The ground gently rumbled, interrupting Raven's restless sleep. She groaned, not yet ready to begin her day after a night of tossing and turning. Abruptly, she jerked awake at the sound of several feet entering her room. "Good morning," said a soft, silky voice, loud but like music to the ears.

"Lady Selene?" she asked, hesitantly recognizing the beautiful woman before her as the council member from the night before.

"Yes, my little Luna, it is I," Lady Selene smiled, signaling two young ladies to start clearing the bedding, despite Raven still being in it. Hurrying to get out of their way, Raven stood awkwardly, her hair disheveled and face full of confusion. Curiosity filled her as Lady Selene engaged in conversation with the two other ladies, eventually directing them towards Raven.

"Hey! What are you—" Raven exclaimed as the women began untying her garments.

Lady Selene laughed and began to explain, “"Oh, they are preparing you for your bath. We have been tasked with getting you ready for breakfast with Lady Lady Armita in about an hour. So, we have not the time to waste, my Luna." With a smile, she motioned for the women to continue their task.

Embarrassment flooded Raven as the women began to undress her gently and guide her to the large quartz tub that seemed to appear out of no place. Settling into the hot, steamy water, she sighed with relief, grateful for the bath after the recent chaos in the forest.

The gentle touch of the handmaids and the comforting scent of aromatic oils helped Raven relax and regain her focus as she no longer felt sleepy and all her aches and pains appeared to melt away. Lady Selene's elegant yet firm voice resonated in the room, bringing Raven's attention back to her. "Okay, little Luna, there are a few things I must review with you before you have breakfast with the Fireleaf Clan."

"The whole clan?! I thought it would only be Lady Armita," Raven's stomach churned with nervousness.

Dante.

Her thoughts immediately turned to Dante, and her face flushed once again. She had not seen him since their arrival, and now he would be her fiance’. "Oh my god," she thought, allowing her body to sink into the water, causing the handmaids to gasp and dodge the splashes.

“Now, Now,” she could hear Lady Selene’s voice above the water, “Come back up, we have some things to go over before you meet with the Fireleafs.” Raven could not help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation in the presence of the representative from the Clan of the Silver Moon and obediently came out of the water, her hair soaking wet down her back. Lady Selene’s long silver hair cascaded down her back, and her piercing emerald green eyes appeared to hold the wisdom of ages as she looked sternly at her.

“Okay. Okay, I’m ready,” she said as the ladies began to wash her hair gently, massaging fragrant oils into it.

“Well, it is important that you try to follow the rules of etiquette around the Fireleaf Clan. They are the most respected leaders of the entire Western Wolf Packs.” Raven watched wide-eyed as Lady Selene began to go over some of the important rules that she should follow. “For instance, upon entering the presence of Lady Armita, Xion, and Dante, you should offer a formal and respectful greeting, as such,” Raven watched as Lady Selene raised her right fist to her heart and bowed her head deeply. “Acknowledging their high status as Luna and Alphas is crucial and you must remember to address them as such during this formal breakfast. You may address the young Dante simply as ‘Dante’.” Raven continued to listen as the handmaids paid meticulous attention to her unruly dark curls before she was allowed out of the bath.

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“Now, after you have properly greeted everyone, it is important not to sit in just anyplace. Wait for our Luna, Alpha, and young Dante to indicate where you should sit before taking your place at the table. The Luna traditionally occupies a central position, with the Alphas seated on either side," Lady Selene continued, while the handmaids fussed over Raven's appearance. As she dried off, they dressed her in another traditional garment, according to Lady Selene's instructions, carefully adjusting every intricate fold, ensuring every detail was perfect, as Raven tried her best to retain all of the information Lady Selene was telling her, though as she continued to talk an overwhelming feeling of dread began to taunt her.

“Oh! And if offered food or drink by any of the FireLeaf’, you should graciously accept and express your appreciation for their hospitality. It may be some foods you have never eaten before, but you mustn't refuse or it is considered vulgar. The last thing we need are any rumors going around about how disrespectful the new Luna is.”

Rumors?

Overwhelmed, Raven could no longer conceal her feelings. She flopped into the nearest chair, contemplating skipping the entire event, completely ignoring the fussy handmaids as they followed behind her. Lady Selene had already rattled off more rules than she could remember. The thought of bad rumors spreading to a bunch of people she didn't know seemed imminent. Raven knew that there was no way she could remember all of that. She let out a huge sigh before noticing Lady Selene, in her regal and commanding manner, staring curiously at her, apparently surprised by her flopping in the chair in such a way.

Well..." Lady Selene's green eyes bore into Raven. "Are you ready to finish getting ready? We have not all day, dear Luna.” Raven sighed again before standing, allowing the handmaids to readjust her garments and begin weaving golden threads into her hair braid.

Lady Selene seized the opportunity to continue to provide Raven with a crash course in the etiquette and customs of the upper clans. She imparted knowledge of the intricate protocols and expected behaviors, emphasizing the importance of representing her clan with grace and dignity. Raven listened intently, attempting to absorb as much of the information as she could, pushing the desire to skip the breakfast out of her mind. As the handmaids finished with her hair, they fussed over her garments once more before stepping back for Lady Selene's approval. Restless, Raven fidgeted nervously as Lady Selene examined her, inspecting the handmaids' work. Finally, Selene smiled and nodded in approval.

“Wonderful work girls!” she exclaimed, surprising Raven. “ You look beautiful. Just let me add one small detail.” She motioned for one of the girls to bring her a small onyx box. She opened it and pulled out a tiny diamond shaped like a crescent moon. She placed it gently in the middle of Raven's forehead, whispering something before removing her hand. “Now, perfect. Let us take a look..” Lady Selene waved her hand before a mirror of water appeared before them. She stared at herself for a moment, surprised at how natural she looked in the flowy white garments and delicate face paint. The twinkle of the diamond perfectly suited her face. She blushed in response to her beauty and decided to look away, not wanting to appear vain and slightly confused at how a water mirror had appeared in the first place. Lady Selene dismissed the mirror and took Raven's hand in hers.

"I understand that things are moving so fast, and there is still so much that you do not understand. But please believe me when I say that you are the true hope for us all,” Lady Selene's eyes filled with tears as she squeezed Raven's hands. Nervousness and determination surged within Raven as she witnessed Lady Selene's emotions.

“Now, don’t worry too much about today because it will be only the four of you and a few attendants at this breakfast. However, it will be the first of many, and you must begin practicing the etiquette of the elites. There will always be watchful eyes, and many oppose this union. They will stop at nothing to sow division within the Western Packs and challenge our allegiance.” Her eyes were now serious as she stepped away from Raven to gather herself and wipe her eyes before facing her again. “Starting tomorrow, I will meet with you every day to begin lessons on etiquette and the deep history of all the Western Clans and their lineages. If the prophecy holds true, it is my duty to prepare you to become the future Luna of our Clans." Raven smiled, feeling relieved that Lady Selene would be guiding her. She gently grasped Selene's hand.

“Thank you, I will try my best not to disappoint you all,” Raven said, quietly. Smiling Lady Selene, signaled the handmaids to gather their things as the ground rumbled and the door opened.

"I shall leave you now, little Luna. My darling assistant, Marcellus, will be here shortly to escort you to the terrace where you'll be having your breakfast. You will recognize him by his over-the-top purple garments. I find them quite charming," she giggled before exiting the room.