Chapter 5

Xavier's POV

The sun hung low in the sky, casting it's shadows across the forest ground. I could feel the anticipation building in the air; the coronation was more than just a ritual—it was meant to be a display of power.

"Kael, gather the warriors and prepare for the gathering at Coldfire Forest," I commanded. 

The Coldfire Forest was a sacred place, the ground where all previous leaders were crown alpha and matched with their mate. It was the perfect place for my ascension as Alpha.

“Yes, Alpha,” Kael replied with a bow before turning to leave. 

“One more thing,” I said, stopping him in his tracks. “make sure everyone is present, including the girl.”

Kael’s eyes widened, he was about to protest but stopped. He knew better than to question me. 

With a final bow, he left.

The whispers of the pack echoed in the forest—murmurs about the traitors, the murdered high standing officials, and the daughter left behind. Hazel Myelin. 

I smirked at the thought of her—a weak Omega, now involved in a dangerous game. Never in all centuries had an Omega of low ranking done something like this. 

It was almost impressive. 

 The tension of the situation intrigued me. There was something about her that piqued my interest. I couldn't wait to meet this woman.

She should be glad I thought, chuckling, not everyone had such privilege.

That was the only reason I ordered Kael to make sure she shows up.

………

It was finally evening, the moon prominent in the sky and shining directly on the forest. It was a full moon…perfect.

The forest was alive with the sounds of nature as I made my way to the coronation ground. The trees were standing high and tall. 

As I approached the clearing, I could see the entire pack members gathered. Women from every corner of the pack were coming all dressed in their best clothes, eager to impress me but not one of them intrigued me even the slightest.

I positioned myself on a raised platform, the ground beneath me low. 

The entire forest and whispers from the pack immediately went silent as I took my position. 

My entire presence commanding absolute power and attention.

 I took a moment to observe the faces before me—an array of hopes and fears, excitement and some of uncertainty.

"Welcome!" The high council elder spoke. "Today marks a new dawn for our pack as we welcome our Alpha back from his slumber. "We shall crown a new Alpha, and with it, we shall reaffirm our strength and unity!"

A growl erupted from the wolves, echoing my sentiments.

"In our tradition, the coronation is not just a formal event; it is a celebration of our bond with one another and the bond with the land we protect." He continued.

The atmosphere shifted, becoming electrified. I looked down at the pack, a reminder of our shared history from our forefathers, my family and now down to me. This was my moment to assert dominance and lead the pack to its highest potential. 

“Today, we honor not just our past but our future!” The elder's voice rang out, pulling me back into the moment. “Let the crowning begin!”

With those final words, the wolves erupted into cheerful, loud growls. The council elder approached me holding the ceremonial crown high, placing it upon my head.

With that simple act, I felt a rush of power course through my veins. My senses igniting; it was as if the forest came to life surrounding me, I was no longer just Xavier—I was Alpha. Alpha of the Golden Dawn. 

Let the bond be sealed!” the elder declared. Making way for me to locate my Luna. 

The women all took their stand. The pack erupted into cheers, the sound like a wave washing over me. Yet, amid the celebration, my heart raced at the thought of the next part of the ceremony—finding my mate.

After that, I would finally be done with all the rituals. 

As the tradition states, I would choose my fated mate blessed by the moon goddess. All the young female wolves of the pack gathered.

The energy in the air shifted as the moment approached. I looked around, scanning the faces, searching for a spark. I needed that connection, the electric bond that would signify true compatibility.

Or so they said. 

Nothing.

 As I locked eyes with each woman in the crowd, I felt nothing no alertness, there was no spark. No flicker of connection, no sign of the bond I was meant to feel. 

Their eager faces blurred together, I looked over at their faces again, each praying eagerly that the moon goddess would somehow pick them to be my Luna.

But nothing.

No mate.

I didn't have a mate. Just great.

Just then there was a rustle from the grass in a corner of the bush. A pale young girl covered in dirt and bruises came into view with two men holding her roughly like a mere beast about to be brutally punished. 

They stopped in the middle of the forest ground. The entire pack members eyes focused on her, whispered of disgust, and mockery flew round. 

‘Is that the girl who murdered her mate?’ 

‘Is she the daughter of the traitors?’

‘She’s a murderer!’

‘What is she even doing here? she's better off dead’ 

Whispers flew across the Coldfire, I looked at the young Omega. She was the one who killed her mate? With the way she looked, I doubt she could even harm a forest firefly.

She sat on the ground, tears forming above her eyelids. 

I almost felt a glint of pity. Almost.

I couldn't seem to take my eyes away from her petite figure, and it seemed she noticed because she soon started searching the crowd. 

Just as I was about to look away, I felt something burn inside of me. The fire was hotter than nothing I had ever experienced. The burn fierce, dangerous, but yet warm and comforting. My eyes finally met with sparkling blue eyes… 

Mate.