Chapter 2: Moonlight Ritual

SELENE

A wave of dread washed over me when he suddenly vanished as I decided to approach him. Tonight was meant to be the start of my journey to finding my mate, but as I lost sight of the strange man, I got the distinct impression that things would take a dark turn. And I had no idea how accurate I was.

 

"Selene? Are you okay?" Veronica called out from behind me. I turned around and saw her standing there with a concerned expression.

 

Forcing myself to smile, I replied, "I'm fine, just slightly startled. Did you see that man disappear, too?"

 

Veronica shook her head, her worry deepening. "Who? Was it Nathan?"

 

"I think... but I'm not sure, Ronnie. If it's Nathan, should he disappear like that? I mean, it's not normal, right?" I asked, my voice filled with uncertainty.

 

She sighed. "I don't know, but maybe Nate's also waiting for the ritual event. You'll see each other later. Don't worry."

 

I nodded, trying to reassure myself. "You're right, Ronnie. I hope everything is okay, and it's all part of the plan." We exchanged a worried glance before continuing, unsure of what awaited us at the ritual event.

 

There was a noticeable increase in the music's volume and the laughter as the mating ball progressed. However, despite all the celebrations, my thoughts kept returning to the mysterious person.

 

Even though I couldn't see his face, I felt it was Nathan. His presence lingered in the back of my mind, leaving me with a sense of unease. I looked around, hoping to find him again, but he had disappeared into the darkness as though he had never been there.

 

Veronica and I joined in the dancing, laughing, and partying as the night wore on, but anticipation weighed heavily on my chest. When I looked at the skies, the moon's shapes began to form—a sign that ritual was approaching.

 

As the moon's glow intensified, a chill ran down my spine, reminding me of the impending ritual. I was finally going to reunite with Nathan and be his mate. The thought of finally being with Nathan filled me with excitement and nervousness.

 

I couldn't help but wonder what the ritual would entail and how it would solidify our bond. As the moon reached its peak, casting an ethereal glow over the surroundings, I knew that this night would change everything for me.

 

"Equinox is coming, Ronnie. We're finally going to meet our mates!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

 

Veronica grinned, her eyes shining with anticipation as she replied, "Oh my gosh, I can't believe it's finally happening! We've been waiting for this moment our whole lives."

 

Deep inside, I couldn't help but hold out hope that Nathaniel would appear from the crowd and embrace me again the way he used to when we were youngsters. The longer the night went on without him, the more my spirits dwindled.

 

Just as I was about to voice my concerns to Veronica, the party stopped abruptly as the lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the crowd. An electric buzz permeated the space, a sure sign that the time had finally come.

 

Luna Astoria took the stage, her presence commanding everyone's attention. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, their anticipation reaching its peak. It was a moment we had all been eagerly waiting for, and now it was finally here.

 

She smiled at us and began to speak: "This day marks Moon Goddess Lupa's annual celestial ascension, a sacred event that has been celebrated for centuries. Let us embrace this moment as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings gathered in the same spot where grace was bestowed upon us. May her celestial ascension tonight in the Mating Ball bring us closer to the spirit of unity and love she embodies."

 

With her words, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their excitement palpable. As the mating ritual approached, everyone was more excited than ever to see the Moon Goddess Lupa fly overhead and bestow her blessings on them.

 

The anticipation grew with each passing moment as the crowd eagerly awaited the magical spectacle that would unfold before their eyes. At that exact minute, everyone looked at the glass ceiling above us, and the clouds enveloped the sky.

 

The crowd gasped in awe as the clouds parted, revealing a breathtaking full moon shining down upon them. Its ethereal glow illuminated the gathering, casting a mystical ambiance over the scene.

 

There and then, I held my breath as I saw the moonlight reflecting on me. The moon's reflection seemed to dance across my skin, filling me with wonder and enchantment. It was as if the moonlight had heightened my senses, making everything around me appear more vibrant and alive.

 

Howls pierced through the night, echoing in harmony with the moon's brilliance. The haunting sound sent shivers down my spine, reminding me of nature's untamed beauty and power.

 

It was a moment that felt suspended in time as if we were all connected to something greater than ourselves, united under the moon's watchful gaze.

 

Looking at the crowd, I could see everyone captivated by Goddess Lupa's ether. Everyone seemed entranced, their eyes fixed on their mates, radiating an otherworldly aura.

 

I roamed around, and Veronica wasn't there. Then and there, I darted out to the crowd, and my eyes stopped at a figure standing near the edge of the gathering. He was leaning against the periphery of the dancing crowd. Although the shadows were still covering his face, his posture suggested a calm confidence that was somehow familiar.

 

I felt an inexplicable pull, like an invisible string tugging me towards him.

 

"It's you..." The word echoed in my mind as if the universe were affirming our connection.

 

Without hesitation, I approached the shadowy figure, my heart pounding with anticipation and fear. A strange warmth emanated from him as I drew nearer, enveloping me in a comforting aura that eased my nerves.

 

As I approached, his eyes met mine, revealing a glimmer of recognition. It was as if we had crossed paths in another lifetime, our souls intertwined in some interconnected way.

 

The sounds of the mating ball seemed to fade into the background as the electricity in the air crackled, and my heart's steady beat took its place.

 

Suddenly, he stepped forward, the moonlight revealing his silhouette. My breath hitched in my throat. It was the time I had been anticipating all along.

 

A low and melodic voice broke the silence as he whispered, "Mate..."