Chapter 37
1265 Words
_Lyla's POV_
The morning of the Luna ceremony arrived with an air of excitement and nervousness. I stood in front of the mirror and stared at my reflection. My long, silver dress hugged my figure, the fabric shimmering under the soft glow of the moonlight. The gown was elegant yet simple. Aaron chose it himself. A delicate silver circlet adorned my head. It was a symbol of my future status.
Today was the day Aaron had planned for me—his Luna. The realization made my heart race. I wasn’t just stepping into a title. I was stepping into a future that I wasn’t sure I was ready for.
A knock on the door snapped me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, my voice shaky.
The door creaked open, and Aaron’s mother stepped inside. Her gaze softened as she looked at me.
“You look beautiful, dear,” she said warmly.
I forced a small smile. “Thank you.”
She stepped closer and adjusted a strand of my hair. “You’re nervous.”
I let out a breath. “A little. I just… I don’t know if I’m ready for all of this.”
She sighed, her expression thoughtful. “It’s natural to feel this way. Becoming a Luna is not just about leading—it’s about becoming a part of the pack in a way you never have before.”
I bit my lip. “And what if I don’t fit in?”
She tilted her head. “Aaron chose you. That means the pack will accept you. And those who don’t… they will, in time.”
I knew what she meant. She didn’t have to say it out loud. Aaron’s father wasn’t here. He had refused to attend the ceremony, and that only deepened my doubt.
She patted my hand gently. “Don’t let his absence ruin this day for you. This is about you and Aaron. No one else.”
I nodded, though the unease remained. A second knock on the door made me turn. This time, it was Aaron. He stepped inside, his blue eyes immediately finding mine.
“Everyone is ready,” he said, his lips curving into a soft smile. “Are you?”
I inhaled deeply before nodding. “I think so.”
His gaze darkened slightly as he took my hands in his. “You don’t have to think, Lyla. You belong here. You’re my mate, my Luna.”
His words sent warmth through me, calming the storm of doubts swirling in my chest. Aaron leaned in and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Let’s go, darling.”
I followed him out, my heart hammering as we stepped into the grand hall. The space was packed with pack members, all dressed in formal attire. Candles flickered along the stone walls, and the scent of burning sage filled the air—a traditional part of the Luna ceremony, meant to bless the union.
At the center of the hall, a raised platform stood, adorned with fresh white flowers. Aaron led me to the stage. His grip was firm yet comforting. The room fell silent as he turned to address the pack.
“My people,” Aaron began, his deep voice commanding attention. “Today, we welcome a new era for the Blood Moon Pack. My mate, Lyla, has stood by my side through trials and uncertainty. She has proven her strength, her loyalty, and her courage. And now, she will take her rightful place as my Luna.”
A murmur spread through the crowd, but no one spoke against his words. I held my breath, feeling the weight of their gazes on me.
Aaron continued. “This is not just a ceremony. This is a vow. A vow that I make to Lyla, and that she will make to all of you. A Luna is not only a leader but a protector, a guide, and a mother to the pack.” His eyes softened as he glanced at me. “Lyla, are you ready to accept this responsibility?”
My throat felt dry. I swallowed hard and nodded. “Yes.”
A ripple of approval passed through the crowd.
One of the elders stepped forward, carrying a ceremonial dagger. He held it up to the moonlight streaming through the open windows. “As tradition dictates, the Luna must offer her blood as a sign of her devotion to the pack.”
I knew about this ritual. It was an old custom meant to symbolize the bond between the Luna and her people.
Aaron’s jaw tensed as the elder made a small cut on my palm. I barely felt the sting as a few drops of blood dripped onto a silver bowl. The elder nodded in approval before turning to Aaron. “And you, Alpha, must offer your blood in return, signifying your promise to protect her.”
Without hesitation, Aaron extended his hand. The same cut was made, and his blood mixed with mine. The elder lifted the bowl toward the moonlight. “Under the blessing of the Moon Goddess, this bond is sealed.”
A deep howl echoed through the hall as the pack members raised their voices in unison. The sound sent shivers down my spine, but something inside me stirred—a sense of belonging I had never felt before.
Aaron took my hand, his thumb brushing over the cut on my palm. “You’re mine, Lyla. My Luna.”
The elder turned back to the crowd. “The Blood Moon Pack welcomes its new Luna.”
The room erupted into cheers. Aaron turned to face them once more. “And that’s not the only news I have.” He paused, a smirk playing on his lips. “In two weeks, we will celebrate our union with a grand wedding ceremony. Every pack member is invited.”
I blinked, stunned. “Two weeks?” I whispered, barely loud enough for him to hear.
Aaron chuckled, leaning down so only I could hear. “Yes, my love. Two weeks.”
I turned to him, wide-eyed. “That’s… fast. We won’t have time to prepare everything.”
His smirk deepened. “Who said you have to prepare anything? I’ll take care of it all.”
I narrowed my eyes. “You can’t possibly plan a whole wedding in two weeks.”
Aaron leaned in, his voice teasing. “Are you doubting me, darling?”
I huffed. “I’m just saying it’s impossible.”
His lips brushed against my ear. “You should know by now, love. Nothing is impossible when it comes to you.”
A warmth spread through my chest at his words.
The ceremony continued with more blessings, more traditions that tied me to the pack. I drank from a ceremonial goblet, marking my acceptance. Pack members approached, bowing in respect.
By the end of the night, I was exhausted but happy. As Aaron and I walked back to our chambers, he pulled me close, his voice soft in the quiet corridor. “Do you regret it?”
I shook my head. “No. It was… overwhelming. But it felt right.”
He smiled and brushed his lips against mine. “Good. Because in two weeks, you’ll be my wife.”
My heart pounded as his words sank in.
Two weeks.
I had two weeks before I would become Aaron’s wife. His Luna. And despite all my fears, despite Aaron’s father still not accepting me, I knew one thing for certain.
I was exactly where I was meant to be.
- Writer
