Chapter 16
648words
I watch from Kayden's quarters as carriages and horses fill the courtyard, bringing werewolves from various territories. I notice members of the Western Pack in their distinctive dark green clothing.
Eliza arrives with a box. "From Lord Kayden," she says. "For tonight."
Inside is an elegant deep blue dress. Beneath it lies a note: "Wear this. Stay close to me tonight."
"He wants me at the ceremony?" I ask.
"All claimed humans attend with their masters. It's tradition," she explains. "Though most don't receive dresses like this."
Later, Kayden arrives dressed in formal black attire with silver embroidery.
"The dress suits you," he says.
"Thank you. I was surprised to receive it."
"Tonight you represent me, but that's not the only reason I want you there." He closes the door. "I need to keep you close. The Western Alpha has been asking questions. Stay by my side. If we're separated, find Lucas."
"Lucas? He hates me."
"He dislikes you, but he's still family. If there's trouble, he'll protect what's mine. It's politics, Freya. Sometimes enemies make better allies than friends."
Kayden gives me a silver crescent moon pendant. "Wear this tonight. Keep it hidden."
As he fastens it around my neck, his fingers brush my skin, sending warmth through me.
"What is it?" I ask.
"Protection. If anything happens tonight, hold it and think of me."
---
The Great Hall is decorated with silver and white, filled with candles and flowers. Hundreds of werewolves are gathered in their finest clothes.
As we enter, conversations pause. People stare at me on Kayden's arm.
"Ignore them," Kayden murmurs.
We approach the front where the Alpha sits on an elevated platform with empty chairs beside him.
Ashley intercepts us in a silver gown. "You look handsome tonight. Ready for destiny?"
"The Goddess will reveal what she will," Kayden replies.
"Indeed. Though some choices are more obvious than others." She looks at me dismissively. "Your pet cleans up well, though she still smells of... humanity."
"Freya serves me well," Kayden says firmly. "If you'll excuse us, my father is waiting."
The Alpha watches our approach. "So this is the human everyone whispers about," he says. "The one who's captured my son's attention."
"Father," Kayden warns.
"Take your place. The ceremony begins soon."
I stand behind Kayden's chair, noticing I'm the only claimed human not in servant's clothing with downcast eyes.
The Western Pack delegation takes positions near the front. Their Alpha studies me openly.
"He's watching me," I whisper.
"I know. Remember what I told you. Stay close."
The Alpha addresses the gathering about tradition, the Moon Goddess's wisdom, and proper mates. His frequent glances at Ashley make his intentions clear.
Attendants bring a silver bowl filled with glowing liquid. Each unmated werewolf will approach it to see if the moonwater reveals their true mate.
Young werewolves approach one by one. Some see nothing, others find their mates in the crowd.
Ashley grows increasingly confident as the ceremony progresses.
When it's Kayden's turn, the hall falls silent. He places his hands on the bowl and stares into the liquid. His body goes rigid.
Whispers spread through the crowd. The Alpha frowns. Ashley's smile falters.
When Kayden finally looks up, his eyes find mine.
"What did you see, son?" the Alpha asks.
"Nothing clear, father. The water showed only shadows."
"Perhaps the Goddess wishes me to wait," Kayden adds.
Ashley steps forward. "My turn, then."
She places her hands on the bowl, smiling confidently. Then her smile vanishes.
"This is wrong," she hisses. "The water is flawed."
The Alpha looks into the bowl himself. "The water shows what the Goddess reveals, child."
Ashley steps back, flushed with humiliation. Her eyes find me with sudden hatred.
