Alphas in all packs were allowed to have more than one mate. Although they could acquire as many as they could, most alphas still chose to only have one mate. Just like the rest, they also held strong importance to the sanctity of mateship and marriage, to the point that in the past 100 years, only two packs had an alpha with more than two mates – the Crimson Stone Pack and the West Wood Pack.
Alpha Victor, the alpha of the Crimson Stone Pack, had two mates in his reign. This was because his first Luna died after giving birth. A pack as big as theirs needed a Luna to support the Alpha in his day-to-day ruling. The same could be said for the West Wood Pack although the history of this pack was more complicated than that of the Crimson Stone Pack.
“Luna Sierra is taken as a second wife even when Luna Arabella was still alive,” a servant said as she busily arranged the baskets to be brought to the ceremony hall.
Words traveled quickly and they learned Luna Sierra’s only biological son, Alpha Prince Felix, had arrived.
“Even though she has all the power now, the fact that she practically stole the position from Luna Arabella can never be erased in our memories,” another servant said.
A few more servants joined in the conversation.
“But we can’t deny the fact that Alpha Prince Felix has taken a lot from his father, Alpha Jake. Since I became a main village servant, I have only seen his face in drawings and paintings but I can’t help but have my heart beating fast. He’s too charming.”
“He’s the same age as Alpha Prince Kael, both of them being the youngest, but unlike Alpha Prince Kael, Alpha Prince Felix is always quiet. Some servants who frequently visit him in the tower said he’s always been that way since he was a child.”
“Can you really blame him? He’s the son of a Luna who forced herself to become our Luna. Of course he’s ashamed sometimes.”
“That sounds reasonable but it’s not his fault. Also, it’s not like Luna Sierra killed Luna Arabella. Luna Arabella died due to an incurable disease. There’s no way of curing her. The doctors did what they could but it was hopeless. In the end, she died just a day after Alpha Prince Kael was born.”
“Anyway, now that Alpha Prince Felix is here, is he going to have his own pack house and everything that all the other alpha princes have? He’s already reached the ceremonial age so maybe he’ll also get his own mate soon…”
“I highly doubt that. Who of the other alpha princes has a proper mate? Can you tell me?”
“You’re right. Even the eldest Alpha Prince Zeke hadn’t brought his fated mate yet. I heard he found her during his expedition, though.”
“That rumor always comes whenever he returns. I wouldn’t be surprised if it turns out to be fake this time again.”
The servants’ whispering and giggling all halted when the head servant caught them, all warning to be punished immediately.
Alpha Prince Zeke who was walking alongside the head servant at the time couldn’t help but glance at the servants. He was just on his way to the Alpha’s pack house to begin the ceremonial process and was having a peaceful conversation with the head servant, Nana Harlene, the same woman who took care of him when he was a kid, when he overheard the servants’ discussions.
“I hope you won’t take it to heart, Alpha Prince. They had been serving in the borders for a long time, it’s their first week staying in the main village,” Nana Harlene said. Even with the wrinkles on her face, she still held an aura that held a certain type of strict authority over the servants she handled and trained.
Alpha Prince Zeke gave a small smile to the old woman he considered his second mother. “I understand, Nana. There’s no need to punish them over a simple matter like this.”
Nana Harlene smiled back. Indeed, unlike all the other sons of the Alpha, the eldest was the most disciplined and also the kindest.
“There’s still time before the ceremony starts. Would you like to visit the main garden?” Nana Harlene asked.
“You always take care of those flowers even after Mother has passed away,” Alpha Prince Zeke said, a small fleeting melancholy traced in his solemn eyes.
“Your mother has always liked those flowers. She won’t let a day pass by without watering them. Even Sana Azalea is pleased when she visits and sees those flowers,” Nana Harlene said, smiling at the memory. But the smile soon faded as she uttered in a softer voice, “She would be proud to see you and your brothers now standing strong and powerful, and most importantly, in harmony.”
Alpha Prince Zeke looked at her and saw the sincerity in her eyes. He couldn’t help but think of what his journey had led him to. The outside territory wasn’t theirs to control but they all still belonged to one gigantic land of earth. If something were to happen outside, as such they were the second largest pack in the world; it would be difficult to keep what had been in the pack for years. In other words, many things would change – their pack’s situation and position included.
For Alpha Prince Zeke, it was all the more reason to quickly get the ceremony and hunt done, so he could tell his father about their next plan.
