Chapter Thirty
The Ceremony
The courtyard shimmered in gold
Sunlight spilled through stained glass panels draped above the arched terrace, casting a kaleidoscope of dancing color across marbled floors. The sweet scent of blooming moonflowers wafted in the air, mingling with incense and the soft hum of strings being tuned in the background!
Ashridge had never looked so breathtaking Every servant, elder, and warrior stood to attention, dresseit in ceremonial white, silver threads catching the light like stardust. An enormous altar made of moonstone and crystal sat at the heart of the courtyard, flanked by burning torches and flower–wrapped pillars. The night before, a double full moon had blessed the skies. The ornams were perfect 1 Two figures stood beneath the altar canopy, backlit by sunlight, cloaked in deep ceremonial robes. The female figure’s ved shimmered with tiny pearls. The male figure beside her stood tall, broad–shouldered, his presence unmistakable even wrapped in ceremonial fabric
But no names were spoken. No hints dropped. All anyone was told was that the true Alphur and Luna of Ashridge would be revealed. moment of binding.
Even the nobles whispered with restrain
All eyes turned to the center, to the mystery that unfolded like a gift.
A week earlier…Kade had fallen to his knees
In the middle of the training arena, in front of guards, elders, and a very bewildered Selene, he had knelt and placed a bundle in her hands,&
A bound collection of hand–written letters Each one a day missed Every single one penned since the moment we arrived Ashridge 2
A letter for every full mistake, for every decision he didn’t get to make, every tear the imagined she cried.
Selene had opened the first one.
“I don’t know where you are. But I still sleep on the side of the bed you claimed I keep the clothes I wore during our training once beside
I
my heart. It’s the only time I’ve ever felt worthy of bleeding “%
She opened another
“They say you’re not worthy. I don’t believe them. A lire like yours doesn’t go out. It scorches the sky, you are more than enough Another
“I dreamt of you. You smiled. Then slapped me. And still, it was the best dream I’ve had in years.“And anotherk
“Take Me back. Just once. I’ll kneel again. I’ll beg in every longue the Ancients ever spoke. Just take me back.”
Selene hadn’t spoken. But that night, she walked into his quarters unannounced, holding the last letter in her hand.
“I’m not promising forever, she’d said.
“But I’m giving you now?!
Now, the figure under the veil waited.
The High Priestess stepped forward, lifting the sacred crystal bowl filled with anointing oil blessed by moonlight. Her voice rang through the air, nich with ceremony.
“We gather under the light of truth, under the witness of gods and ancestors, to unite two wolves who have claimed one another–not in haste, but in trial, in storm, and in fire.”X
She dipped her fingers in the oil
“The band will be sealed by truth. The bond will be sealed by choice.”
She stepped toward the veiled woman. “Will you accept this bond?”
The woman nodded. “Yes”
The crowd buzzed. Someone gasped softly.”
The High Priestess turned to the male figure. “And will you, Alpha of this realm, accept this bond?”
A deep voice “Yes”
The High Priestess lifted her hands!!
“Then by moon and marrow, show your faces to the realm!”
With trembling fingers, the woman removed her veil. A gasp rippled through the crowd Selene
Her silver eyes glimmered with unshed tears, her smile both defiant and tender
The man beside her removed his hood Kade. The crowd erupted into stunned silence. Then cheers X
Except–A crashing sound shattered the harmony. The double doors of the temple burst open, wood splintering against stone. Ronan stormed in, panting, hair wild, flanked by three trembling pups with identical ocean eyes I
“Selene“” he bellowed, desperation etched in every line of his face. “Please–don’t do this’s
The triplets broke away from him, racing down the aisle X
“Mom!” they cried “Mom, waitte
Selene’s face softened as they approached it
instead of opening her arms she walk to them and cunned each of their cheeks with infinite tenderness I
11:01 AM
But instead of opening her arms, she walk to them and cupped each of their cheeks with infinite tendemess
“I’m not your mother, she said gently. “I just stood in for her
Their eyes widened.Ronan froze.
She rose and turned to him. “And I’m not your mate, Alpha Ronan, I’m your mate’s cousin”
Before the crowd could react, another voice rang from the back of the great hall.!!!
Heads tumed Standing at Lyra.
at the threshold, radiant
- d. radiant in soft blue and moon–gold robes, her hair cascading down like a waterfall of night, was
Alive Whole Smiling.
The triplets gasped and raced toward her.”
She dropped to her knees just in time to catch all three, sobbing as they collided into her arms.
“Mommy!” they screamed, holding her like she might vanish again.
Ronan stood frozen, tears streaming down his face.
Lyra lifted her eyes to him. He stumbled forward, grasping her as if afraid she’d crumble to dust.
“You–how-
“Much later, my loves.” Lyra said softly, eyes twinkling. “But for now… let’s celebrate my sister“!
She turned to Selene, eyes shimmering with pride.
“Go on, Luna Let the world see who you are.”
Selene took Kade’s hand.}:
The High Priestess, unshaken, lifted the ceremonial blade and drew a single drop of blood from each of their palms. They pressed their hands together, blood to blood.
A flare of silver fire burst around them, encircling them in flame that didn’t burn but glowed with ethereal light.
“By blood, by vow, by bond–may your souls recognize each other in every life that follows this one.”
The crowd bowed as the High Priestess declared:8
“Alpha Kade. Luna Selene. Ashridge recognizes your bond.”
The roar of the crowd shook the courtyard.But all Kade saw was her. And Selene–finally, truly–smiled as if the war was worth it.
Because it brought her here. To him.
