Chapter 4 Mating Ceremony

Laurel had resigned herself to a life of captivity, locked away in the depths of the dungeon.

She had lost count of how long she'd been in there as there was no day or night in her dark dungeon..

Her mind still in thought about Ava and the way she was released...

What did she mean by her words to her?

Laurel sat on the cold floors, feeling extreme cold, beyond what she could handle. The past few days had been fairly cold but it got worse as the days rolled by.

She wrapped her arms around her knees to keep warm and tried to lift her dress up just to warm up her hands.

With every passing minute, Laurel felt her will to live, hang by the thread.

The dungeon bearly had windows but she felt like she had been locked out in the snow, wearing thin clothes without a jacket...

Her lips paled and her eyes shut close as she took steady breaths...

Her breath came out like an icy wind, giving her a cold and cough as well.

Maybe she was going to die...

Maybe the Alpha was edge on about getting rid of her but what had she done wrong?

She was scared, did he expect that she would stay and pretend all was well?

The heavy iron door swung open, revealing a group of female pack members standing before her.

With a mixture of caution and curiosity, Laurel stared at them, unable to stand on her own feet.

A thick garment was wrapped around her shoulders and one of the women helped her up on her feet.

Laurel stepped into the light, her eyes adjusting to the newfound freedom.

The pack members, adorned in traditional garments, surrounded her, their expressions a blend of reverence and awe.

"Where are you taking me?" Laurel managed to ask

"Today is the ceremony. You will become our Luna"

Led by the pack members, Laurel was guided through the winding corridors of the mansion.

She marveled at the opulence and grandeur surrounding her, her steps careful and deliberate.

The air buzzed with anticipation, whispers of her arrival circulating among the pack members.

The council of elders awaited her presence.

As she entered the arena, Laurel's breath caught in her throat.

The elders, distinguished figures adorned in robes of authority, greeted her with a mix of respect and admiration.

They acknowledged her as their Luna, the one destined to lead their pack as they stood to their feet, their heads bowed.

Laurel stood at the very centre of it all , clinging to the garment around her shoulders as it provided the warmth she desperately needed.

A solemn ceremony unfolded, where the council of elders trimmed her to signify her acceptance into their ranks, an ancient chant followed with drums and sound instruments Laurel had never seen before.

The symbolic act held deep significance, an acknowledgment of her role within the pack hierarchy.

Laurel stood tall, her heart pounding as the women led her to a room within the arena where her hair was brushed and her clothes about to be pulled off her...

"Wait!" Laurel pleaded, gaining the attention of everyone in the room

"I'll change my clothes myself"

The women bowed and took their leave as instructed.

Laurel changed into the clothes, carefully and was soon out of the room to the piercing gaze of council members.

The sight of Aiden a few feet away from her, almost made her fall to her knees in fright.

She was not only finding it hard to walk, her insides screamed for her to run away from Aiden...

He had her locked up in that dark place for days and now she had to face him...

As much as she didn't want to admit, she might have been traumatised by her encounters with him but she would be damned if she showed any hint of weakness..

A young lady walks towards Laurel and takes her hands gently.

"I know the Alpha has not been the nicest man to you but for the sake of the ceremony, you will have to stand next to him" the lady said, giving her hand an assuring squeeze.

Laurel glanced at her and in those Amber eyes, she felt warmth.

The most welcoming gaze she'd received since she got here..

Laurel took her advice and nodded as she walks towards Aiden.

He was adorned in accessories, clothed in armour and hair swept back, away from his face.

It was impossible not to think about how handsome and jaw dropping he was but his cruelty was as extreme as his features!

Laurel stood right beside him, her eyes on the council.

"Moonrise Pack!" The council head called as he made an announcement.

"We are gathered here today, to celebrate the arrival of our Luna"

The audience behind Laurel cheered,chanting words Laurel could not understand.

"It's a mystery why you're not dead yet" Aiden said in a low tone, audible for her to hear.

"You despise me so much, let me go home" she offered, not meeting his gaze.

"You want to see your parents so much, they are watching you " Aiden offered

Laurel's eye lit up, staring into his face for the first time...

This man is handsome!

"Where are they?" She asked and a devilish smile danced on his lips.

"You'll find out once the surade is over. If you want to see them, alive and well,you smile and wave to everyone. Understood?" He threatened as his eyes glowed that shade of gold.

Laurel tears her gaze away from him, steading her breath.

She couldn't let him know she was scared of him...

"Today, we go with them to the lake of vile and ordain our chosen one!"

The crowd cheered as Aiden took her hand, hers small and frail against his large and muscular ones...

They walk out of the Arena, heading towards a mystic looking forest.

Laurel was taken aback by the beauty of this place. The trees glowed a vibrant shade of green and blue flowers flowed in the air as though dancing to the music of the wind.

The pool was a pond, glowing a bright blue and humming in the quiet forest.

Aiden led her in gently, the tenderness in his actions was almost confusing...

Was he putting up a show for the council?

Laurel searched around for her parents as she sank into the cooling water...

"They're not here" she muttered.

Aiden pulled her towards him,making her body hold onto his for dear life.

The crowd cheer in excitement as they twirl around in the water.

To the onlookers, they seem like a love sick couple but the duo knew that was far from it.

"Where are my parents? What did you do to them?" She accused him.

"Smile and wave" Aiden said reminding her of his words back in the Arena.

If she behaved, her parents would be fine..

Laurel smiled as Aiden had instructed, sticking close to him..

With the ceremony complete, celebration washed over the pack. The atmosphere transformed into one of revelry and joy.

In the midst of the drinking, eating and merrying, Laurel searched for Aiden.

What had he done to her parents?