Luna Kyria: Mated To My Fate

Kyria Garrett stood in the center of the grand hall, heart frantic in her chest. She tried to contain the emotional overload of sheer bliss and anxiety. Tonight is supposed to be the best night of her life, or so she thinks. She and Marcus Stone would finally be united mates. They'll seal their bond before the eyes of their packs and the ancient spirits of their kind. A trailblazing feat waiting to be etched to her name. A fulfillment of a prophecy as old as time. But can she, the last of her bloodline, unify the packs? Can she stop these age-long wars regardless of her insecurities? She has dreamed of tonight, at least more than once. Her emotions are in a frenzy as she awaits the most handsome future alpha to publicly exchange vows with her. But for her average looks, tonight would have been impossible. In fact, rumor has it that Marcus chose her for her ties to the prophecy rather than her looks, innocence, and heart of gold. She smooths down her flowing silver gown that reflects the moonlight outside. Her eyes glistened with hope. Initially, she had shrugged off the responsibility to be mated to an alpha, but not when it's for a greater good. She's about to set new records. As the first of her pack to be mated to an alpha, she’ll break a generational curse and unite the clans. “I can't!” She had cried; still, her heartfelt tears and plea couldn't change the spirits’ choice. But when Marcus came along with his love and charm, Kyria became inspired by his faith in her. She searched the crowd for him, the one who held her heart. She had peered into the narrow aisles aimlessly before turning to her mother as if seeking assurance. It was in the warmth of her touch. The assurance she craved comforted her until her cherry lips curled into a sheepish smile. The grandest hall of Howlspring was embellished with garlands of moon flowers and delicate petals that shimmered under the brilliant lights. The air was infused with the burning scents of pine and jasmine candles. Whispers journeyed through the crowd, transmitting a symphony of secrets, and the room buzzed with anticipation. Kyria could feel every gaze, every murmur; even her subtle wolf, Aria, could smell every excitement, jealousy, and shock. Her pack’s anxiety weighed down on her shoulders like lead. A flicker of worry crossed her face, and she tightened her grip on her bouquet, almost draining its freshness. Chloe, her older cousin, who stood about ten feet opposite, perceived her tension. “Stop it!” She mouthed, waving her hand as if to slap Kyria’s crushing grip off the moon flowers. The scowl that contorted her face made Kyria's shoulders straighten out in a flash. She wasn’t going to allow her younger cousin to mess up the incredible makeover she pulled up on her extra-large body frame. Minutes passed by, and Kyria's patience grew thinner. She scanned the crowd for Marcus’s scent, but her senses were too distracted to concentrate. Why is he taking so long? Insecurity rattled her state of mind with the fear that he might have changed his. “Look left wing!” Aria prompted, happy to have tracked him. Kyria’s blood grew warmer and her face lit up like fireworks. The familiar smell of cedar wood and morning dew now caressed her senses. The future Alpha walked tall down the aisle. He is a striking figure with an intimidating presence that commands attention. His thick black hair, which he had drawn back into a sleek ponytail, and his strong, chiseled features perfectly complemented the dim light. Every movement he exudes screams confidence, influence, and power. As he approached the center of the hall, Kyria's heart stopped and raced at the same time. A king is coming for his queen. Her breathing modulates with every echo of his steps. Through the silence that suddenly stole the night, the mating ceremonial song serenaded. “Could there be any night more blissful than this?” she wondered. Will there be any stronger alliance than the one they're about to form? Kyria’s gaze beamed as he stopped before her. She wanted to pinch herself to prove she wasn't dreaming, but that would have stretched Chloe’s nerve endings tight. As if reading her thoughts, her mother, instead, gave her a soft pat again, and they both shared a quiet giggle. Kyria is awed by her lover’s breathtaking appearance on the occasion, but she warred quickly with misgivings when he snubbed her. Is he snubbing her on purpose, or has she become invisible all of a sudden? How did he not notice she had squeezed into a size fourteen dress with snatched-up corsets to impress him? Marcus' eyes were cold and dark in an unusual and unfamiliar way. His momentary concern was to relish the attention of the crowd, the same one he effortlessly stole from Kyria when he arrived. He tilted his head in pride as all eyes focused on him, looking everywhere else but Kyria's direction. Rebellious thoughts pumped heat through her body, but she maintained her radiant demeanor; after all, it was her day. It is a very important day for her pack, and she's not about to ruin it by jumping to crazy conclusions. For all she knows, Marcus could be testing or teasing her as usual. It was time. The room held its breath as Marcus began to speak with dark charisma. “Tonight,” he announced, “is a night like none other. As the future Alpha, it is my duty to make the best decisions for Howlspring; therefore, I have chosen a mate who will strengthen our alliances and guarantee our future prosperity.” “Seal the packs!” “Strengthen the bonds!” The packs howled in heightened eagerness. Kyria’s eyes radiated in delight as Marcus stretched out his hand towards her. It was her cue to take his. That must have been what her mother meant when she nudged her back to reality. How could she forget what they rehearsed the previous night? Kyria hardly gets a hold of herself around Marcus, but thanks to her wolf, who insists on composure. “Exhale and own your moment!” Area urged. And so she did, taking two steps towards her future mate. She reached to accept him, but he brushed past her for another whose footsteps harmonized with the love song now playing. Life sipped out of her youthfulness. Ashen with uncouth bewilderment, shock plastered on her face, she turned to her mother. “Is this a joke or something?”