CHAPTER SIX

Every single female wolf dreams of her mating ceremony, when she would marry her mate or at least someone she loves, leave her pack or family and start a new life.

 Chanda always knew that might never happen for her, being a lowly omega and all. But she never in her life imagined being forced to become the Lycan Queen.

She stood naked, in front of a mirror, in the room prepared for her to get ready to wed the Lycan King, staring at her reflection. Bruises were all over her back and arm from the beatings she had gotten from Sera and Velkan.

“Chanda?” Mia walked in. “When do you plan on covering up? Everyone’s waiting.” She said.

Chanda ran and dropped at her feet. “My Lady, please forgive me. I beg you. I still don’t understand what happened.” She pleaded.

Mia stepped away from her. “It’s a really good plan I must say. I’m even surprised my mother didn’t think of it herself. You were always a clever sort.” She walked to the window, staring outside. “I remember I warned you to not make me regret this. You did even more and stole what could have been my life.”

“Please. I didn’t plan this. I don’t understand.”

“I just came to say … goodbye, I guess. And wish you luck in your new life. After today’s ceremony, I hope to never see you again.” Mia turned to her and bowed. “My Lady.” She said and walked out of the room.

Chanda’s heart shattered.

She cried now, more than when Sera had beat her with all sorts of objects, more than when she had lost parents she can’t even remember, more than when she had starved for weeks as a kind of punishment, even more than when Velkan kicked her in anger.

She cried now because she was afraid of what the future had in store for her.

****

Everyone gathered around the clearing, buzzing with excitement and questions, all eager to witness an omega who, for the first time ever, was about to be crowned The Lycan’s Luna.

Velkan walked to the top of the clearing and kneeled behind the huge statue of Lyon, the first Ever Lycan King. He tried his best to not show his anger but he couldn’t help it. The start to his reign as Lycan King has been one hurdle after the other.

First, he had to fight to prove his worth, almost died trying and now he has to take an omega as his Luna.

His father must be turning in his grave.

“We are all gathered here today, Under the light of the full Moon, Under the blessings of the Moon Goddess and In the Presence of Lyon, the Great Lycan King, to witness the mating ceremony of The Lycan king and his chosen Luna.” Hati stood in front of the crowd. “Now, I summon Chanda to the clearing.”

I didn’t choose her, Velkan thought and looked over at Chanda as she walked out dressed in a long white flowing gown, her face covered with a white veil, accompanied by two maids each at her sides. She was guided up the clearing and made to kneel beside him.

Hati walked to them and wrapped a gold cord around their hands, tying them together. He took out a knife and sliced across Velkan and Chanda arm, dropping their blood into a bowl, mixing it with white wine and raised it to the statue of Lyon. He started chanting in the old tongue while everyone bowed their heads to the ground.

“Accept this, Oh Great Luna, Goddess of the moon, as a symbol of their union.” He turned to them. “Drink.” He offered it first to Chanda and then Velkan. “Now, they will change into their wolves and Velkan shall mark her for all to see.”

Velkan rose and transformed into his wolf, eager to get done with this ceremony, while Chanda remained, kneeling.

“Chanda, transform.” Hati ordered.

She murmured something, and Velkan turned to her, growling.

“Chanda, now.” Hati repeated.

Velkan transformed back to his human form, and turned to Hati. “She can’t. She is wolf less.”

 The crowd started murmuring, many with shocked expressions on their face.

Velkan turned to the Elder’s clan, furious. “Surely, you don’t expect me to marry a wolf less omega.”

“It has never been done,” Siri, one of the Elders said. Velkan faced his mother, pleased they were finally seeing reason. “But, it’s not against the traditions.” Siri continued. “You will have to mark her in human form.”

Velkan was shocked.

The crowd just watched, enjoying the show before them.

“Rise, Chanda. Take off your Veil and stand before your king.” Hati instructed.

Chanda took off the veil and stood before him, visibly shaking.

Velkan looked into her eyes, pleased to see the fear in them. “Kneel and look at me.” He commanded. She fell to her knees, looking up at him, her eyes teary.

He bent to her and gripped her neck, wishing with all his might he could choke her to death. He whispered into her ears. “I don’t know what your plan was, but you just signed your death sentence.”

He sank his fangs into her neck and marked her as his Luna.