Chapter 55
“Because you must.” Cecelia said firmly, eyes serious but gentle as she reached for my hands, giving them a reassuring squeeze. “The harvest isn’t just a mere celebration. Liana. It marks your place here–as Luna. It’s a declaration.”
I sighed, pulling my hands away to tuck my hair behind my ears, avoiding her earnest gaze. “It feels more like a trap. Like they’re waiting for me to fail.”
She gave me a sympathetic look, but there was steel behind her gentle expression. “Then you must prove them wrong. You have to show everyone that you belong here, that you can handle this role–curse or no curse.”
I shook my head slightly, feeling overwhelmed. “Cecelia, I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do.”
Cecelia offered a patient smile, motioning for me to sit on the cushioned bench by the window. She sank gracefully beside me, smoothing out the skirts of her dress as she gathered her thoughts.
“First,” she started gently, her eyes brightening as she went into her teaching mode, “you will be presented formally to the pack. They will offer you symbolic gifts–flowers, fruit, herbs, items representing their lands and what they hope you’ll bring to their future.”
“Gifts?” I echoed, anxiety prickling along my spine. “What do I do with them?”
“You accept them graciously,” she said pointedly, her lips quirking slightly at my obvious unease. “No rolling your eyes or showing impatience.”
I huffed, trying not to smile. “I think I can manage that part. What else?”
Cecelia’s eyes twinkled. Then you’ll lead the dance.”
My heart stuttered. “Dance? You didn’t say anything about a dance.”
She laughed softly, nudging my shoulder gently with hers. “Because you’d panic. But it’s tradition. The Luna always leads the first dance. It symbolizes your bond with the Alpha, and your unity with the pack.”
I swallowed hard, picturing myself stumbling around awkwardly in front of everyone. “And if I trip over my own feet?”
“You won’t,” Cecelia assured warmly, squeezing my hand again. “We’ll practice every day until the harvest. You’ll glide like a goddess–1 promise.”
Her confidence eased some of my nerves, but I knew there was more. “What else is there?”
She hesitated slightly before answering. Then comes the blessing ceremony. You’ll be taken to the pack elders. They’ll offer their prayers and protection, bless your union with the Alpha, and_offer wisdom for the night that follows.”
i stiffened at the implication. The mating ceremony.”
Cecelia’s gaze softened, sensing my anxiety. “Yes, the mating ceremony.”
My chest tightened painfully. “What happens exactly, Cecelia? Why_why is that night so dangerous?”
She glanced away, clearly uncomfortable, but then met my gaze with determination. “Liana, it’s the night the Luna officially mates with the Alpha. Alaric’s beast is at its strongest that night—especially after the harvest moon. Most maidens couldn’t withstand his transformation. Those who survived the night…”
Her voice trailed off into an uncomfortable silence, and I reached out, gripping her arm. “Tell me.”
“Some couldn’t bear the aftermath. The fear, the shame, the horror of it all. A few took their own lives, and others simply faded away from the pain and despair,” she explained, voice hushed and heavy.
I sat back, shoulders slumped, the weight of what lay ahead pressing heavily on my chest. “It sounds impossible.”
“It isn’t impossible,” Cecelia countered softly, her voice surprisingly fierce. “Alaric cares about you–I see it. It may seem small, even insignificant, but it’s there. That connection can make all the difference.”
“I don’t even know how to deal with the man–how will I handle the beast?” I whispered, my voice strained and weak.
“You are stronger than you know,” Cecelia said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. “This is your chance to rewrite your fate. To prove to Amara Brielle, and everyone who doubts you, that you’re not just some weak omega girl who stumbled her way into the
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Chapter 55
king’s bed. You’re Liana Waters, Luna to the Lycan King.”
Her words struck deep, igniting a small spark of courage within me. But doubts still lingered, stubborn and loud.
“What if I fail?” My voice wavered, betraying my fear.
Cecelia lifted her chin, eyes blazing with conviction. “Then you fail fighting, not surrendering. And that alone makes you stronger than anyone who came before.”
Silence stretched between us, filled only by the soft rustle of curtains in the gentle breeze. Cecelia waited patiently, allowing me the space to gather myself.
“I still don’t know if I can do this,” I admitted softly, my voice barely audible even to myself.
She smiled gently, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “You can, and you will. But first, we’ll practice dancing. Every day until you feel confident. We’ll go over the customs, the blessings, the speeches. You’ll be perfect.”
I exhaled shakily, finding comfort in her unwavering belief. “You truly believe in me?”
“Always,” she said simply, squeezing my hand reassuringly again. “Now, chin up. No more tears. You have a harvest to plan.”
laughed softly, wiping my eyes quickly. “Right. Harvest first, impending doom later.”
She chuckled, standing gracefully and smoothing her skirts. “That’s the spirit. Now, let’s discuss attire. You need something stunning- yet dignified. Something that commands respect and admiration.”
1 shook my head, slightly amused. “I’m an omega–respect isn’t exactly common.”
“You were an omega,” Cecelia corrected with quiet authority. “Now you are Luna. The pack will follow your lead. Alaric chose you, not them. You cornmand their respect through him, but also through yourself.”
“Fine,” I sighed dramatically, feigning annoyance. “Then make sure the dress is stunning enough to silence Amira’s nasty mouth.”
Cecelia’s eyes lit up mischievously. “Oh, I already have a gown in mind. Rich emerald silk, to match your eyes, embroidered with silver threads. Elegant yet powerful.”
I smiled, imagining it. “You’re good at this.”
“It’s my job,” she teased lightly. “Now, for the celebration itself. You’ll be expected to deliver a short speech–nothing too lengthy. Acknowledge the pack, thank them for their gifts, and declare your intention to stand by the king and lead the pack with grace and
honor.”
I winced slightly. “Speech? Can’t Alaric just…growl at them?”
She laughed softly. “Sadly, no. Though it might be more effective. You’ll do fine. Short, sweet, sincere.”
I nodded slowly, absorbing everything she said. “It all sounds…manageable, I suppose.”
“It is,” she assured gently, voice filled with warmth. “And remember, I’ll be right beside you every step of the way.”
I exhaled deeply, giving her a grateful smile. “Thank you, Cecelia. Truly.”
She offered another gentle squeeze to my hand, eyes sparkling with genuine affection. “Now, chin up and eyes sharp. You have much work to do, Luna.”
I laughed softly as she stood, her skirts whispering against the polished floor. “Tomorrow,” she reminded me gently, “we sha
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