Chapter 3 02

Lyra's POV

"Lyra Collins! If you don't get down here in a second, I will be leaving you!" My mother yelled at me and I groaned out, mumbling incoherent words as I forced the jacket up to my arm.

"Few minutes." I yelled over and I heard her complaining mostly about me.

I don't blame her.

I quickly slipped into my pair of sandals before rushing out of the room. I ran down the stairs and saw my mother and father dressed in the usual white gown with some embroidery which was a uniform considering that my father and her were elders in the pack. It was always worn for this ceremony.

I was just dressed in a pair of blue jeans and white shirt matched with a blue jacket, not to forget my face cap.

My mother eyed me from head to toe as she snickered. "So you spent the entire time to wear just this?" She questioned with a her usual demeaning look and I shook my head timidly.

"Edna, leave her alone. Let us go. It is almost time for the Alpha's blessing." My father interrupted us and I thanked the moon goddess silently or else we would have involved into a verbal fight today.

My father led the way with our lanterns in his hands while I follow behind my mother as we walked towards the pack ground. This was the only place that can accommodate the whole of Shining Moon Pack. I mean the festival of lanterns was really celebrated among the wolves both young and old.

Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. Well, I am Lyra Collins. A twenty years old lady with no wolf. You know I find it surprising that we don't give a fuck about it here in Shining Moon Pack while in other packs, they even banish those who are wolfless or late bloomers. That was said by one of my many friends, Tania, who had visited some pack months ago and as teenagers that were not allowed to leave the pack, we were really eager to listen to the story. Well, I ain't teenager anymore.

"Where are your elder siblings?" My mother asked as I followed her towards her honored seat.

"They must have been summoned by the Beta to help with the preparation." I replied nonchalantly as I looked around, searching for people my age. Father had gone to meet the other elders for pleasantries exchange.

"Mother, I want to meet my other friends. See ya." I said and hurried away before she could say anything to stop me.

"Make sure you don't wander towards the borders." Her voice said through the mind link and I nodded my head as if she could see me.

I looked around and saw most of my pack friends already in groups as they chatted and giggled about the festival.

"Hey, Lyra." One of them yelled and a grin broke across my face as I ran towards them.

"Hey." I said and they all smiled at me.

"How are you feeling?" Tiana slurred as she tried to firm her stance.

"Tiana, don't tell me you already gotten drunk before the festival even started?" I asked and the rest snorted. Tiana is known for her drinking. Always drinking. Even in class, she sneaks some bottle.

"Hey." She said in caution as I scoffed.

"Hey, girls. Tell me how is this going to go? Because the lanterns will be lit in..." I was still talking when suddenly everywhere got bright and everyone cheered. The lanterns has been lit already.

"Oh, I can't imagine the fact that I will be finding my mate today." Chloe squealed in excitement as her face and ears were crimson red already.

"Oh, please. You are not the only one. I am a nervous wreck right now." Tania said and we all laughed.

"All pack members please gather around. The Alpha is about to give his blessings." A voice said through the mind link and we all moved further to the place I had left my parents. Looking up, I saw our Alpha, Alpha Connor Meyers, dressed in the same uniform as my parents just that his had some more designs to distinguish him. My eyes zeroed on him and I don't know why we locked gaze but it was so brief like it did not happen. I blinked my eyes. What just happened?

"I am really glad that the festival of lanterns, one of the most awaiting festivals is here and we are alive to celebrate it. As I give my blessings, may everything come to pass." He said and I exhaled deeply. We all hummed an answer.

"Shining Moon Pack, listen to the words of your leader and the true bloodline of your Alpha Lineage." He roared as he said this and everywhere turned dark, the full moon shining so brightly that it illuminated everywhere perfectly. The trees waved their branches and their leaves roared as if welcoming the moon goddess into our midst. Everyone looked up and I could feel their wolves were at the surface already.

I don't feel bad though. I mean in as much as I long to have the feeling of what having a wolf means, I am happy that I don't feel neglected.

"You are blessed. You shall bring more offsprings, warriors, leaders, Alphas, Elders, Lunas, guards and much more. You shall be written in history and your name shall be pronounced in every part of the world." He said and we all nodded in agreement.

Luna's? Did I mention we just lost our Luna? And it was quite surprising that he did not step down. He must be strong. Really strong to do that. Don't ask me how I know, stories, you know.

He turned to us, the pack members.

"All ye pack members of shining moon pack, hear the words of your Alpha, Connor Tenor Meyers. Straighten your ears and listen carefully."

And we all fell on our knees with our head bowed.

"Bonds shall be renewed. Mates shall be found. Connections shall be restored. Bonds shall be made." He said and suddenly a huge breeze blew by, I had no choice than to hold unto my father who was standing before me. He held my hands tightly as if he knew the breeze could carry me away.

Sometimes it could be rain that will fall as a sign or even thunder strike on top of the hill. But each of them carry ominous sign.

Suddenly, everywhere felt new. And cool. I can feel it in my bones. I sniffed in the air and relaxed my body.

Wow, this is just so cool.

"And it has been done. Happy festival of lanterns." He said and stepped down from the podium. The Beta, Ryan Colton, stepped up and a grin spread across his face. Everyone laughed because we know that whatever he was going to say was going to make us laugh. From what I know, he has always been the funny type. And Connor? I don't know. I don't bother with them. They are clearly older than I am anyway.

"Okay, okay. Alpha Connor told me to be serious tonight." He said and some members groaned in annoyance.

"But anyway, I hope you find your mate. Let the ceremony begin." He said and we all carried our lanterns towards the river. The Alpha placed his first and we followed suite. We slowly put them there and they floated. Suddenly I heard a gasp from behind me, I turned around and saw Tiana with a male.

Oh my gosh, she found her mate already.

"Gosh, I–" she was clearly short of words. But the guy grinned and took her away. I looked around and saw just how happy everyone was getting their mates. Am I going to get a mate too? Well, I am not that bothered about the mate thing but... I also wish to have.

"Hey, babe." My friends rushed to my side.

"Seen your mates yet?" I asked them giddily and they all blushed. Guess I am the only one who was not mated.

"Shouldn't you be with them?" I asked, confused and they chuckled.

Huh.

"Okay, I can't be oppressed by you all. I'm leaving." I said with a scoff and they all laughed at me.

I was about to move when suddenly a wave of emotions hit me hard in the pit of my belly. I fell unto my knees and held unto my stomach. The emotions was so unbearable. Too much.

What is happening to me? Whose feelings are these? Why? Why...

"See! Whose lantern is that?!"

I let out a sharp scream. So loud that it could pierce a curtain. The last image I saw was my mother calling out to me as she shook me before I was engulfed by the dark.