Chapter 19: The Mating Ceremony
Kate
Anticipation filled the clearing as the Crimson Pack gathered beneath the full moon. The sharp scent of pine and burning torches mingled with the crisp night air. Excitement and reverence radiated from
the crowd as they turned their attention to
the center.
Kent’s hand tightened around mine, his warmth grounding me as we stood at the sacred stone. My crimson ceremonial dress shimmered in the firelight, the intricate embroidery catching every flicker.
Elder Rowan stepped forward, his presence commanding instant silence. His long
robes brushed the ground as he raised his
hands to address the crowd.
“Tonight, we witness the binding of Alpha
Kent and Kate as Luna of the Crimson
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Chapter 19: The Mating Ceremony
Moon Pack. This bond is sacred. It
strengthens the Alpha and Luna and the pack as a whole.”
The pack watched intently; the seriousness. of the moment reflected in their solemn.
faces. Elder Rowan turned toward Kent, holding up the ceremonial dagger, its polished blade gleaming under the moonlight.
“Do you, Alpha Kent, vow to protect, guide, and honor your Luna as your equal in leadership and life?”
“I do,” Kent replied without hesitation.
“And you, Kate, do you vow to stand by your Alpha, to serve this pack with unwavering loyalty, and to lead with strength and compassion?”
“I do,” I answered.
Elder Rowan nodded in approval. He handed the blade toward Kent, who pricked his palm without flinching. Blood welled up and dripped onto the sacred
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Chapter 19: The Mating Ceremony
stone between us.
When Elder Rowan offered me the blade, I took it without hesitation. The sting was sharp but brief as I pressed the tip into my palm. My blood mingled with Kent’s on the stone, symbolizing our bond.
“By the Moon Goddess‘ s will, the bond is sealed,” Elder Rowan declared, raising his hands toward the sky.
The pack erupted into cheers, their howls echoing through the forest. The sound was primal, celebratory, and filled with acceptance. My wolf stirred within me; her presence stronger than ever. She fully accepted Kent as our mate, her approval radiating through every fiber of my being. Kent turned to me, his eyes glowing with the power of his wolf.
“Luna Kate,” he said.
“Alpha Kent,” I replied.
The pack surged forward, a wave of joy and celebration sweeping the clearing.
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Chapter 19: The Mating Ceremony
Members clapped, howled, and raised their glasses, eager to share in the moment. Then, a sudden commotion silenced the crowd. Heads turned as a man stumbled into the light. His clothes were torn, his face pale and streaked with dirt.
“Hold!” Elder Rowan barked.
The stranger collapsed at the elder‘ s feet, his chest heaving as he clutched a sealed letter in trembling hands.
“Speak,” Elder Rowan commanded sharply.
“Message… for Luna Kate,” the man gasped, holding out the letter before sagging to the ground.
A murmur spread through the crowd. Kent’s hand was firm on my shoulder as I
took the envelope. My fingers trembled as I
broke the seal and read.
Kate,
I was voted out as Alpha of Silverfang. The
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Chapter 19: The Mating Ceremony
pack deserves better, and I am not the leader they need. I left and will not return. I only hope that one day, you can find it in your heart to forgive me… not for what I did but for what I failed to be.
Goodbye, Kate.
– Tyson
The clearing remained silent as the words settled over the crowd. Whispers began among the pack like the wind.
“Do you believe him?” Kent asked.
I folded the letter and replied, “I don‘ t know. But it doesn’t matter anymore. His reign is over.”
Elder Rowan took the letter with a nod
before signaling the guards to escort the messenger away. The pack’s murmurs grew louder, uncertainty lingering in their
eyes.
“Silverfang‘ s affairs are no longer our concern. Tonight is about Crimson Moon
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Chapter 19: The Mating Ceremony
Pack–about unity, strength, and the future we build together,” Kent addressed the pack.
His words settled the crowd, and a new cheer rose, louder and fiercer. Kent turned
to me, his eyes softening as he leaned close.
“You‘ re free of him now.”
“I’ve been free for a while. Tonight, just makes it official.”
The celebration resumed, and laughter and music filled the clearing. We all danced and enjoyed the night.