Danger alert after ceremony
Celine’s POV :
‘Whatever or whoever it is, we need to wait. Remember, we promised Alpha Tyrion about sharing everything first. ‘ Belinay was right and I was not going to respond back to the voice.
And for the stranger mind link, it had to be Calle. There was no one who would go to certain lengths to make me feel insecure of my big day.
‘You don’t need to be worried about it anymore. I am never going to hide anything from him. ‘
I heard a soft knock on the door and two maids entered with their heads bowed down and face lit up with a smile. They were in our ancient traditional attire especially designed for the crowning day.
“We bow down to the Luna and ask for her permission to take her to the crowning ceremony. ”
I felt a smile spreading on my lips. They were so delighted to have said that royal sentence almost content that they got to be a part of it. A part of my life.
“Yes, please. ”
With both of them on my either sides, I walked to the palace royalty chamber which was decorated beautifully and I could only feel my tears brimming in my eyes. A huge picture of my smiling mother was hung on the wall behind the throne. She had piercing blue eyes and soft blondes. I could see the fire in her eyes and the glow on her face. In one word, she was magnificent and I was glad that I shared the same bone structure like her.
Alpha Tyrion gave me his hand as I walked closer to him. He looked so handsome and charming in his navy blue attire. His sword hanging by his waist.
“You’re looking so beautiful. ” He said, kissing my hand.
I blushed and gave him a slight nod, ” I am so nervous… ”
But the anxiety left my body with his warmth and closeness. The mate bond gave me safety and power which was the ultimate gift any wolf could ask for.
Aunt Emerald walked to us, dressed in her beautiful green gown and the crown in her hands covered by a red satin cloth.
“Celine, I am so happy that this day finally came. I have been waiting for this moment and can’t just seem to believe you are here! ”
Her eyes filled with passion and determination, somehow made me uneasy. She trusted me so much regarding the pack safety and crown. But was I actually the deserving candidate?
My thoughts were interrupted when the elders started to prepare the rituals for the ceremony and aunt excitedly held my arm. The pack members welcomed me with flowers and cheers. But as I made my way to the ceremonial grounds, a nagging sense of unease gnawed at me. My wolf, usually a steady presence within me, had been restless, pacing and growling in the back of my mind.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. Maybe it was just nerves. After all, becoming queen was no small responsibility. As I stepped into the circle of elders, their faces etched with solemn reverence, I forced myself to smile. Aunt Emerald, ever poised and elegant, stood on my left, her hand gently squeezing mine in reassurance.
“Give a smile, Celine. ” She whispered to me.
On my right, Alpha Tyrion held my other hand, his grip warm and steady.
The elders began the ritual, their voices rising in unison as they chanted the ancient words of blessing and protection. I glanced at Alpha Tyrion, his strong profile calm and focused.
“O, Moon Goddess, The Mother of this planet, the one who offers her sweet gentle light to heal us, we, the kingdom of Zephyr, today, crown the Royal blood, the chosen one by you to be the Queen of this kingdom. Please accept her as your strongest soldier, the one who will lead the packs. ”
Aunt Emerald stepped forward, the crown of our ancestors held delicately in her hands. With a careful, practiced motion, she placed the crown on Tyrion’s head first, then mine.
“Alpha Tyrion! The Greatest Alpha! We are blessed to have you! ”
The pack erupted into cheers, their voices echoing through the clearing. I managed to smile, but the thumping of my heart grew louder, more insistent.
“Long live the Queen and King of Zephyr!”
The maids brought glasses of wine, we clank them and raised our hands high. A loving kiss planted on my mouth as I tried to find peace in my mate irrespective of the anxiety deep down in my heart.
“Please, congratulate the King and Queen. ” The elders told the pack members.
As the pack members approached us one by one to offer their congratulations, I did my best to push aside my unease. They deserved to see their new queen happy and confident. But when an old woman grasped my hand, her eyes clouded with worry, my heart skipped a beat.
“Danger,” she whispered, her voice barely audible above the din.
Before I could react, Aunt Emerald was there, gently but firmly pushing the woman away. “She’s just an old crone, pay her no mind,” she said with a dismissive wave.
I nodded, but the woman’s words echoed in my mind. Danger. What could she have meant? I didn’t have time to dwell on it, as the elders beckoned me over to discuss some pressing matters. They were concerned about Calle, his new schemes even in the so called woods’ dungeon.
“The thing is… we haven’t known of this dungeon and it is something which is keeping us worried for long enough. I personally would recommend you to take a visit to the dungeon to check if everything is under control. ”
I nodded, ” I have been wary of him too. He is not just a wolf but a Lycan. And any stupid person would think that he wouldn’t try anything to harm us now. ”
The party had started for the crowning ceremony and the members were enjoying, dancing and singing to themselves. It was the right time, me and Alpha Tyrion needed to check on him. Maybe after that, I would feel comfortable.
“Yes, I will go along with you. ”
Alpha Tyrion offered to accompany me, but Aunt Emerald insisted on coming instead. “You should stay and oversee the festivities,” she said to Alpha Tyrion with a smile. “I’ll make sure Celine is safe.”
Alpha Tyrion hesitated, but eventually agreed.
“If anything goes wrong, just mind link with me… I will be there in a minute. ” He said.
“I will keep her safe over my life. Don’t worry about her. ” She answered.
I was grateful for Aunt Emerald’s support. She was this powerful and strong woman who was a motivating figure in my life. Someone like a mother to me. The carriages were ready for us to take us to the woods and Aunt told the guards to stay back because only two of us would be going to that dangerous place.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
As we made our way to the woods, I felt a little more at ease with her by my side.
The woods were thick and silent, the only sound our footsteps crunching on the forest floor. I glanced at Aunt Emerald, her expression unreadable. “Where exactly is the dungeon?” I asked, trying to break the uneasy silence.
She pointed ahead. “Just a bit further,” she said.
I nodded and followed her lead, but the feeling of unease only grew stronger. Suddenly, something hard struck the back of my head. Pain exploded in my skull, and I fell to my knees, the world spinning around me. I tried to turn, to see my attacker, but my vision blurred.
The last thing I saw before everything went black was Aunt Emerald standing over me, a sword in her hand.
“Why?” I croaked, my voice hoarse and weak.