Chapter 77
JACE
When the ceremony was over, the pack members began the after–party. Music, dancing, drinking the usual celebration bullshit. All I wanted was some time alone with Aria. These formalities drain me every damn time. Being Alpha comes with too many expectations.
I watched as Aurora bounced away with Dr. Maya and her assistant. My daughter’s infectious smile eased some of the tension in my shoulders. At least someone was having fun tonight.
I turned my attention back to the clearing. The ritual had gone smoothly–better than expected, considering Aria’s human status. The Pack had accepted her as my Luna, mostly. There would always be dissenters like Scarlett, but I’d deal with them later.
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I caught Gabriel’s eye and nodded toward the path. Without words, the Chief Guardian understood, giving Lucas and Eliana a quick signal to follow. The Elder Council members bowed their heads in acknowledgment, falling in line behind them.
When I finally looked at Aria, my breath caught. The moonlight played across her features, highlighting the determination in her stance despite her obvious exhaustion. She’d held herself together through the entire ceremony, facing down centuries of tradition without flinching.
“Come with me,” I said, reaching for her hand.
Her fingers felt small but strong/in my grip. I guided her through the Sacred Grove, taking a path I knew by heart. The scent of pine needles and night–blooming flowers surrounded us as we walked in silence.
The path opened to reveal Moonlight Lake, its surface perfectly still under the full moon.
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The radiance pulsed once, twice, then settled into a gentler glow, Silver ripples spread across the water, defying natural movement. From the center emerged a figuren woman with flowing silver hair, her white dress billowing around her as though underwater.
She glided toward the shore where we stood, stopping just above the water’s edge. Her ageless eyes swept over the assembled group before settling on Arla and me.
“My children,” she said, her voice like wind through ancient trees.
I dropped to my knees immediately, as did every werewolf present. I felt Aria hesitate beside me before she too knelt, pulled by the same power that commanded even the strongest Alpha.
“Rise,” the Moon Goddess gestured gracefully.
I stepped forward, head still slightly bowed, “We are honored by your presence, Goddess. We have just completed the Luna acceptance ritual for my mate.”
“Yes, I witnessed the ceremony.” The Goddess smiled at Aria. “And I bless your new position, child.”
Aria remained silent. I could smell her fear mingled with awe, and I fought the urge to pull her
against me.
“I come with purpose this night,” the Goddess continued. “To provide guidance, and to ease the trials
ahead.” Her gaze encompassed both of us. “After we speak, I shall share a tale of destiny with you.”
She turned her full attention to me, and I straightened under her penetrating gaze.
“Tonight has brought extraordinary change for you, Aria Silverbrook,” the Moon Goddess said, her
voice like silver bells in the night air. “Though human you were born, I have bestowed upon you my
sacred gift–your wolf spirit.”
I felt Phantom surge forward in my mind, pressing against the boundaries of my consciousness with unprecedented urgency.
“She has always been there, dormant in your soul, waiting for this moment when your bond wi your true mate would awaken her,” she continued, gesturing to my chest where I could feel a n… presence stirring within me.
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“The first shift is upon you,” the Goddess declared. “Embrace it, do not fear the change. Your wolf
knows the way.”
She extended her hands, touching both our foreheads with cool fingers. A jolt of energy surged through me, igniting every nerve ending. I felt both Phantom and myself being stretched, pulled toward Aria in ways I couldn’t understand.
Beside me, Aria gasped, her body going rigid as her eyes rolled back. I caught her as she collapsed, my instincts kicking in without a second thought.
“What are you doing to her?” I growled, my Alpha authority breaking through reverence. I cradled Aria against my chest, her heartbeat erratic against my palm.
The Moon Goddess only smiled. “Preparing her for what comes next.”
ARIA
My head pounded. Seriously? More preparation? I’d already been through the Luna acceptance ritual, faced down Scarlett’s death glares, and collapsed in front of everyone. What else could possibly be
on tonight’s agenda?
“Come,” the Goddess commanded, extending her hand toward me. “Enter the light, Aria. Be brave for
what is to come.”
I glanced at Jace, who nodded reluctantly. His jaw remained tight, but he helped me stand. My legs trembled beneath me as I stepped toward the glowing figure.
“Your child,” she said, her voice suddenly softer. “The one growing within you–he will be a mighty Alpha, possessing qualities of both his parents.”
I froze. “He?”
A small smile played across her timeless face as she nodded. “Yes. A son who will bridge two worlds, just as you do. Now, step into the light and embrace the gift I offer.”
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I stepped into the radiance. Warmth immediately enveloped me, flowing through every inch of my body. It felt like being wrapped in the softest blanket on the coldest night–safe and protected. The fear that had been gripping my chest since the ceremony began started to dissolve.
My son will be okay. We’ll all be okay.
“Close your eyes,” the Goddess instructed. “Feel the ancient power within you.”
I did as told, searching for whatever she meant.
Then I felt it–a gentle pulse deep inside, almost like a second heartbeat. Not my baby’s, something
else. Something old.
Trust me, it seemed to whisper without words. Give yourself to the change.
“I–I don’t understand,” I stammered. “What do you want from me?”
Everything. Your control. Your trust.
I took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay. I trust you.”
At first, nothing happened. Just the continued warmth and the strange second pulse.
Then pain shot through me like lightning.
cracked and reshaned. Muscles burned, tightened, expanded. I screamed raw as my body/5
