<h4>Chapter 546: They Had Come</h4>


    <strong><i>[Meredith].</i></strong>


    Draven and I reached the dining room just as the doors opened.


    Randall stood there, his presence filling the space with quiet authority. We slowed instinctively.


    "Good morning, Father," Draven greeted first.


    I followed, bowing my head slightly. "Good morning, Father."


    Randall acknowledged us with a nod, then his gaze lingered on me thoughtfully. "So," he said, "today is the day."


    I straightened without meaning to. "Yes."


    "You’ve worked hard for this," he continued. "Whatever happens, remember—people do not forget effort thates from sincerity."


    His words settled deep in my chest.


    "Thank you, Father," I said honestly.


    That seemed to satisfy him. He gestured for us to enter and led the way in.


    Oscar, Jeffery, and Dennis were already seated. They stood immediately when Randall stepped forward.


    "Good morning, Father," Dennis greeted.


    "Good morning, Elder," Jeffery and Oscar greeted.


    "Alpha, Luna," They all chorused at the same time.


    I acknowledged them with a nod before Draven gestured for them to sit. Then he moved to the table first, taking his seat, and I sat beside him on his left while Randall upied the other head of the table.


    Then breakfast began.


    The spread was generous—warm bread, fruits, meats, porridge, and tea, but my appetite refused to follow my eyes. I forced myself to eat a little, just enough to appease Draven’s earlier insistence.


    Even then, my thoughts kept pulling away. I kept thinking about the venue, the timing, and the people.


    After a few minutes, I ced my cutlery down. "Excuse me," I said quietly. "I need to do a final round check."


    Draven looked up instantly, and our eyes met. There was concern there, but also understanding.


    I stood up from my chair, pushed it with the back of my legs and turned away. I left the dining room and walked straight toward the kitchen without slowing down.


    The moment I stepped inside, the conversation halted. Every cook and servant bowed deeply.


    "Good morning, Luna."


    I nodded. "Good morning."


    My eyes went straight to the neatly wrapped candiesid out on the counter. stic nylons sealed them carefully, stacked in organized rows.


    "These should be taken outside to the venue now," I instructed. "ce them on the side tables."


    "Yes, Luna."


    Satisfied, I turned and headed toward my workstation. The double doors were open.


    Inside, movement filled the space—Azul directing two servants, Kira lifting sacks, Arya and Deidra carrying the packaged teas and healing balms through the garden-facing door. Cora stood near the shelves, overseeing the flow.


    They greeted me the moment they saw me. "Luna."


    I nodded, relief loosening my shoulders. Everything was moving smoothly, so I didn’t linger. Instead, I walked straight toward the venue.


    The extra shade Madame Beatrice had suggested had been installed beautifully—fabric stretched between trees, softening the sun without blocking the breeze. Benches were arranged neatly. The high side tables already held trays of some of the candies.


    The servants were now carefully cing the small gift packages—each one containing the teas and a healing balm onto the disy tables.


    I exhaled slowly. <i>’Good.’</i>


    I turned to Cora. "Inform Madame Beatrice that food and drinks should be brought out thirty minutes before the event ends."


    She nodded. "Yes, Luna."


    As she left, another thought urred to me, so I took out my phone and dialled Jeffery.


    He answered immediately. "Yes, Luna."


    "I just wanted to confirm everything is in ce on your end."


    "All set," he replied. "Extra guards are stationed discreetly. There will be no disruptions."


    Only then did I allow myself to rx.


    I slipped my phone away, ready to wee the people alongside the servants, if possible.


    ---


    The first set of women arrived hesitantly.


    I could see it in the way they slowed at the entrance, the way their gazes swept over the benches, the shaded space, the tables prepared with care—as if they were unsure whether they truly belonged here.


    The moment I stepped forward and smiled, that hesitation softened. "Wee," I said gently.


    Some bowed, others curtsied awkwardly. A few simply stared, wide-eyed, before remembering themselves.


    "Thank you foring," I added, meaning it with every part of me.


    One woman—older, her hands rough from years of work, stepped closer and grasped my hands without warning.


    "Thank you, Luna," she said, her voice thick. "For thinking of us."


    Azul and Kira stiffened behind me, ready to intervene, but I lifted a hand slightly. I was fine with this.


    I squeezed the woman’s hands back, warmth spreading through my chest. "I’m d you’re here."


    That seemed to break something open.


    Another woman dared to hug me briefly, respectfully, and murmured her gratitude. I returned it without hesitation. Soon, handshakes followed. Quiet smiles. Softughter.


    I spoke with a few of them about the weather, about their children, about how long they had lived in Mystic Furs territory.


    There was nothing heavy or forced about the conversation, just human.


    For those who arrived with children, I crouched slightly to their level. Some hid behind skirts at first, peeking at me with suspicion. Others clutched their mothers tightly.


    "It’s alright," I told them softly. "You’re safe here."


    One little girl with braids stared at me for a long moment before stepping forward and wrapping her arms around my neck.


    Iughed softly, hugging her back. And that seemed to give the others courage.


    Soon, even the withdrawn ones epted my presence—small hands in mine, shy smiles blooming. My heart felt too full for my chest.


    I was happy. Genuinely, deeply happy.


    As more women began arriving in groups now, I realized I couldn’t keep up the conversations anymore. The space was filled with voices, movement, and colour.


    I stepped aside and allowed the servants to guide them—older women toward the front benches, younger ones further back, mothers settling with their children.


    My gaze swept the area—the benches. For a moment, a flicker of concern crossed my mind.


    Then I exhaled. I had prepared for this, so I gestured to a nearby servant. "Have the extra benches brought out."


    They bowed and moved immediately.


    Relief settled in me, followed by quiet pride. It was good, I thought ahead.


    By the time Azul returned to my side, my legs ached faintly. I hadn’t realized how long I had been standing—weing, smiling, and greeting.


    "You’ve been on your feet for hours, Luna," she whispered. "There are still twenty minutes before we begin. You should sit and rest."


    I hesitated for a moment, then I nodded. Azul was right, so I followed her toward a shaded seat, my chest still warm, my heart still humming.


    I had done this. And the women hade.