Chapter 89 THE MATING CEREMONY

Chapter 89 THE MATING CEREMONY
ONE MONTH LATER

AVRIELLE'S POV

"Stay still, or you’ll really get pricked by the sharp edge," Elena warned, her hands hovering delicately around my head as she carefully guided a diamond-encrusted silver hairpin through my braided crown.

I winced slightly, keeping my shoulders locked, though a small, sarcastic pout formed on my lips.

"Now I'm getting lectured," I muttered, looking at her through the ornate golden mirror. "Poor me."

Elena caught my gaze in the glass, her lips twitching into a teasing smirk. "Who dares lecture the Luna, right?"

"Maybe you," I replied, spinning my head slightly despite her warning. "Ever since you woke up a week ago, you’ve been all grumpy and only have time for Esmeralda now. I'm jealous."

"Awww..." Elena cooed dramatically.

She twirled my plush velvet chair around to face her, dropping to her knees on the soft rug right in front of me. She placed her hands on my knees, looking up with wide, shimmering eyes that were bright with life—a sight I still thanked the Moon Mother for every single morning when I opened my eyes.

"Don't be," Elena said, her voice dropping into a gentle, exaggerated whisper. "Although I love Esmeralda and she's the apple of my eye and my love and..."

She stopped, clearing her throat with a solemn expression, though her eyes danced with mischief.
"...she's my tiny princess, but you'd always be my sister and my first love, okay?"

I let out a clear, ringing chuckle, waving a hand to brush off her theatrical display. "Enough, enough! Don't let your mate hear you call me that, or he'd chop my head off."

Elena snapped her head up, scoffing playfully. "He wouldn't dare. I'll make him regret it if he even blinks wrong at you."

"Okay, okay," I laughed, shaking my head as a faint warmth filled my cheeks. "Stop rubbing your relationship in my face."

Elena grinned, standing back up and smoothing down the front of her tailored dark-emerald dress.

"Right, Luna Avy," she said briskly, clapping her hands together twice. "Now let's stop chit-chatting and get you into your mating ceremonial dress before they come knocking to take us to the ceremonial grounds."

I nodded, my heart giving a sudden, violent flutter against my ribs. Beaming up at her, I pushed myself off the chair.

It was finally here. Today was our mating ceremony—not just for Xavier and me, but a joint celebration for Kaiden and Reyna as well.

After the chaos, the blood, and the dark shadow of Malphas that had hung over our lives for so long, the pack had rebuilt itself from the ground up. The scars on the territory were healing, and today, joy was returning to the Northwood pack. I was genuinely, overwhelmingly happy.

Elena helped me step into the breathtaking white-and-silver silk gown. The bodice was sculpted with metallic silver embroidery resembling blooming frost-lilies, trailing down into a sweeping train of lightweight chiffon that shimmered like fresh starlight under the room's chandeliers.

She smoothed down the long lace sleeves, adjusted the high collar, and arranged the soft curls falling over my shoulders.

When she finished, Elena stepped back, placing her hands over her chest as her eyes glistened with sudden emotion.

"You look stunning, Luna Avy," she whispered softly.

A deep, heated blush spread across my cheeks as I turned back to face the full-length mirror. The girl staring back at me wasn't the broken, rejected woman who had been thrown out of her own home months ago.

My skin was glowing, my collarbone was framed by intricate silver lace, and the deep, rich authority of a true Luna shone in my eyes. I really did look stunning.

Before I could speak, a polite knock echoed against the door.

"Come in," I called out.

The door swung open, and Diana, the pack's premier and Esmeralda court designer, stepped into the room. Tucked safely in her arms was a tiny bundle dressed in a miniature white silk dress with a small golden ribbon wrapped around her tiny waist.

The moment Elena spotted the baby, her entire authoritative demeanor dissolved into pure mush. She practically sprinted across the room, snatching tiny Esmeralda out of Diana's arms before the designer could even bow.

"I missed you so much!" Elena gushed, showering the infant's chubby cheeks and forehead with tiny, loud pecks.

Esmeralda let out a tiny, high-pitched squeak, her small fist clutching at Elena's collar.

I chuckled, stepping over and shaking my head at my sister's shameless favoritism. "Can I have my daughter now?"

Elena let out a playful, defensive wolf-growl, pulling the baby slightly away from me before reluctantly placing her into my open arms.

"Traitor," I whispered to Elena, before looking down at the bundle.

I smiled softly, leaning down to press a kiss right onto Esmeralda's little lips. She had grown so much over the past month. Her small face was round and healthy, her bright skin clear, and her tiny eyes blinked up at me with absolute innocence.

"She looks as beautiful as ever," I murmured, smoothing my thumb over her tiny hand.

"Mommy's getting mated today. Are you happy?" I cooed softly at her

Esmeralda opened her tiny mouth, poking her pink tongue out and letting out a soft, milky gurgle.

I laughed, my heart melting as I stroked her cheek.

Another knock sounded at the door, firmer this time.
"Come in!"

The door pushed open, and Gamma Ryan stepped into the chamber. He was dressed in a sharp, formal black dress uniform embroidered with dark emerald cord along the shoulders. He paused at the threshold, taking in the sight of the room before bowing his head respectfully.

