Chapter 9
3608words
The Grand Elder said it was because my connection with the Moon Shadow Clan was growing stronger, and the power of moonlight was accelerating my healing. But I knew that Liam's companionship was also an important reason.
He stayed by my side almost constantly, only briefly leaving when handling clan matters. Every night when darkness fell, he would sit beside my bed, telling me about the history and legends of the Moon Shadow Clan, or simply keeping me company in silence, making me feel at ease.
After a week, I was able to get out of bed and move around. Liam took me to the garden, letting me bathe in the moonlight to absorb more energy.
"Do you feel better?" he asked with concern.
I nodded, taking a deep breath: "Much better. Moonlight truly has magical power."
Liam smiled as he looked at me: "It's not just the moonlight, but also your own will. You are much stronger than you imagine, Selena."
We sat side by side on a garden bench, enjoying the peaceful night. In the distance, clan members were preparing for the upcoming Full Moon Festival.
"What is the Full Moon Festival?" I asked curiously.
"This is one of the most important traditions of the Moon Shadow Clan," Liam explained, "Every year at this time, we hold a ceremony to thank the Moon Goddess for her protection, while praying for peace and harvest in the coming year."
"Sounds sacred," I said, "Why haven't I participated before?"
"Because this ritual can only be presided over by the Luna and Alpha," Liam said, "And during the three years you were gone, the ceremony was barely maintained by your father and the elders."
My heart ached slightly, realizing how much inconvenience my departure had caused the clan.
"Don't blame yourself," Liam seemed to read my mind, "You have the right to make your own choices. And now you're back, that's what matters most."
I leaned on his shoulder, feeling his warmth and strength: "Thank you for understanding, Liam."
"So," he asked softly, "Are you ready to preside over this year's Full Moon Festival?"
I looked up at him, my eyes full of determination: "Yes, I am ready."
Preparations for the Full Moon Festival were proceeding at a rapid pace.
As the host, I need to learn complex ritual procedures and prayers. The Grand Elder spends several hours each day teaching me, ensuring that I can perfectly complete the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Ethan is also helping. Although he is not a member of the Moon Shadow clan, he has a deep understanding of the traditions of various clans and offers many useful suggestions.
"You know," he said to me during a break, "Silver Claw clan's full moon ritual is very different from yours. We focus more on the display of power rather than spiritual connection."
"Sounds very Silver Claw style," I smiled and said, "powerful and direct."
Ethan chuckled: "Yeah, but now I understand that true power isn't just about external demonstration, but also about internal connection and balance."
I looked at him in surprise: "You've really changed a lot, Ethan."
"After experiencing those things, anyone would change," his expression became serious, "Selena, I want to apologize to you again for my past actions."
"You've already apologized," I said softly, "and you've proven your sincerity through your actions."
Ethan shook his head: "That's not enough. I was once so selfish, so blind, hurting the most precious person."
A flash of pain crossed his eyes: "Seeing you with Liam, I finally understand what true love is. It's not possession, not control, but respect, support, and extending a helping hand when needed."
I was moved by his words and gently took his hand: "Thank you, Ethan. I hope you can find your own happiness too."
Ethan gave a bitter smile: "Maybe, but not now. I still need time to find my true self."
Just then, Liam walked over. He saw us holding hands and frowned slightly, but quickly regained his composure.
"Excuse me," he said, "the elders want to discuss the final details for tomorrow's ceremony."
I immediately let go of Ethan's hand and stood up: "I'm coming."
As I left, I noticed Liam and Ethan exchanging a complex look. Although they could coexist peacefully now, the subtle tension between the two Alphas still remained.
On the night before the Full Moon Festival, Liam and I were walking by Moon Shadow Lake.
The lake was as calm as a mirror, reflecting the starry sky. Tomorrow, this place would become the center of the ceremony, gathering all the people of the Moon Shadow clan.
"Nervous?" Liam asked.
"A little," I admitted, "This is my first time presiding over such an important ceremony."
"You'll do great," Liam encouraged me, "You were born for this."
We walked to a large rock by the lake, the place where generations of Lunas from the Moon Shadow clan had meditated. Legend has it that one can feel the power of the moon more clearly here.
"I have something for you," Liam suddenly said, taking a small box from his pocket.
I opened it curiously to find an exquisite silver necklace with a pendant shaped like a full moon, inlaid with a blue gemstone.
"This is the traditional ornament of the Moon Shadow clan's Luna," Liam explained, "Every generation of Luna wears it at her first Full Moon Festival."
