Mona has been improving in all of her lessons,  somehow she had adjusted to the daily tasks given by the Luna, being immune to her insults helps her best. The preparations for the wedding are on the process with only two weeks before the day.  Still,  Mona has thoughts whether she'll make a fine wife or not.  Perhaps,  she just don't feel like marrying yet, at the same time,  afraid to taint her father's reputation and be removed from the pack.  Mona didn't  have fabulous choices either so she must do the best of it. Thalia,  her wolf,  has not surfaced since the rogues attacked,  she's wondering what has happened to her.  She can't take her wolf form too no matter how hard she tried.  She hadn't spoken to her since Tristan chose her as his bride. Has she turned dormant? If that is so, it will be a big trouble.  Especially if the Luna learns about it, surely,  she'll do anything to disclaim her. 

The Luna arranged a meeting with the women's circle. A Luna must have a council of her own,  it is composed of five very eligible ladies from the pack (she can include her lady friends if she have,  but in her case,  the Luna handpicked ladies of her choice.) To her disgust, Paula and Myrtle (her avid bullies) were members of the circle. Leizel James has a seat too, which of course is making her so uncomfortable, a very rich and sophisticated yet bratty girl named Daniella Rodriguez and to her relief, Joyce Wilson (the only girl she can trust among others). Paula,   Myrtle and Daniella sure are conniving with the Luna to carry out her plans to destroy and give her more sufferings.  Just great. Get it on, baby!

She arrived in the hall, the ladies are all seated in the long table.  The Circle's purpose is to give counsel, reports,  updates and carry out the Luna's plans and projects for the pack. Also,  as women they will serve as the ambassadors, at the same time,  the backbone of the Pack,  to support and help in the Alpha's decisions and visions.  Above all,  to maintain the balance in the pack.  They will be the Luna's ally, adviser,and friend in times of troubles.  Mona just laughs at the idea that Paula and Myrtle will be her friends, the way they look at her is enough to swallow her whole.

"Good morning Ladies!  I called you today to announce that starting today,  you are officially a member of the Luna's Circle." Miranda announced to the girls, a maidservant giving out booklets to the ladies.

"Read the booklet, written therein are your roles and duties to your Luna and your pack.  You must oblige to all of your Luna's commands and help her. This time, you are more than just council members,  but sisters." Paula smirked at the Luna's last words.

"You are expected to be trustworthy, honest,  and loyal to your Luna.  Anyone who will betray her trust means exclusion from the pack."  Miranda continued.

"Now ladies,  swear your loyalty to your Luna."

The ladies placed their hand in their chest and all at once pronounced their loyalty creed.

"Thank you, Ladies. In a few weeks,  Mona here will become the new Luna of the Black Moon Pack.  You must treat her with respect and speak with her in all honesty and fairness." Mona heard Miranda's words right but it seems to be oozing with sarcasm, her ears hurt. After that,  she left them to have time for themselves.

"I am glad that I am part of your council Miss Mona, I promise you can count on me." Joyce assured her,  the three other girls just smirked.

"Yeah,  whatever... " Daniella said prickly.  She looks like a Mexican actress with her olive skin and curly black hair, she's wearing a very red lipstick and false eyelashes.  She find her pretty even without those make up but her attitude problem is overpowering her entire physique.  "I need to go.  I still have a date." she said uninterestingly.
"And for you future Luna, good luck." and off she glided out the door.
Myrtle and Paula laughs heartily. 

"I just want to make it clear to you Mona... Maybe Young Master Tristan chose you as his bride and Luna,  but you.  You will remain as the freak of the pack.  Don't  feel so high and mighty of yourself." it was Paula in her bitchy tone.

"How dare you! You swore a moment ago to serve the Luna with respect and protect her with all your life, how dare you say those words to her! " Joyce stood up, looking angry at Paula and Myrtle.

"I did swore but it so happened that I am not referring to her as my Luna.  Only Luna Miranda is the Luna I will bow my head with!" Paula hissed

"Come on,  Joyce.  Don't  be a prick! You should choose your friends wisely,  you know. Paula's family is rich and powerful, and we love your designs and clothes,   we don't  want it closed,  don't  we?" Myrtle chimed in.

"Are you threatening me?" Joyce suddenly looked fierce. 

"Oh no.  No,  Miss Joyce.  I am not.  I am just...  reminding." Myrtle added sweetly. "And we also have here the ever charming Leizel James.  How does it feel like to be the woman torn between two lovers??"  she turned to Leizel,  the other girl tensed up.  "Luna Miranda,  as I may say is very wise indeed in choosing the Luna's Circle. I say you will be challenged during your term." Paula remarked snidely to Mona.

She tapped the table and stood,  moving closer to both Paula and Myrtle. She is done with their attitudes,  she won't let them disrespect her again.  She smirked at them as she said her words slowly,  letting them feel the weight of her every word.

"Guess what? You maybe rich,  powerful, beautiful but it will stop there.  I will be Luna,  and you will be nothing but my subjects.  The Luna's words still has more power than your mere existence so know your place!  Don't dare threaten me again nor humiliate me or else... your pretty heads will be such a waste... " Mona speaks fiercely to Myrtle and Paula, intimidating them. She never had that courage before, and the feeling is exhilarating. Paula and Myrtle backed down, frightened by Mona's new-found fire. "Understood?"

"Yes,  Miss Mona." they said retreating, Paula in her defiant face. Somehow, she finally gave Paula a notion not to take her easily.

"Good.  To that,  I have no business to both of you. Leave!" she said harshly the two ladies hurriedly went out the hall. 