"Luna," Ryan said, his voice deep and smooth. "The time is right to leave. The escort are already in line and waiting."

I nodded, standing up taller and adjusting Esmeralda carefully against my chest.

Elena immediately stepped forward, reaching her hands out. "Let me hold Mera for you so you don't stress yourself or ruin the dress train."

I looked at Ryan, catching the quiet, hopeful flicker in his eyes as he looked at my sister, before looking back at Elena with a sly grin.

"Mera is fine with me," I said smoothly, stepping around her. "I'll leave you a minute with your mate, okay? I'll be waiting by the car."

Elena’s face instantly flushed a bright, violent crimson. She shot me a warning glare, but her shoulders dropped, and she whispered a tiny, embarrassed, "Thank you..."

I chuckled under my breath, turning to follow Diana out of the room. Diana gathered the broad, sweeping tail of my gown, lifting it carefully off the floor so it wouldn't get entangled with my heels as we navigated the grand hallway.

As I made my way down the wide staircase, the household maids and hallway guards aligned along the walls immediately bent, bowing their heads in unison.

"Luna," they murmured in deep, respectful harmony.

I gave them a warm, gracious nod as I passed, heading straight through the double doors held open by two vanguard enforcers.

Waiting in the circular driveway was a long, polished black sedan bearing the golden crest of the Northwood Alpha line and standing right beside the rear passenger door was... Reyna.

She looked breathtaking. Her dark hair was swept up into an intricate, braided updo secured with tiny silver pins, and her gown—a stunning emerald-green and ivory silk creation—hugged her graceful frame perfectly.

But despite how regal she looked, she was wringing her gloved hands together frantically, her boots tapping a nervous rhythm against the gravel.

I smiled, stepping off the porch and walking up to her.
"Nervous, are you?" I asked gently.

Reyna snapped out of her trance, looking up at me in shock before hastily bowing her head. "Luna."

I chuckled softly, tilting my chin up. "I asked a question."

Reyna swallowed hard, letting out a small, breathless laugh as she raised her eyes. "A little."

"Just a little?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Maybe a little too much," Reyna admitted, her voice trembling slightly with pure, unadulterated anxiety. "I... I have never been mated before."

I burst into a light, ringing laugh, shaking my head. "Can a wolf even get mated twice?"

Reyna gave a light chuckle, her posture relaxing just a fraction as the humor cut through her panic.

She looked down at the tiny bundle in my arms, her eyes softening completely. "Can I say hi to the princess?"

"Sure," I smiled, carefully transferring the little white-and-pink bundle into Reyna’s open arms.

Reyna cradled Esmeralda with instinctive gentleness, looking down at the baby’s peaceful, sleeping face. "She looks ever peaceful and beautiful," Reyna whispered softly. "She must take after her mother."

"Obviously," I replied dramatically, rolling my eyes. "Her father is busy wedging swords and guns all day. She got to look like me—her father is scary."

Reyna threw her head back and laughed out loud, the tension in her shoulders melting away completely. She carefully handed Esmeralda back into my arms just as footsteps echoed down the grand steps behind us.

We turned to see Elena and Ryan walking out of the mansion hand in hand. Ryan was looking down at her with a gentle, protective warmth, while Elena was trying very hard to pretend she was inspecting the stone pillars.

The moment Elena realized Reyna and I were staring dead at them, her eyes went wide. She violently snatched her hand out of Ryan’s grip, straightening her spine and sprinting down the remaining steps toward us.

I raised an eyebrow as she skidded to a stop beside me. "You shouldn't be that cold to your mate, right?"

"I wasn't!" Elena protested instantly, crossing her arms over her chest.

"But I saw you," I sang out, leaning closer to inspect her burning cheeks. "Hmm... who's blushing so hard now?"

Elena looked away, huffing loudly to hide her embarrassment. "I'd better take Mera and talk to her."

I chuckled, letting her carefully take the baby back into her arms.

Ryan walked up to the side of the car, opening the rear door for me with a polite bow.

I turned to Reyna, extending my free hand toward her. "Ride with me to the ceremonial grounds, okay?"

Reyna nodded gratefully, placing her gloved hand in mine.

"This should make you less nervous," I added with a warm, reassuring smile.

Reyna stared down at our interlocked hands, her eyes shiny with emotion. "Thank you, Luna."

"You're welcome," I said warmly.

We both stepped into the spacious back seat of the luxury car, settling into the chairs while Elena carefully climbed into the front passenger seat with Esmeralda.

Ryan closed our doors, rounded the car, and slid into the driver's seat, bringing the engine to a quiet, powerful hum before pulling out of the driveway.

As the car glided down the winding estate roads toward the central heart of the pack lands, I pressed my hand against the window, staring out in utter awe.

The entire pack territory had been transformed into a magical, radiant haven. Banners of deep navy blue, silver, and royal emerald hung from every lamppost, archway, and balcony.

Customized floral arrangements carrying the crests of our names—Xavier & Avrielle alongside Kaiden & Reyna—were draped across every stone bridge and building entrance.

Pack members lined the streets in their finest clothes, waving silk ribbons and cheering as our official escort car glided past.

Damn Xavier!