He helped me put on the necklace, with the pendant falling perfectly at the center of my chest. I could feel a warm energy radiating from the pendant, resonating with the power within me.
"It's beautiful," I said softly, "thank you, Liam."
Liam's hand gently caressed my cheek: "No, you make it beautiful."
His gaze deepened, filled with love and longing. I knew what he was thinking, because I felt the same way.
Since the duel, the connection between us had grown stronger. Whenever we were close, we could feel each other's heartbeats and emotions. This was the special bond between an Alpha and Luna, but between us, it seemed even more powerful than the legends described.
Liam slowly moved closer, his lips gently pressing against mine. The kiss started tenderly but quickly grew passionate. I could feel the wolf spirit within him roaring, craving a deeper connection.
My wolf spirit was responding too, a kind of unprecedented heat spreading throughout my body. My arms encircled his neck, pulling him closer.
"Selena," he whispered in my ear, his voice husky, "I want you, all of you."
I knew what he was asking for. In werewolf tradition, true union requires complete fusion of both body and spirit. This is a sacred ritual, once completed, we would be connected forever.
"I want you too," I replied softly, "but not now, not here."
Liam took a deep breath, struggling to control his instincts. His eyes flashed red, but he respected my decision.
"You're right," he said, his voice still husky, "Tomorrow is the full moon ceremony, we need to stay clear-headed and strong."
He gently kissed my forehead: "But after the ceremony, I hope you'll consider my request."
I nodded, feeling both nervous and expectant: "I will."
We embraced under the moonlight, feeling each other's heartbeat and warmth. At this moment, I felt incredibly happy and content.
The day of the Full Moon Festival finally arrived.
From early morning, the entire Moon Shadow Clan became busy. Clan members decorated the area around Moon Shadow Lake, arranging offerings and candles. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation.
In my room, I put on the traditional Luna ceremonial dress—a pure white gown adorned with silver moon patterns, with a silver belt tied around my waist. My hair was carefully arranged, and I wore the silver crown of Luna.
When I walked out of my room, father was waiting for me. He looked at me, his eyes filled with pride and emotion.
"You look just like your mother," he said softly, "she would be proud of you."
My eyes grew moist: "I hope I can do as well as she did."
Father held my hand: "You will, even better. You have her gentleness and wisdom, but you are braver and more determined than she was."
We walked together toward Moon Shadow Lake. Night had fallen, with the full moon hanging high in the sky, casting silver light. The entire pack had already gathered by the lake, quietly waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Liam stood on a platform by the lake, dressed in formal Alpha attire—a black robe with a silver cape draped over his shoulders. He looked majestic and powerful, but when his gaze fell upon me, his eyes immediately filled with tenderness.
I stepped onto the platform and stood beside him. The Grand Elder handed me a silver bowl filled with clear water.
"Luna of the Moon Shadow pack," he said solemnly, "are you ready to guide our people in communion with the Moon Goddess?"
"I am ready," I answered, my voice clear and firm.
The ceremony began. I raised the silver bowl high, allowing the moonlight to shine upon the water's surface.
"Great Moon Goddess," I began reciting the ancient prayer, "we thank you for your protection and guidance. On this night of the full moon, we offer you our respect and wishes."
As I spoke, the water in the silver bowl began to glow, emitting a soft silver light. I could feel powerful energy flowing from the moon, through my body, and into the silver bowl.
"Please accept our offerings," I continued, "grant us strength and wisdom, protect our clan, and guide our path."
Liam stood beside me, his energy merging with mine, strengthening the connection with the moon. Our powers intertwined in the air, forming a silver beam of light that reached straight to the sky.
The clan members gasped in awe, having never seen such a spectacular sight. Even the eldest elders stated that this was the most powerful full moon ceremony they had ever witnessed.
I poured the water from the silver bowl into the lake, and the lake water immediately began to glow like liquid moonlight. The clan members came forward one by one, dipping their fingers in the lake water, then drawing the mark of the moon on their foreheads, symbolizing their acceptance of the Moon Goddess's blessing.
Halfway through the ritual, I suddenly felt something strange. A dark energy seemed to be trying to interfere with our connection. My vision became blurry, and the silver bowl in my hands began to tremble.
Liam immediately noticed my abnormality, his hand covered mine, stabilizing the silver bowl.
"What's wrong?" he asked in a low voice.
"There's something," I struggled to stay conscious, "a dark force, trying to disrupt the ritual."
