Chapter 5 The Pack's Shock

POV: Thelma

The silence that followed my declaration was so complete, I could hear my own heartbeat echoing in my ears. Every single person in the grand hall stared at me with their mouths hanging open, as if I had just announced I was going to sprout wings and fly to the moon.

"Did she just..." someone whispered from the back.

"She refused to be Luna?" another voice gasped.

The shock on their faces would have been amusing if the situation wasn't so serious. These people had never seen anyone defy the pack's leadership so boldly. In their world, you didn't say no to becoming Luna. You didn't reject the Alpha's chosen mate. You especially didn't do it in front of the entire pack during what was supposed to be the most important ceremony of your life.

But I wasn't their obedient little princess anymore. I was someone who had died once because of their lies, and I wasn't going to let it happen again.

My adoptive father's face cycled through several shades of red before settling on a deep crimson that made him look like he might explode. His hands were clenched so tightly at his sides that I could see his knuckles turning white. But he was the Alpha, the pack leader. He couldn't afford to lose control in front of everyone, no matter how much my rebellion was destroying his carefully laid plans.

"Everyone, please," he said, forcing his voice to remain calm and authoritative. He even managed to produce what might have passed for a concerned smile if you didn't know him like I did. "My daughter is clearly overwhelmed by the magnitude of this moment."

A few pack members nodded sympathetically. Of course they would buy that excuse. Poor little Thelma, too fragile to handle the pressure of becoming their Luna. How perfectly convenient for him to paint me as weak and confused rather than admit that his precious plan was falling apart.

"The responsibility of leading this pack alongside our future Alpha is enormous," he continued, gesturing toward Neon. "It's natural for someone so young to feel intimidated by such an important role."

"I'm not intimidated," I said clearly, my voice carrying across the silent hall. "And I'm not overwhelmed. I know exactly what I'm saying, and I meant every word."

The murmurs that rippled through the crowd were like a gathering storm. People were leaning forward in their seats, whispering to each other behind their hands. This was probably the most excitement they'd seen at a pack ceremony in decades.

"Thelma, sweetheart," Neon stepped forward, and I had to force myself not to recoil at the fake concern dripping from his voice. "You're not thinking clearly. This is our future we're talking about. Our destiny."

His handsome face was arranged in an expression of wounded confusion, like a devoted fiancé who couldn't understand why his beloved was acting so strangely. But I could see the flash of anger in his dark eyes, the way his jaw tightened when he thought no one was looking. In my previous life, I had been completely fooled by his act. Now, it makes my skin crawl.

"Our destiny?" I repeated, letting a bitter laugh escape. "Or your ambition?"

Several pack members gasped at my words. They weren't used to hearing anyone speak to their future Alpha with such disrespect.

Neon's mask slipped for just a moment, and I saw a flicker of real rage cross his features before he composed himself again. "I don't know what's gotten into you, but this isn't like you at all. You were excited about our wedding just yesterday."

"People change their minds, Neon. I've realized this isn't what I want for my life."

"But Thelma!" Yvonne's voice cut through the tension as she hurried up to the platform. Her face was the perfect picture of sisterly concern, her blue eyes wide with what looked like genuine worry. She was such a good actress. If I hadn't lived through her betrayal once already, I might have actually believed she cared about me.

"You can't just change your mind about something this important!" she continued, reaching for my hands. "Think about what this means for our family, for the pack!"

I jerked my hands away from her touch before she could make contact. "Don't touch me."

The words came out harsher than I had intended, and I saw several people in the crowd exchange worried glances. Yvonne's eyes widened even more, and she took a small step backward.

"Sister, you're scaring me," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "You're not acting like yourself at all. Maybe you should sit down, have some water..."

I could see the panic flickering behind her concerned expression. She was probably wondering how much I knew, how much I had figured out about their plans. Let her wonder. Let her sweat.

"I'm acting exactly like myself," I said coldly. "Maybe for the first time in my life."

My adoptive father stepped forward again, his forced smile becoming more strained by the second. I could practically hear the wheels turning in his head as he tried to figure out how to salvage this disaster.

"Everyone, please remain calm," he announced to the crowd, his voice carrying all the authority of an Alpha. "I'm sure there's a simple explanation for this... outburst."

He turned to address the pack members directly, knowing that controlling their perception of the situation was crucial. "My daughter has been under tremendous stress lately with all the preparations for today's ceremony. Sometimes the pressure of such important life changes can affect us in unexpected ways."

More sympathetic nods from the crowd. They trusted him, respected him. They had no idea what kind of monster he really was beneath that caring father facade.

"She just needs some time to collect herself and remember why this union is so important for all of us," he continued smoothly. "Perhaps we should postpone the ceremony until she's feeling more... stable."

"No!" I said loudly, causing everyone to turn back to me with startled expressions. "You're not listening to me. I'm not postponing anything. I'm canceling it. Permanently."

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder now, more agitated. Some people looked confused, others scandalized. A few of the older pack members were shaking their heads in clear disapproval of my behavior.

"Thelma, honey," my adoptive mother's voice called from somewhere in the crowd. "Come down from there. Let's discuss this privately, as a family."

"Why?" I challenged, letting my gaze sweep over the assembled pack members. "So you can tell me what's best for me again? So you can convince me to go along with your plans? I'm done with that. I'm done being your obedient little puppet."

I could feel Neon's anger radiating off him in waves now. His carefully constructed mask of concern was beginning to crack, and I could see the real him starting to show through. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, and his breathing had become slightly labored.