered in my ear, "She's amazing, isn't she?"
I could tell he was immensely proud to have such a remarkable "sister" like Vivian.
It seemed like I should feel jealousy and envy at a moment like this, but to my surprise, I didn't. As the Luna of the pack, I felt genuinely happy for Vivian's accomplishments. I admired her deeply and felt fortunate to have such a capable Gamma in our pack.
Following Giovanni's gaze to Vivian amidst the cheering crowd, I replied warmly, "Yes, Giovanni."
Upon hearing my response, Giovanni gently kissed my hand. "Thank you, Little Tree," he murmured.
My cheeks flushed slightly as Giovanni grinned, his thumb stroking my palm gently. With a laugh, he added, "Come on, let's go grab something to eat."
I nodded, and we walked hand in hand towards the buffet table. Giovanni pulled out a chair for me while I placed my plate on the table. Before long, Vivian and Tobias joined us.
Though I intended to set aside my differences with Vivian, it was clear someone else didn't feel the same way.
"Could you pass the salt, Aurora?" Vivian's eyes sparkled mischievously as she looked at me, her tone provocative.
'Here she go again.' My wolf couldn't help but roll her eyes.
Trying my best to ignore the discomfort she was causing, I reached for the salt, only to be interrupted by Giovanni.
"Vivian, mind your manners," Giovanni's expression turned serious. "She's the Luna of our pack, not a servant. Show her some respect."
I placed my hand on his clenched fist under the table, meeting Giovanni's intense gaze. I mouthed, "Calm down," and began to stroke his fist with my thumb to soothe both him and his wolf.
His tension eased at my touch, and his fist relaxed.
Vivian's eyes widened in surprise, but soon, surprise turned to anger. "Giovanni, you know nothing. I won't acknowledge her as our pack's Luna because she's full of lies..."
"Vivian!" Tobias interrupted just in time, before Giovanni could explode again, or he was just afraid of Vivian speaking something wrong.
"Apologize to her!" Giovanni's voice was cold and commanding.
"No! On what grounds..." Vivian struggled against conceding.
"Vivian!" Tobias warned, once again interrupting unexpectedly.
"Okay, I'm sorry," Vivian reluctantly apologized.
"That's alright," I replied with a polite smile.
"But about the training later," Vivian glanced over at me, "perhaps you'll join us? I'm sure everyone would love to see the pack's Luna fighting alongside them."
Once again, Vivian's words put the atmosphere at the table on ice.
"Vivian, enough. My choice of Luna doesn't need validation," Giovanni said tersely.
I gave Giovanni a reassuring smile, gently patting his hand under the dining room table. Then, I looked at Vivian and said, "Of course, it would be an honor to train with all of you."
A slight smile played at the corners of my mouth as I spoke softly.