Liam's expression became vigilant as he looked around but found nothing unusual.
"Focus," he said, "don't let it break the connection."
I took a deep breath and refocused. The power of the moonlight once again filled my body, dispelling that dark sensation.
The ritual continued and was eventually completed successfully. When the last clan member received the blessing, I felt a sense of relief and satisfaction. I had succeeded in my first full moon festival.
The clan members began to celebrate, with music and laughter filling the entire lakeside. Liam and I received blessings and praise from the clan members, but there was still a hint of unease in my heart.
What is that dark power? Where does it come from?
Just then, Ethan hurried over with a tense expression on his face.
"Something's happened," he said in a low voice, "the border patrol has found traces of intruders."
Liam's expression immediately turned serious: "Who are they?"
"Not sure," Ethan said, "but they left this behind."
He took out a small object, a black stone with a strange symbol carved on it—a moon torn by claws.
My heart sank as I recognized the symbol: "The Eclipse Clan."
The Eclipse Clan was an ancient and mysterious wolf tribe, legend has it they possessed dark powers and could manipulate lunar eclipses to weaken other wolf tribes. They were once mortal enemies of the Moonshade Clan, but were defeated in a great war hundreds of years ago and vanished without a trace.
"This is impossible," the Grand Elder approached, his face turning pale upon seeing the symbol, "the Eclipse Clan was extinct long ago."
"Obviously not," Liam said calmly, "they've probably been watching from the shadows, waiting for the right moment."
"But why now?" I asked, confused.
"Because of you," Ethan suddenly said, "or more precisely, because of your union with Liam."
We all looked at him, waiting for an explanation.
"According to legend, when a Luna of the Moon Shadow clan bonds with a powerful Alpha, their powers will reach unprecedented heights," Ethan said, "this might be what the Eclipse clan fears most."
"So they tried to disrupt the full moon ceremony," Liam understood, "to weaken our power."
"But they failed," I said, "we completed the ritual."
"Yes, but this might only be the beginning," Ethan warned, "they won't give up easily."
Liam's expression became resolute: "We need to strengthen our defenses while completing the bonding ceremony as soon as possible to consolidate our power."
He looked at me, his eyes filled with both question and determination: "Are you ready, Selena?"
At that moment, I understood my responsibility and mission. As Luna of the Moon Shadow Clan, protecting the clan was my sacred duty. And my union with Liam was not only a testament to our love, but also a guarantee of the clan's safety.
"I am ready," I answered firmly.
The binding ceremony was to be held three days later on the night of the new moon.
Unlike the public and festive full moon celebration, the binding ceremony was private and sacred. Only the Grand Elder and a few core elders attended as witnesses.
The ceremony took place in the oldest temple of the Moon Shadow Clan. It was a circular structure built on a mountaintop, with an open ceiling that allowed moonlight to shine directly onto the central altar.
I wore a specially made white gown embroidered with intricate moon patterns. Liam wore a deep blue formal attire with the Shadow Pack's emblem on his chest.
We stood on opposite sides of the altar, with a silver basin full of clear water between us. The Grand Elder stood before the basin and began reciting the ancient binding prayer.
"Under the witness of the new moon, we gather here today to witness the sacred union of Luna Selena Moonlight of the Moon Shadow Clan and Alpha Liam Nightfall of the Shadow Pack."
He took a drop of blood from both Liam and me, dripping them into a silver basin. The water's surface immediately radiated with silver light, as the two drops of blood merged together, forming a perfect circle.
"The union of blood with blood, the fusion of heart with heart," the Grand Elder continued, "From this moment on, you will share life, share power, share destiny."
Liam and I simultaneously immersed our hands into the water, feeling each other's energy. A powerful force surged from the water, encircling us, binding our souls tightly together.
I could feel everything about Liam—his thoughts, his emotions, his power. And he could feel mine too. This connection was so profound, so complete, transcending the limitations of flesh and language.
"Now," said the Grand Elder, "please exchange your vows."
Liam looked at me, his eyes filled with deep affection: "Selena Moonlight, from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were my destined one. I promise to love you, protect you, and respect you forever. My heart, my soul, my everything, belongs to you."
My eyes moistened, my voice trembling slightly with emotion: "Liam Nightfall, you are my moonlight, my guide, my strength. I promise to love you forever, support you, and walk beside you. No matter what challenges we face, we will face them together."
The Grand Elder wrapped a silver ribbon around our wrists, symbolizing our eternal connection.
