Chapter 81 Trial Of The Moon

Chapter 81 Trial Of The Moon
APOLLO'S POV

The next morning, I was summoned to the inner council chamber. Reika was not permitted to join me; this was a test of my own worth, not hers. I knew it. Still, before I left, she touched my hand and whispered, “The Moon Goddess walks with you. Remember that.”

"Thank you, my love," I whispered in her ear.

Reika's eyes widened when I pulled back a little. "That was the first time you said that to me besides hearing it when father was around," she said, and then she playfully bit her lower lip.

"I love you, Reika, with all my heart," I said, cupping her cheeks.

"I love you too, Apollo." She smiled, and then she tiptoed, kissing me on my lips. "I believe in you."

Her faith in me steadied my heart as I stepped through the tall iron doors.

The chamber was vast, circular, with high stone walls lined with banners of Aurelia. At the center lay a glowing ring carved into the floor, symbols of the Goddess etched in silver. The council sat around it, twelve in total, with King Theoron presiding from a throne of black stone at the head.

“Alpha Apollo,” he said, his deep voice echoing through the chamber.
“Today, you will prove your honor before Aurelia. You will step into the Circle of Oaths, where lies cannot be spoken. Here, the truth of your heart shall be laid bare.”

I nodded and stepped forward, the air within the circle heavy with energy, thick as though the Goddess herself was listening. The silver markings glowed faintly under my boots, binding me in a truth I could not escape.

Lord Kaelen rose first, his eyes sharp. “Do you seek Aurelia’s power for yourself, Apollo, or do you seek only to protect your bondmate?”

I answered without hesitation. “I seek no crown, no kingdom for myself. I came here for Reika and for the child we will raise together. My strength belongs to them first, and to my pack. I will not betray either for selfish gain.”

The silver markings pulsed with light, confirming my words. Murmurs spread across the chamber.

Lady Seraphine stood next, her gaze piercing. “Tell us, Apollo, do you see Reika as a tool of alliance, or as your Luna, your equal?”

My voice was steady, but my heart swelled as I spoke. “Reika is my Luna, chosen by the Moon Goddess herself. She is my anchor, my strength, and my future. I would rather die than see her treated as anything less than my equal.”

Again, the circle flared, brighter this time, as if the Goddess herself approved. I could see some of the council members exchange looks of surprise, while others nodded in quiet respect.

Finally, King Theoron leaned forward, his dark eyes fixed on me. “And if Aurelia and Thunder Howl were ever to stand at odds, which would you choose, your kingdom or my daughter?”

The question was a blade, sharp and deliberate. I drew in a breath. “I would choose Reika. Because through her, Thunder Howl and Aurelia are bound. To harm one is to harm the other. There can be no choice, for our fates are already entwined.”

The silver markings glowed so fiercely they filled the chamber with light. For a moment, the silence was absolute. Then the council stirred, whispering reverently. I had passed the Trial of Honor.

But Theoron was not finished. He gestured to the great brazier at the center of the dais, where a white flame burned without fuel, the Flame of the Moon Goddess.

“You will now face the Trial of the Moon,” he declared. “Step before the sacred flame. If your soul is unworthy, the flame will falter. If you are true, it will burn brighter.”

My chest tightened, but I walked forward, the heat of the flame warming my skin. As I stood before it, I closed my eyes and lowered my head, thinking of Reika, of our unborn child, of my vow to protect them.

When I opened my eyes again, the flame blazed upward, roaring higher than I thought possible. Its white light turned to silver, spilling across the chamber walls until every shadow vanished. Gasps echoed from the council. Some dropped to one knee, bowing their heads to the Goddess’s sign.

Theoron’s eyes narrowed, not with anger, but with something else. Calculation. Recognition. Perhaps even reluctant respect.

“The Moon Goddess has spoken,” Lady Seraphine said, her voice trembling with awe. “Alpha Apollo is not only worthy, he is chosen.”

The council erupted in agreement, voices overlapping as they bowed toward me. For the first time since stepping into Aurelia, I felt the weight of suspicion lift from the room. I had not just passed their trials, I had earned their trust.

King Theoron rose slowly from his throne, his voice carrying over the noise. “So be it. The council of Aurelia acknowledges Alpha Apollo of Thunder Howl as the true mate of Princess Reika. From this day forward, he shall be treated with honor and respect.”

I inclined my head, not in arrogance, but in gratitude. The test was over, but I knew in my heart this was only the beginning.

That night, after the trials, I returned to our chamber where Reika waited for me. She was sitting on the bed, her hands resting protectively over her belly, her eyes filled with worry, the moment she saw me. I could see she had been pacing before I arrived; her restlessness lingered in the air like a storm waiting to break.

I crossed the room and sat beside her, pulling her gently into my arms. “It’s over,” I murmured, brushing my lips against her temple. “The council tested me, the Circle of Oaths, and the Flame of the Moon Goddess.”

Her eyes widened, fear flashing across her face. “What? Apollo… why didn’t you tell me? My father had no right to put you through that.” Her voice shook, filled with a mixture of anger and pain. She clutched my arm tightly. “I don’t care what the council thinks. You shouldn’t have to prove yourself to anyone. You’re my mate, my Alpha. That’s enough.”

I cupped her cheek, meeting her gaze firmly. “Reika, I know you want to protect me, but this isn’t only about us anymore. Your father, your kingdom, they need to see me as more than just the Alpha and your mate. They need to trust me. I’ll do whatever it takes to give you and our child a future where we are not questioned.”

Her eyes softened, though tears glistened in them. She lowered her head, resting it against my chest. “I hate seeing them test you like this,” she whispered. “But I hate even more that you feel like you have to endure it alone.”

“You make me stronger, Reika,” I said, wrapping my arms around her and guiding her down onto the bed with me. “Every trial I face, I carry you with me. That is why I’ll never fail.”

She sighed, her hand sliding to her stomach. I followed her touch, pressing my ear gently to her swollen belly. For a long moment, I listened, the steady rhythm of our pup’s heartbeat filling me with a sense of awe I could never put into words.

Then I heard it, not just the heartbeat, but a voice. Small, faint, yet clear as a whisper carried on the wind. Father… I’m waiting… I’ll be with you soon.

My eyes widened, and I felt my chest tighten with wonder. Ragnar stirred inside me, his deep growl softened with joy. You hear him, too, my wolf said, his tone filled with pride.

“Yes,” I whispered aloud, my voice trembling with emotion. “I hear you, little one.”

Reika looked at me, her eyes searching. “What is it? What do you hear?”
I lifted my head, grinning despite myself. “Our pup. He’s speaking to me now. He said he’s waiting, that he’ll be with us soon.”

Her lips parted in surprise, and then she broke into tears, covering her mouth as her whole body shook. “Apollo…” She reached for me, pulling me close as her sobs turned into laughter. “The Moon Goddess is blessing us more than I ever dreamed.”

I pressed a kiss to her stomach, whispering to the life within her. “I can’t wait to meet you, my son. You’ll never doubt how much you’re loved.”