Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 324 Ava: Luna's First Trial (III)

The main lodge is a humble log cabin with an open layout that somehow manages to feel both spacious and cozy. Exposed wooden beams stretch across the ceiling, and a massive stone fireplace dominates one wall. The furniture is simple but sturdy—all handcrafted, I'd bet.

There's a raised platform where I stand, and plenty of space for people to stand.

There are no rooms. No kitchens. I think they even said there isn't a bathroom.

I tug at the hem of my black shirt, which hangs a bit loose on my frame. The jeans I'm wearing are slightly too big as well, but they're the best I could find on short notice. My hair is pulled back in a simple ponytail, practical if not particularly stylish.

Not glamorous. Not intimidating. The best I managed to aim for is clean and presentable. Hopefully it's enough.

My fingers tap an anxious rhythm against my thighs as I watch shifters file into the room.

Calm down, Selene's voice echoes in my mind. You're radiating anxiety. They can pick up on it.

They can probably smell it.

Yes.

Ugh.

Straightening my shoulders a little further, I clasp my hands behind my back, trying to look confident and no-nonsense. Like I'm a leader, and not someone just fumbling around in this Luna role. Damn it. I want an instruction book.

No such thing, Grimoire says cheerfully. You'll have to make it up as you go along.

I liked it better when he was a book who couldn't talk to me at will.

That's cruel.

But honest.

stands beside me, ears pricked forward as she watches more wolves enter. They all incline their

respect, Selene explains. They've all greeted

shoots through me. "I can't hear it," I

for you to hear, Selene replies, sounding thoughtful. I have

my mind. I agree. We'll

idea of having a real pack bond, where I can communicate with other wolves, is a dream I've had since I was a

long ago gave up on it, but if it's

his throat beside me. Delta Ryder, Vanessa's brother, leads several wolf shifters into the lodge, some sporting fading bruises. None are bound. All walk in line as if being

is it. The

guess it's more of a moment I try to pull wool over the eyes of my

air of authority I don't quite feel. Vester steps forward, his voice carrying easily through the room as

a

he lists the charges. "Unprovoked aggression, destruction of pack property,

a victim. I keep my

his jaw, steps forward. Vester addresses him directly. "Jerrod, explain

eyes darting between Vester and me. "It wasn't unprovoked," he growls. "That bastard Will's been running his mouth, saying our Alpha's gone soft. That we're weak now." His fists clench at his sides. "I couldn't

through the crowd. People are standing a little straighter, listening

It's a hot topic.

face

in shame. "I apologize, Luna. I don't know what came over me. My friends can tell you, I only drank one beer. We're all limited to one, you

though I

night.

moves to the

stories unfold, each eerily similar to the last.

out of

felt drunk, but

for a fight, and I

came to my senses,

thoughts. "Luna Ava, how do you judge these