"In the name of the Moon Goddess, I declare you formally united. From this moment on, you are one, in life, in death, and in eternity."
With his words, silver light burst forth from us, illuminating the entire temple. I felt an unprecedented power surge into my body, merging with Liam's power, forming a complete cycle.
The bond is complete. We are now true companions, in body, in spirit, and in the depths of our souls.
We spent the first night after our bonding in the sacred place of the Moon Shadow clan.
It was a hidden valley, surrounded by ancient forests, with a small lake at its center, the water so clear you could see to the bottom, reflecting the countless stars above.
We settled in a cottage by the lake. It was a simple yet comfortable wooden cabin, prepared specifically for newly bonded couples.
Liam lit the fireplace, the warm glow illuminating the entire room. He turned to me, his eyes filled with love and desire.
"Are you alright?" he asked softly, "The bonding ceremony consumed a lot of energy."
I nodded, though feeling somewhat tired, but more than that, a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness: "I'm fine, just a little tired."
Liam came to my side, gently caressing my cheek: "I can feel your fatigue, but I can also feel your happiness."
This is the wonder of bonding—we can now feel each other's emotions and states, understanding each other's needs without words.
"I love you, Selena," Liam whispered, "deeper than I can express."
"I know," I smiled and said, "I can feel it."
Our lips gently met, the kiss tender and passionate, filled with love and respect for each other.
As the kiss deepened, I felt a warmth spreading through my body. Liam's hand gently caressed my back, each touch making me tremble.
Our bonding has been completed spiritually, but physically it still needs final confirmation. This is the most sacred step in werewolf tradition, and also the most intimate one.
Liam's movements were both gentle and firm, each touch filled with love and respect. Our bodies merged, just like our souls, fitting perfectly together.
In that moment, I felt a completeness and fulfillment like never before. We were no longer two separate individuals, but a complete whole, forever connected together under the witness of moonlight.
The next morning, I was awakened by the sound of birds chirping outside the window.
Liam was still fast asleep, his arm wrapped around me, giving me a sense of security and warmth. I gently caressed his face, my heart filled with love.
This Alpha who once seemed cold and arrogant in my eyes was now my partner, my lover, my everything.
I carefully got out of bed, not wanting to wake him. Putting on my robe, I walked to the window and looked at the scenery outside.
The valley appeared especially beautiful in the morning light, the lake as still as a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. It was a perfect morning, a new beginning.
Just then, I noticed a figure by the lake.
It was Ethan.
He stood by the lake, seemingly lost in thought. I hesitated for a moment, then decided to go talk to him.
I gently closed the door and walked toward the lake. Ethan heard my footsteps and turned around.
"Good morning, Luna," he said with a smile, but there was an emotion in his eyes that I couldn't read.
"Good morning, Ethan," I responded, "what are you doing here?"
"I came to say goodbye," he said, "I've decided to leave."
I looked at him in surprise: "Leave? Where to?"
"Far away," he said, "I need time to think and find my true self."
I could understand his decision, but still felt a bit reluctant to part: "Will you come back?"
"Maybe," he smiled and said, "but not now. Right now, Silver Claw needs a new leader, and I need some time to grow and learn."
He looked at me, his eyes full of sincerity: "Thank you, Selena, for everything you've taught me. Because of you, I understand what true love and respect are."
I looked at him, touched: "You have changed a lot, Ethan. I believe you will become a great leader."
"I will try my best," he said, "to prove that I'm worthy of your friendship."
At that moment, Liam walked over. He saw us together, but this time he didn't show any uneasiness or jealousy. Instead, he calmly walked to my side and nodded respectfully to Ethan.
"I heard you're leaving," he said, "I wish you a safe journey."
Ethan nodded back: "Thank you. Take good care of her, she deserves the best of everything in the world."
"I know," Liam said, his eyes filled with love, "I will protect her with my life."
Ethan gave me one last look, then turned and left. I watched his figure disappear into the forest, feeling both reluctance and blessing in my heart.
"He'll be fine," Liam said, putting his arm around my shoulder, "he needs this journey to find himself."
I nodded, leaning into Liam's embrace: "I hope he finds his own happiness."
We stood by the lake, watching the sunrise bring light and hope to a new day.
Whatever challenges awaited us ahead—the threat of the Eclipse Clan, the responsibilities to our people, the unknown future—we would face them together.
Because we are each other's destiny, the choice made under the moonlight.
And this choice will lead us towards a brighter and more beautiful future.
