Chapter 9 Chap Eight

• Anna’s words echoed in my mind: without me, Damon would be powerless in his kingdom. I hadn’t realized how crucial the role of a Luna was. Is that why Damon is so insistent on marrying me? Is that why I’m in this predicament?
• I sighed deeply, staring at my reflection in the mirror. I was dressed in an extravagant white gown, adorned with intricate embroidery and sparkling long sleeves. The gown flowed elegantly, and my hair was curled with a delicate flower crown perched atop my head.
• I’d never imagined wearing something like this. Marriage wasn’t on my radar, yet here I was in a wedding dress.
• “You look stunning, Ma’am,” Anna commented as she observed my appearance. I glanced at her.
• “I want to run away, Anna,” I confessed. She didn’t seem surprised. Maybe she anticipated my reluctance.
• “I’m sorry, but this will be your life from now on,” Anna said with sadness in her voice. I bit my lower lip, turning back to face my reflection.
• No, this can’t be my life. I’m determined to find my mother and escape. This kingdom of wolves is not where I belong.
• As the orchestra played, I began my descent down the golden staircase. My heart sank when I saw the massive crowd gathered, all dressed in their finest and cheering for me. Their smiles were unsettling.
• “Let us honor our Luna! The Moon Goddess’s ultimate blessing to our mighty Alpha Damon, Luna Athena Solitaire Madrigal!” someone announced. The orchestra swelled as I continued my descent.
• The applause was deafening, but I couldn’t share in their joy. I felt like an outsider in a sea of unfamiliar faces. My eyes found Damon, who looked exceptionally handsome in his regal attire: a white robe with golden embellishments, a royal mantle, and elegant leather boots. His authoritative presence was undeniable.
• Stop thinking like that, Athena! He’s your enemy! Your goal is to escape after the wedding. That’s all that matters!
• I averted my gaze as his intense stare made my heart race. I needed to look away to calm myself.
• At the base of the stairs, Damon held out his hand. I placed mine in his, feeling a shiver at his touch. Even through the white glove, his warmth was palpable.
• The orchestra resumed, and the crowd watched us with pride and joy. They must be thrilled that their Alpha finally has a Luna after so many years. But none of this was what I wanted.
• “So, is this how you gain your people’s trust?” I whispered to Damon, hoping he would hear me but not the others.
• “It’s none of your business,” he replied coldly. I laughed bitterly. Maybe those watching thought my laugh was genuine.
• “You think this is fair? You’ve forced me into this, and it’s not my choice. You’re selfish, Damon. You don’t care about my feelings,” I whispered back sharply.
• “You think I enjoy this? Not at all, Athena. So, just shut up and marry me,” he said, his patience wearing thin. We reached the end of the aisle, and he let go of my hand to face the officiant.
• When he released my hand, I felt an inexplicable pang of disappointment. Damn it!
• The elder began the ceremony, his voice echoing ominously. “As an elder of this kingdom and pack, I will perform the matrimonial rites entrusted to me by the Goddess of the Moon. On this day, a new generation of Alpha and Luna is destined to rule the pack and the kingdom of Agama…”
• “Alpha Damon Timothy Scot…” the elder said, extending his hand. Damon placed his hand in the elder’s, and then the elder turned to me.
• “Luna Athena Solitaire Madrigal…” he called, reaching for my hand. I furrowed my brow as he placed my hand over Damon’s. Shocked, I pulled my hand away, causing gasps from the crowd. Damon’s glare was icy.
• Is this part of the ceremony? Reluctantly, I placed my hand back on top of his.
• A boy appeared with a golden wine glass filled with a red liquid. What was that?
• “What’s this?” I whispered to Damon. He shot me a glare.
• “Just take a sip,” he commanded. I hesitated, then reluctantly took a sip of the wine. It was surprisingly delicious.
• “With the power vested in me… Alpha Damon is now proclaimed as mated with Luna Athena!” The crowd erupted in cheers. To my shock, everyone transformed into enormous wolves. What the hell?!
• “D-Damon…” I stammered, overwhelmed by fear. Damon’s arm wrapped around my waist. His gaze was reassuring, and I felt a strange sense of security. Why?
• “Alpha Damon… you must seal the ceremony with a kiss,” the elder instructed. My heart raced. A kiss was part of the wedding?
• “What?!” I exclaimed. Damon’s intense stare made me swallow hard. He pushed me closer, and I instinctively placed my arms between us, but his strength filled the gap.
• “You’re going to kiss me?” I asked, nervous. The crowd waited expectantly. I’d kissed boys before, but this felt different.
• “I have to,” he said. His lips met mine, and I felt an unexpected jolt. The kiss was deep and intense, igniting something within me. He bit my lower lip, exploring my mouth with an urgency that left me breathless.
• I struggled to breathe, pushing against him, but he didn’t relent. When he finally pulled away, I glared at him, but he remained indifferent.
• “Fuck you,” I muttered angrily. His arms tightened around me.
• “I’d love to,” he replied with an inscrutable look.