. . .
“Prepare everything, Edith,” Alpha Prince Lorenzo ordered his servant as soon as they entered his pack house.
“Your clothes for the ceremony have been prepared, Alpha Prince. The arrow and quiver for the hunt are now being arranged,” Edith responded.
Alpha Prince Lorenzo shook his head. “No, what I mean is prepare the room for Naya.”
Edith looked up, stunned. Earlier, they had indeed blocked the path to confirm whether Naya was inside the carriage where Alpha Prince Kael was. Unexpectedly, Alpha Prince Felix appeared.
It must be said there were different reactions of people when they heard about the prince, the only son of the new current Luna. As for Alpha Prince Lorenzo, he refused to get involved or even interact with Alpha Prince Felix. Although he still showed respect and acted civilly with Luna Sierra, he still had reservations about her son coming to the main village.
In the end, when Alpha Prince Felix said the woman inside was his servant, Alpha Prince Lorenzo didn’t push it further and just backed down.
“But, Prince, Alpha Prince Felix already said Naya isn’t with them,” Edith said.
Alpha Prince Lorenzo looked more conflicted than before. He let out a deep sigh. “Just have everything prepared. Whether Naya is really with them or not… That’s something I will have to see with my own two eyes.”
Edith worriedly glanced at him. She knew how much his master cared for Naya, but wasn’t this getting out of hand? Naya was just a rogue who became Alpha Prince Kael’s slave. Edith somehow felt anxious seeing almost all alpha princes, especially Alpha Prince Lorenzo, about to fight for her.
A while later, the blessing ceremony finally began.
With all the preparations Alpha Jake did, the ceremony went smoothly, with Sana Azalea leading the reading while the chanters, her fellow moon disciples, did their ritual with her.
The beating of the drums and the whistling and chirping of the birds that flew in the sky made the entire process emit a mystical and sacred ambiance. The West Wood Pack all gathered in silence, with only Alpha Jake and his family quietly sitting and watching the entire process while the rest had their heads lowered in subservience.
A large round vase made of clay was placed at the center grounds. Sana Azalea walked with grace to the vase. She looked down, seeing the tiny leaves and flowers floating in the water. She shut her eyes and raised both of her hands to the sky. The drumming music stopped and everyone bowed their heads except Sana Azalea.
Alpha Jake and his family sat at the side, bowing their heads together. Alpha Jake glanced at his sides and couldn’t help but frown. He shot a scolding look at the servant nearby, asking him directly – “Where is Alpha Prince Kael?”
The servant nervously shook his head and whispered, “T-This servant doesn’t know, Alpha. Please forgive me.”
Anger flashed through Alpha Jake’s eyes, smoke puffing out of his nostrils. He angrily ordered through mind link, “Bring him over. Get all the guards you need. Quick!”
The said servant quickly understood and left.
“What’s wrong?” Luna Sierra asked by the Alpha’s side.
Alpha Jake glanced over at his sons, seeing three of them were present. Only one was missing but that one needed to be in the ceremony the most!
Not wanting to get another heart attack, he took a deep breath and answered his Luna, “Nothing.”
Luna Sierra didn’t buy it. She already knew Alpha Prince Kael wasn’t around since earlier but she didn’t do anything. Who cares about him anyway? Alpha Prince Felix was here, Alpha Jake must see that their son was better than Kael.
Having different wants, the two people prayed separately as they listened to Sana Azalea’s next words.
"O Moon Goddess, creator and protector of our world, please listen to our prayer," Sana Azalea's voice carried across the gathering, filled with faith and hope. Around her, the other disciples, dressed in white robes, joined in her chant, their voices blending in harmony.
Above them, the full moon shone brightly, its gentle light bathing the sacred space below. As the disciples continued their chant, a sense of wonder filled the air, touching each person present.
Then, as if in response to their plea, a beam of moonlight descended, illuminating a water vase at the center of the gathering. All eyes turned towards it, captivated by the simple yet profound sight. In that moment, a feeling of reverence washed over the assembly, each heart stirred by the sacredness of the moment.
Sana Azalea stared at the water, reading the sacred message passed down by the Moon Goddess herself.
Bit by bit, her eyes turned wide and trembled.
Alpha Jake caught the sight and couldn’t help but frown.
He couldn’t be wrong. The look in Sana Azalea’s eyes was nothing but pleased. Rather, it was filled with shock and horror.