Chapter 7; Moonlit Rituals

Chapter 7; Moonlit Rituals

Alpha Zedex

Hours had passed, and the day I'd long dreaded had finally come. My heart sank, weighed by the darkness within. The full moon festival reminded me of my failed bonding, a constant reminder of my cursed fate and the darkness I was sworn to live in.

I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the worst. The past few years repeated themselves, where other wolves celebrated their blessings of finding a mate and bonding with them. My experience was different—as I was once again faced with the somber occasion of mourning a lost mate.

Mogan, my loyal and trusted beta, entered my chamber with a respectful bow. "Greetings, Alpha."

I nodded and moved away from my wardrobe to sit at the dining table, gesturing for him to join me. After a moment of hesitation, he finally took a seat.

I poured tea into his cup, and he immediately knelt, placing his forehead on the back of his hand. "Sorry for my incompetence. I shouldn't have let you fill my cup," he apologized quickly, finding my action strange.

Mogan had been a steadfast companion for many years, the one person I trusted above all others. His courage and clever thinking propelled me forward, and his loyalty was unmatched.

I nodded, as I poured myself a cup. "Go on," my voice was low and commanding.

Mogan's words cut deep, "The agent couldn't locate the woman…,” He trailed off, his gaze dropping, “the one that stole your ring."

I clenched my fists as rage swelled within me, and I angrily smashed the cup I was holding into pieces. My mother's ring was gone, and with it, my connection to her.

Resentment simmered within me, fueling my rage. “Her audacity!” I seethed, “That woman will taste worse than death itself, if I set my eyes on her!” My anger boiled within me.

Mogan's voice was laced with concern, his brows furrowed. “What do we do now, Alpha?”

I got up and paced back and forth in my room. I needed to retrieve my ring quickly; I couldn't believe I had been so careless with something so valuable.

“Greetings, Alpha. The Full Moon festival has begun, and the human sacrifices are ready,” the guard's voice echoed from outside before he hurried away.

My jaw clenched, my eyes burning with intensity, and my nostrils flaring as the word "human" reverberated in my mind.

I stormed out to unleash my fury on them.

“Still planning to sacrifice those innocent children?” Grandpa's voice stopped me in my tracks.

I clenched my fist, without turning to face him. 'They deserve every cruelty from me,' I thundered.

Grandpa protested in his calm, convincing voice, standing in front of me. “Human sacrifice isn't part of the pack culture. Don't let your resentment towards humans cloud your judgment and hurt the innocent kids.”

“I don't care!” I stood my ground. “At this time, nothing can change my mind.” I declared and made to walk out.

“Your mother's spirit will never rest...”

“My mother is still alive, Grandpa!” I growled, turning toward him with bloodshot eyes.

He approached me once more, standing before me. "But she only wants you to find peace and happiness. Please don't dwell on the past and ruin yourself."

Tears dropped from his eyes as he placed his hand on my shoulder.

With a mixture of sadness and amusement in my voice, I replied, "The pain, suffering, and scars inflicted upon me by humans cannot be forgiven, no matter how many lives they offer in return."

I pushed his hand away, thundering slowly, before storming out of my chamber and heading to the field where the festival was taking place.

Within 30 minutes, I arrived at the location with Mogan following closely behind me.

The atmosphere was filled with joy as people danced and celebrated. However, when they saw me, they all showed their respect by bowing their heads.

I paid no attention to anyone and made my way to my throne, gripping the armrests as I waited eagerly for the right moment.

The mating ceremony soon began, and the young wolves experienced their first shift. The male wolves howled to recognize their partners, creating a memorable scene.

The moon shone brightly, illuminating the howls that grew louder.

Eventually, the howls faded, and all eyes turned to me.

All the pack members surrounded me, their eyes filled with anticipation as they whispered to each other and shook their heads in pity.

I was grateful that the moon Goddess had spared me from today's embarrassment. It was better to be without a mate than to be in mourning.

The mating period would soon be over.

Suddenly, Lan rushed over and sat beside me. "Hey, Big bro! You forgot me!" he asked, pouting and holding my hand.

I smiled at him. "I was in a hurry to get here," I replied, running my fingers through his hair.

He chuckled softly. "Mateless again?" he asked, his voice filled with concern, when he saw no she-wolf setting beside me.

Lan was unlike his older brother Max. He showed me a great deal of respect and admired me as his role model. He was always by my side, and even though he was 23 years old, I still treated him like my little brother, giving him everything he desired.

"I don't care!" I replied nonchalantly. "Where are the humans?" I asked, looking around.

"Brother, I want one of the humans to be my servant," he said, pleading with me with a childlike innocence in his eyes.

"Choose whoever you like," I quickly agreed.

The guards brought in the humans, blindfolded and distressed. They were sweating and crying, but I paid no attention.

My wolf, Zov, suddenly growled loudly as soon as they entered, "Mate! Claim! Protect!"

His sudden outburst caught me off guard. What was wrong with him? Who’s mate does he wants to claim?

My gaze scanned the row of humans being dragged into the field by the guards, and my eyes landed on a familiar figure…

‘Mate! Protect!’ He groaned again.