Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 85: What About The Rumours?

**Tiana's POV**

My night was restless, filled with tossing and turning around on the bed and before I knew it, dawn broke— the rays of sunlight filtering its way through the curtains.

I sighed, turning over and rubbing my eyes while wishing I could go back to last night and be able to sleep. Today, I was meeting the general council members. Theo hadn’t said much about them except that their approval mattered more than the members of the pack.

A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. The maids entered, carrying fabrics and jewellery fit for a queen—or, in this case, a Luna.

“My lady,” one of them said, her voice hesitant, “we’ve been instructed to prepare you for the meeting with the council.”

"Okay," I sighed, standing up and rubbing my eyes once more. "I will need to take a bath, am I late?"

"Not at all, we will help you with that as well."

I nodded, my throat too tight to respond.

After a bath, they worked silently, draping me in flowing robes of deep emerald green and fastening a simple silver circlet around my head. When they were finished, I barely recognized myself.

As I descended the stairs to meet Theo, I felt the maids’ whispers following me. They weren’t unkind, but they were curious. Who was this outsider who had managed to claim the Alpha’s heart?

Theo was waiting at the base of the stairs, his shoulders tense as he paced. He turned when he heard me approach, his eyes softening as they met mine.

“You look…” He paused.

“Nervous?” I offered, forcing a smile.

“Perfect,” he said instead.

I shook my head. “You’re a terrible liar, Theo.”

He chuckled, the sound easing some of my tension. “Come on,” he said, extending his arm. “Let’s get this over with.”

We walked closer to the door of the chambers, my hand rested lightly on his arm.

“Ready?” Theo’s voice was soft, meant only for me.

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure I believed it myself. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Theo stopped just before the doors, turning to face me. His gaze softened as he cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing over my skin. “You’ll do great,” he said, his voice steady. “Just be yourself.”

The warmth in his tone eased some of the tension coiled in my chest. I managed a small smile. “Let’s get this over with before I lose my nerve.”

He chuckled, then pushed open the heavy doors.

The throne room, which was also the general council chamber, was larger than the inner council’s room. The courtiers stood in rows and columns according to ranks and clans.

Theo’s father, Alpha Roman was at a podium that had thrones. He sat on the centre and largest throne.

As we stepped onto the platform, the room quieted. Theo’s grip on my hand tightened briefly before he released it, stepping forward to address the council.

“Thank you all for gathering on such short notice,” Theo began. “You’ve already heard the news through the inner council, but today, I officially introduce Tiana as my mate and the future Luna of this pack.”

Murmurs rippled through the room, though no one interrupted. Theo’s father raised a hand, silencing the whispers.

“This meeting is not a debate,” Alpha Romano said. “It is an introduction and a chance for the council to voice any concerns before we move forward.”

Elder Thaddeus of course was the first to speak as though he had not voiced enough of his concerns the day before. “With all due respect, Alpha, I do have concerns. Tiana is an outsider. While we respect the bond the Moon Goddess has forged, there is no denying she comes from a different pack, one with no ties to ours. How can we be sure she understands our ways? Our traditions?”

Theo’s jaw tightened.

“Elder Thaddeus,” I began, “you’re right. I am an outsider. But I’ve spent the last few months learning everything I can about this pack—its traditions, its values, its people without even knowing I would become Theo's mate. I may not have been born here, but I am willing to dedicate myself to becoming the Luna this pack deserves.”

Thaddeus arched an eyebrow. “And what of the rumors that you have not yet shifted? How can you claim to be a leader when you cannot even participate in the sacred bonfire hunt?”

The question hit harder than I expected, and I didn't think that Elder Thaddeus would go this low in front of people.

“My wolf may not have surfaced yet,” I admitted, “but that doesn’t make me any less capable of leading. A Luna’s strength isn’t measured solely by her wolf but by her heart, her mind, and her dedication to the pack.” I said, remembering Elder Jael's words.

Elder Jael nodded approvingly, “Tiana speaks wisely. The Moon Goddess does not make mistakes. If she chose Tiana as Theo’s mate, then she is the Luna we are meant to have.”

Thaddeus didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t argue further.

Another elder I had never seen before spoke up. “What do you say to those who might question your motives, Tiana? Some might accuse you of accepting Theo only because of his position as Alpha.”

The accusation stung, but I tried my best not to show it. I knew that they were all probably looking for a sign of weakness to justify that I was not good enough to become Luna of the pack. “My love for Theo has nothing to do with his title. I fell for the man, not the Alpha. And if I wanted power, I wouldn’t have hesitated for so long to accept the bond.”

A murmur of agreement swept through the room. Theo’s father spoke next. “Is there anyone here who opposes this union?”

The council members exchanged glances, but one by one, they voiced their approval.

“I cannot approve,” Thaddeus said bluntly. “This pack deserves a Luna who can lead by example, who can stand as a symbol of strength and tradition. Without her wolf, Tiana cannot fulfil that role.”

“The Moon Goddess’s choice is not up for debate, Thaddeus. Whether you approve or not, Tiana is my mate. She will be Luna.”

Thaddeus’s lips pressed into a thin line, but he said nothing more.

Alpha Roman nodded, his gaze sweeping over the council. “The decision has been made. Tiana will assume her role as Luna after the formal ceremony. We will send out invites to other ally packs.”