Living The Past

Chapter 5 - Ceremony

I looked in the mirror. I looked at the long sleek dress and I absolutely hated it.

“Is there anything we can add to this? I look so plain.” I turned and looked from the side.

“This is how Luna Hera instructed it. Would you like me to get her?” Miranda asked. I know most things had to be approved through the Luna.

“Please Miranda.” Miranda walked out and moments later she held the door open and bowed her head.

“My dear! You look stunning.” Luna Hera said.

“I just feel plain. Like it needs something else.” I turn to her.

“Oh poppyc*ck! You don’t need anything else. The way it is, is a symbol of you starting. I started the same. Drake’s mother dressed me in just a plain silk dress.” She walked over and started straightening out my sleeves.

“Well if it’s tradition.” I said not pleased.

“It is! Tomorrow will be wonderful. Afterwards Drake and I are going to travel and see the human world. We’ll bring you and hopefully our grandchildren lots of gifts!” She turn to walk away and as she was leaving Charles entered and bowed his head.

“Oh mother! I did not expect you.” He looked up at her and she smiled.

“Charles darling! Look at your beautiful Luna. She’s ready for tomorrow.” She walked past him.

“Julia you look stunning!” He said coming over and looking at me.

“I felt it was plain, but your mother says it’s tradition.” Charles nodded.

“It is, supposed to symbolize the passing of the torch or something.” Charles walked over and started taking off his boots and gear. I watched him and he turn to me.

“What?” He said.

“Nothing, will you help me unbutton this so I can change?” I moved my hair and he walked over. Unhooking the button. I slipped the dress off and placed it on the chair. Miranda would come take care of it. Charles got into the bed and laid down. I started putting on my normal dress.

“I’m going to take a nap. I didn’t get much sleep thanks to you.” He laughed and covered himself up. Miranda came in and helped me button. Then took tomorrows dress and hung it up.

“Thank you Miranda.” I whispered hearing Charles’s soft snores. She nodded and walked out the door. I sat down looking at the flames of the fire dance. I had this feeling in my heart that everything was a mistake. I felt panic rising in me and I closed my eyes trying to keep calm. Don’t lose control. I’ve lost control only twice and each time made me feel like retreating further into hiding myself. I opened my eyes, everything will be fine.

The next morning I was a ball of nerves. I stood in front of the mirror breathing.

“Are you alright miss?” Miranda asked.

“Just nerves.” I gave her a weak smile.

“Everything will be fine, you’ll be a great Luna!” Miranda said straightening the bottom of the dress. A older maid walked in and bowed her head.

“It’s time.” I nodded and looked at Miranda.

“Thank you Miranda.” She bowed her head and I walked towards the great hall. The last time I was there, we took our vows. I could hear chatter as I got close. I rounded the corner and Luna Hera smiled.

“Absolutely beautiful my dear!” She hugged me and I hugged her back. “Are you excited?” She asked.

“I’m nervous.” I said to her.

“Nonsense! Everything will be great.” She took my arm as music started. Much like our wedding we walked in. This time there was more then just elite. The place was full of different pack members. The elder members of the pack all sat in the front. All of them were key members in the running of the pack. Charles and his father stood at the front of the pack. Charles was beaming and I felt comfort knowing he was here with me. The ceremony went on with out a hitch. Everyone cheered and clapped as the ceremony closed. The official passing of power has been passed. Hera took my hand and held it high and Drake took Charles hand and held it up.

“Praise be to the goddess! Hail the new Alpha and Luna!” Everyone cheered. As we tried to walk out people kept stepping forward to hand us small gifts. I was getting overwhelmed and kept breathing. The room felt like it was closing in.

“Charles.” I said as people pushed forward. I heard guards yelling for people to back up. I closed my eyes trying to breath. Don’t lose control. I blew out and as I did people were pushed back hard. I jumped as I heard screams. I cling onto Charles. He looked at me.

“I’m sorry, I’m overwhelmed.” I started to feel like I was hyperventilating.

“Get her back to the room.” Charles said and a guard grabbed me and started pushing through the crowd.

“MOVE! MAKE ROOM FOR YOUR LUNA!” People jumped out of the way as the guard pushed through. I was rushed back to the room. I stood there trying to steady my breathing. I heard the door slam behind me.

“What was that?” Charles crossed his arms and stood there. I closed my eyes and tried to breath.

“Sometimes… when I get overwhelmed… I lose control.” I kept my eyes closed, my breath was starting to steady. Then I felt Charles wrap me in a hug.

“It’s ok. I know today was a lot.” He rubbed my back. I was relieved. I thought he would scream at me.

“I was trying to calm and the more I thought about it, the more I started to get overwhelmed. I’m so sorry.” I said to him.

“Don’t apologize, we packed the hall more then we should.” I finally started to feel myself calm. “Tomorrow starts the rest of our life. The start of our journey.” I nodded. Tomorrow would start the rest of my life as Luna of Redmoon. As a weapon for my husband.