"Serves them right!" Leizel chirped.  "I never liked Paula and Myrtle too.  They were  brats and so entitled."

She gave Leizel a warm smile.  Maybe she can get along with her.  Mona couldn't believe that she did what she just did.  Joyce tapped her shoulders,  reassuring that she did a very fine job shutting Paula and Myrtle. 

"By the way,  I have to go.  I still have lots of clients today.  Call me if you need anything." Joyce told Mona as she hurriedly went out the door.  She was waving her goodbye at the door when Troy came in.  The two almost collided if only Troy is not agile to step away on Joyce's way.  Well,  there was an instant connection between the two making Mona's inner self rejoice.
Joyce went out flushed. 

"You need anything Troy?" Mona inquired, Troy was still looking for the woman who just left.  He saw Mona's mischievous smile playing on her lips. He cleared his throat.

"Nothing.  I was just checking." he formally said,  avoiding Mona's eyes.
He can see her teasing look and she won't  stop bugging him after this.

"Leiz,  you never told me that you will be here. " Tristan spoke from behind.  Leizel tensed up again. 

Mona looked at the two old lovers.  "Come,  Troy.  I need to tell you something. Goodbye Leizel!  See you around!  " she said cheerfully to Leizel then she grabbed Troy away from the room leaving Tristan and Leizel behind. The latter went out of the room and started going to the drive way. She hushed Troy and follow them there.

"Leizel, are you avoiding me?" Tristan asked almost pleading. Leizel shrugs her shoulders.  "Tell me,  Leiz... "

"Tristan,  please.  Stop it okay? I don't want trouble. I'm happy now... " Leizel said firmly.

"Are you?" Tristan retorted "Why does it feel like you're not?"

"Pull yourself together Tristan!  You are about to be married in two weeks and you're not being reasonable!!" she hushed him irritably.

"This is just the remnants of the bond,  don't  confuse it with your emotions. We are done!" she said with conviction.

"It will be unfair to Mona if you keep on looking out for another woman.  Please Tristan... I don't  want to be trapped in our broken bond,  I am doing all I can to fight it.  I hope you do the same ... " Leizel speaks in his face. Tristan clenched his fists,  unwilling to accept her words. 

"Mona? Is that you?" another voice speaks up.  Mona looked up at the source of the voice.

"Hi!  What are you two doing here?" It was Henry. Upon seeing Henry's eyes,  something within Mona moved,  and her heart suddenly welled with affection and longing and pain? She can't  understand what she's feeling, to be honest.  Her heart seemed to beat slowly.  Troy grabbed her arm as he faced Henry,  wary and alarmed. 
Tristan and Leizel looked their way.  Of course,  they just spoiled their moment. 

Tristan looked at Henry angrily and his anger doubled upon seeing how he looks at Mona. His jaw tightened and his face darkened. 

Henry had not seen Mona after Tristan's party.  A part of his heart was wallowing because of breaking his bond to Mona, somehow he regretted it.  She made his heartbeat stopped that night and swore he was an idiot.  Looking at her now,  she is even more beautiful with his dark hair and amber eyes. He saw her lately in town,  looking good and fine and he thought he'll be fine too.  But he was wrong.  Emotions started to stir within him.   He is also pissed with this Troy guy who never leaves Mona's side.  Pissed and jealous at the same time. And there was Tristan, with a furious look in his face.  Is he mad because he is looking at Mona  or because Leizel chose him? But Mona's pull is much stronger, he can't take his eyes off her. 

"Leave her alone. " Troy said with a threatening look.  Mona seemed to wake from her trance. 

"Stop Troy!  Let's go." She grabbed his arm and turned away from them.  He can feel the chilly aura sorrounding the three men.  The least she wanted was have Troy fight with them.  She wants Henry that's for sure.  But she won't  let the remnants of the bond overpower her. She left Henry with difficulty,  she felt her heart crushing.  She thought she was over him, she thought she had forgotten about him since that unfateful night. But it actually never went away.

"I would like to punch him in the face for once,  Mona." Troy broke her silence. They are in the hallway now,  away from them.

"Don't  do that.  I don't  want you getting hurt over useless reasons." She said to him, as she fell out of balance, Troy caught her. The encounter has taken her energy, she shut her eyes and calm herself. 

"You okay?" Troy asked worriedly.

"Yes.  No.. I am just...let me just stay this way." she is at loss for words,  she leaned to Troy's chest as she gave herself a silent cry.  A cry she don't know the reason. Maybe her heart just want to cry?  She gave in.

Tristan is furious.  But Leizel stopped him from doing something stupid.  They left before he can even say a word.  He went back to the manor and saw Mona as she tripped and Troy caught her.  His jaw tightened and he clenched his fist.  How dare him to touch his bride! He was moving closer to them but he stopped on his tracks when he heard her little sobs. 
Somehow, pain struck him.  He forgot that Henry had rejected her for Leizel and she must feel it too.  The remnants of a broken bond. In fact,  they are on the same boat.  Still hurting whenever the person who rejected them shows up.  Getting irrational in their presence.  How long will it be until he can fight it off? How long will she able to bear the pain?

Suddenly,  Tristan felt silly and helpless.  Why did he blurted out her name during the party?  Why was she so beautiful that night, in the first place,  making him forget his pain from the rejection, capturing his attention all night? Also, why is he acting like an idiot adding to her misery? And why on earth,  he feels jealous with Troy as he leisurely touches her hair as she cry on his shoulders? Above all,  Tristan can't fathom why he feels sad seeing Mona in tears.  He touched his chest and felt his heart beating out of rhythm.