Ariel POV

Crystal's gaze on me made it clear that she was going to try to intimidate me. Since last night's party, I knew she would never appreciate me as Luna. I didn't want to cause trouble so my cover wouldn't be blown. It was better to just take Crystal's word for it.

"Sit down. We're going to talk about Lucian's birthday party celebration," Crystal said as she walked back into the pavilion.

I took a breath to get rid of the nerves that were creeping up on me. Evelyn walked after Crystal. The women in the pavilion looked at me. They sat on the chairs that had been prepared. This place was more like an office meeting. Only there are more participants. Suddenly, I thought of Nadine. How would she respond if she were here? How would she react when facing Crystal? Would she keep quiet, or would she fight back? I don't know, but one thing is for sure: Nadine is not timid like me.

Evelyn pointed to an ordinary, empty chair. It was even uglier than the one Crystal and the other women were using. It looked like it was intentional. Fortunately, I don't care about things like this. My life has often been marked by significant suffering. This was nothing to me.

"You must already know that Luna Nadin is joining us today by request, Alpha Lucien, but that doesn't mean she will lead the Moon Girls." Crystal immediately announced these women. They stared at Crystal intently as if they were staring at the most terrifying queen. "So, you can think of her as the same as you. In this community, her title as Luna means nothing. Give a welcome to Luna Nadine."

They all clapped their hands while smiling, but somehow, I felt their smiles were fake. I could understand. After all, I was a stranger who suddenly became Luna. There must be a lot of disappointment that Luna didn't come from this pack.

"Thank you for welcoming me so well," I said reluctantly.

If I had to choose, I would rather stay in my room and not communicate with anyone. I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing. I was worried they'd realize I wasn't someone Luna should be. Nadine is highly educated. The way we think must be very different. I had no experience at all dealing with this many people.

This meeting went on with conversations I didn't understand at all. I was only armed with the lessons Nadine had given me. They discussed many things, including beauty, parties, hobbies, and a career that I had obviously never pursued in my life. The only job I had was playing the role of Nadine. I just kept quiet while occasionally smiling. I couldn't respond at all because I had no experience.

"So, how's your experience, Luna?" Crystal suddenly threw a question at me. It seemed like she did it on purpose because I had been silent.

"Hmm, yeah?" I wasn't sure what to answer.

"You've been silent all day without saying anything. We were brainstorming how to get the best value as a woman. I didn't hear you give any input."

I shook my head. "Honestly, I don't know what to say. I'm doing just fine," I replied, confused.

"Oh, you're the daughter of an Alpha. You must get whatever you want without even trying. You're just different from us, Luna," Crystal teased me.

Idiot! How could that be possible? On the contrary, I never got anything I wanted because no one wanted to give it to me.

"I am sorry. I didn't mean that. In my pack, there's no gathering of women like this. I'm not sure what to share with you. I grew up as an Alpha's daughter, and I didn't have much experience because my dad was very strict with me. He didn't let me do many risky things. My dad is quite possessive. I actually envy you guys because you have a lot of experience that I don't have."

I wasn't sure if my answer was appropriate, but it was the best way to respond to Crystal's question, which was intended to demean me. And I think I managed to get Crystal to shut up. Maybe she didn't expect me to answer like this. She wanted to embarrass me, but I wasn't embarrassed. I was well trained.

The meeting lasted almost two hours until it ended. The women left the pavilion to continue their respective activities. I was still here when Crystal was about to leave.

"Don't fight me, Nadine, I warned you," Crystal said.

"What have I done?" I don't know what I did wrong.

"Don't steal my spotlight. No matter what happens, you're completely insignificant here. Don't argue with me, or I'll rat you out to Lucien. Remember, he must trust me more than you. You're new to this pack, don't act like you know everything."

After the warning, Crystal turned around and left the pavilion. I sighed. Now, I was more relieved. What had really happened? What did I do wrong to Crystal?

"Don't mind, Crystal, Luna. She's arrogant and thinks she's special."

A woman approached me. Her appearance was both elegant and straightforward. Her smile was friendly to me.

"Oh, yeah? Why is she like that? She always does that?" I asked.

"First of all, I'm Micha, and I'm in charge of taking care of the garden at the packhouse. Crystal was Alpha's childhood friend, and she always felt that she was going to be Luna, and when Alpha decided to marry you, Crystal was heartbroken."

I understood this. Crystal told me this, too. But I never meant to snatch Lucian away from you.

"Poor Crystal."

"Don't care about her, Luna. I'd rather have you here. Alpha Lucian is starting to change a bit."

"Changes? What's changed about him?"

The woman smiled, then whispered to me.

"You have to find out for yourself, Luna," she replied. "Ahh, I just want to warn you, be careful with Crystal."

"Why?"

"She's dangerous, especially because you have what she wants most."

The woman left. I just stood there, sighing. No one was on my side here.

I also left the pavilion, walking leisurely back to my room, but I accidentally saw Crystal heading to Lucian's private room.

"Why is Crystal going in there?"

Curious, I crept closer to the room. I wanted to know what they were actually doing.