Chapter 82

Chapter 82
Emily's POV

"Are you ready?" my father asked through our mind link.

"Yes, I am," I replied him.

A pang of nervousness curled in my stomach as we entered the Sacred Moonlit Court and took our first step down the aisle.

But then, I looked at the ceremonial arch and my gaze locked with Calix's. His gaze softened, and he offered me a reassuring, very charming smile.

My heart melted. I broke into a grin just as every chain of anxiety shattered.

I scanned the gathering. Standing to my night were Elara and her parents. Calix had invited them after officially Introducing us to each other three days ago

Elara smiled and gave me a small nod.

My father and I approached the altar. My gaze settled on the Tyrese council members, they stood in the front rows of the court towards my left. Their eyes were wide with intrigue as they studied my father-the alpha who'd haunted them for years. Of course, that was before Calix entered the scene.

And to my right, the Nirian parliament stood. I was with Calix in his office the merning he wrote to them; inviting thern to my Luna Ceremony. And they'd honored it, but not without tendering an apology for believing a traitor and casting a yote of no confidence on him.

Finally, under the royal arch stood my mother, Leia, and there was my uncle Jake, Aunt Ziandra, and their son, Ryan. Randolph, Brielle and the handmaidens, my chaperon from Azalea, my mother's Jadies-in-waiting, and then there was Asena

My heart swelled with emotions. These faces were pieces of my past and present, fragments of my pain and healing journey, all converging on this one moment.

My father gave me a gentle squeeze as though aware of the emotions raging in my head. We arrived at the altar. Alpha Thane placed my hand over Calix's, bowed, and joined the rest of our family under the royal arch. The choir brought the hymn to an end and another silence settled in the space.

The priest gave an opening speech, welcoming everyone to the grand ceremony, highlighting the importance of a Luna to pack, and the Luna Ceremony.

Calix let go of my hand and I knelt before the altar.

First, I was asked to recite the Luna's Oath, pledging my loyalty, strength, and love to my alpha mate, and then the packs and our kingdoms. The priest stepped forward with the Sacred Oil and anointed my forehead.

Calix held my hand and helped me back to my feet. Han approached with the most beautiful crown I'd ever seen. Calix gently set the crown on my head, his eyes boring into mine with undiluted tenderness, and then he stepped back.

The priest turned to the assembly. "I present to you, your Luna and Queen, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Emily Ledger of Tyr and Nirian!"

The assembly rose to their feet and bowed in unison. "Long live the Luna, May she find favor in the sight of the Goddess. Long Live the Queen!"

Tears of joy pricked my eyes.

For the next step, while the assembly stood, and the choir had resumed singing, Han approached with a chalice of wine.

It was time for the unity ritual, a rite that would bind Calix and me forever as one.

Calix pricked his finger, and I did the same to mine. Together, we let droplets of our blood into the chalice of wine. Calix lifted the cup to his lips. He took the first sip and handed the chalice to me. I took the last sip and returned the cup to Han

The priest raised his hand and the choir brought the hymn to an end. The old man cleared his throat. "With this unity ritual complete, the Goddess herself bears witness to your bond. From this night. forth, Luna Emily stands as the rightful ruler beside Alpha King Calix. May the moon's blessings be upon them."

The court erupted in applause.

Calix slipped his hand around my waist and gently pulled me to him. He claimed my lips in a time-stopping kiss. Our tongues met, dueled, and dissolved.

We straightened, and my gaze settled on my mother. She was dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief and smiling. My father nooded in approval. Leia and everyone else under the royal arch clapped

I brought back my gaze to Calix and knew that no force in this world could ever stop me from loving him.



Hours later...

The guests danced and cheered in the ballroom.

After Calix and I ended our kiss, the celebration had moved to the grandest ballroom in the fortress. We had taken the first dance, officially opening the floor for the night's festivities.

Now, I danced with my mother. "I still can't believe it. My little girl is Luna now," Queen Larissa muttered.

It almost feels like a story out of a book Treplied

Oh, sweetheart. You were born for greatness, I just wish your father and I had not turned our backs on you."

"You're here now. That's what matters." I said.

We danced and then she leaned in. "Enjoy this moment, darling. Because I have a feeling your husband won't let you out of his sight for much longer."

My gaze searched for Calix and I found him chatting with Han and some Tyrese council members. He sipped his wine and glanced at me, his eyes darkened with so much need that I swallowed.

I chuckled nervously and gazed at my mother. "Since you seem to know everything, why don't you tell me what was your Luna ceremony like?"

Luna Larissa chuckled softly. "Oh, it was beautiful, though not nearly as grand as this. Your father wasn't one for ektravagant celebrations. He preferred to Keep things... intimate."

My brows shot up in question. "Intimate?

You mean-"

You know exactly what I mean."

My eyes widened "Mother!" I-gasped.

"Oh, don't act so scandalized, darling. You'll understand soon enough, that's if you already don't"

"Mother, stop!" a groan rumbled in my throat.

She laughed and raised her hands. "Alright. Alright. I give up," she rasped. The music ended and we curtsied to each other.

Another piece of waltz began, and my father walked up to us. "May I have this dance?" he asked me

A warm smile flitted across my lips. "Of course, father." While Luna Larissa stepped back, my father and I danced. He swirled me gently and pulled me close again.

"How are you?" he asked.

I'm fine. And you?" I asked.

Alpha Thane nodded. "I'm good. I learned you're the special wolf of our time."

"Yes, I am

We exchanged smiles and continued dancing. "I'm so proud of the woman you've become, Emily. You've grown into someone stronger than I imagined."

My gaze traveled to Calix. Hè was now conversing with members of the Nirian parliament. My eyes misted over.

"I have him to thank for."

Alpha Thane followed my gaze and sighed. "You both are so lucky to have each other. Lean on him when you need to, Emily. And don't be afraid to be vulnerable, even when your instincts tell you to be strong. A Luna's strength isn't just in her power-it's in knowing when to let others stand beside her."

My gaze traveled back to my father, his words settling at the back of my mind. I'll remember that," I muttered.

The music ended and he pulled me into a firm, brief hug. "Take care of yourself."

I closed my eyes and hugged him too.

"You too. I love you, Father," I muttered before pulling back with a watery smile.

Another piece of waltz music began just as that intoxicating smell of honey and musk diffused through me. I turned and saw him-standing behind me. Calix and my father exchanged knowing glances.

"With your permission, Alpha Thane, I'd like to steal your daughter away for a dance."

"You have my blessings, Your Majesty,"

Alpha Thane said, and stepped away.

Calix pulled me into his embrace and we danced. "That was it, huh, the surprise?"

"Do you like it?" he asked.

"love it. Thank you so much, Calix.

This a reconciliation with my family on the day of my Luna ceremony is one feat didn't expect to conquer."

A grin lighted his expression. "You're welcome. Calix twirled me around and brought me back into his arms. "Now that you've made acquaintances with all your family members and friends I guess it's time for us to get out of here."

I'd barely registered his words when he gently tugged me out of the party.

The moment we stepped foot in the lonely corridor, he swept me into his arms, bridal style. "Calix!" I gasped. "Where are we going? The party is still in full swing.

He shut me up with a kiss, so hot that my n.pples grew taut like pebbles. As though he knew, Calix trailed wet kisses to the hollow between my breasts and licked each nipple through the soft fabric of my dress. I moaned and melted into him,

Do you want us to go back to the party?" he asked.

"No." I shook my head. This time around, I sought his lips with mine, and we kissed like our lives depended on it.

Calix straightened and took a first step towards wherever he was taking me to