Chapter 9
1144 Words
Erica's POV
The Alpha king might be cold-hearted and stern, but the citizens of the Bloodhound pack are completely different.
We arrived at the palace of the Alpha king to meet a large welcome party prepared in my honor. Dancers were already performing when we got there.
A large trumpet was sounded to announce our presence, and immediately a long row of elders and palace servants was made with a large space at the centre.
"All hail our Alpha!!! All hail our Luna!!!!" This was chorused till we sat in our designated seats.
"Let the music continue!" Someone ordered at the end of the hall after getting approval from the Alpha King.
The celebration was enjoyable at first, but later it became a disturbance to my sleep.
"A Luna must stay alert at all times," the king warned sternly in a whisper.
"Yes, my lord," I responded with a frown and a little bow.
The celebration entered a new phase when warriors came out to present their talents. The palace floor was soon covered with blood.
"Oh goddess, I'm definitely going to throw up," I mumbled, looking away from the blood scene.
"My Lord... I think I will..." The sound of the large trumpet and the sudden halt of the music interrupted me.
"Announcing the prestigious!!" someone yelled, and everyone bowed slightly.
A tall woman in her sixties entered the large hall. With my head bowed, I peeped at her. She was wearing a long, flowing white gown, her bulb hair sitting firmly on her shoulders, and her electric blue eyes complemented her oval-shaped face. She walked as if the earth was made of glass, with no prophet or oracle. I knew she was a woman who made heads turn in her prime.
She walked slowly to where I was standing and lifted my chin using her finger.
"Luna?" she scoffed while staring deeply into my eyes.
I swallowed slowly without saying a word.
She pulled me into her open arms and whispered. "A Luna has no reason to bow, except to the Alpha. Did you learn nothing at Riverdale?"
"I'm sorry, I just thought..."
"Shh... this is not a place for you," she added and freed me from her hug while patting my shoulders.
"My Lord, I think you should let Luna rest after a long journey. Why not end the ceremony here? It's deep in the night already." She turned to the Alpha and smiled pretentiously.
The Alpha mainly sighed and nodded slowly. "Let the ceremony end here!!!" he commanded with a loud voice, and the large trumpet sounded again.
"Take the Luna to her prepared chambers." The Alpha commanded, and four handmaids led me through the large hall into a hallway.
We walked through a few buildings before emerging in front of a small building with a courtyard. The first handmaid opened the door, and we all entered.
"This is your chamber, Luna. We will be the ones attending to your every need. According to the command from the Alpha, you are not allowed to step out of this premises except when granted permission." The head handmaid stated with a bow.
"I don't understand; you mean I'm confined within this space?"
"Yes, Luna," she responded calmly.
"I understand now; just help me change from these clothes." I had to reserve my statement; I know whatever you say here will definitely reach the ears of the Alpha.
"You can go to bed immediately after eating and taking your bath. The Alpha wants you to rest," the handmaid added.
"Thank you. You can leave now; I can take care of myself from here."
"As you wish, Luna." They bowed and left.
Immediately after they left, I slumped on my bed and closed my eyes. "What just happened? I'm married? Not to just anyone, but to the Alpha King, Dante Byers. My parents would shed tears for me if they knew. I have gotten involved in a connection I have no right to break from." I mumbled with the force of sleep pulling me in.
But I was grateful for one thing, the mating night, which was to be today. I never planned on sharing a bed with someone I don't love. At least, I will say he treated me fairly in that aspect.
I struggled to my feet, walked sluggishly into the bathroom, and soaked myself in the bathtub." As I closed my eyes, I could feel Erica giving way for Jane to be born.
***
"Wake her up immediately!!! She's the Luna, so she should act like one." The voice of the Alpha's mom woke me up.
"Your grace, today is a big day; you need to start getting ready." A panicking handmaid stood beside my bed with trembling hands.
"What's happening today?" I asked, rubbing my eyes.
"The Alpha is officially showing you to the conference today."
"Oh, then I need to shower quickly." I stood up hurriedly and had a quick bath before sitting in front of the dressing mirror.
My handmaids dolled me up quickly before leading me to the conference room.
"Now, the Luna will enter!" The herald announced, and the big gate was flung open.
As I walked through the large hall, I heard whispers of, "She's beautiful," "She's pretty," She looks gorgeous. Now I know the second reason why the Alpha picked me.
After the former introduction and a short breakfast with the conference members, the Alpha asked me to excuse them, since, according to him, I'm not supposed to take part in matters that concern the pack.
"I can finally relax again," I mumbled excitedly.
"You can't relax yet; it's time for your training," the chief handmaid mentioned.
"What training?"I sounded so confused.
"It's a training all Luna must go through."
"You've got to be kidding me." I was getting irritated by these treatments already.
"Where is the fourth handmaid?" I asked, trying to divert my attention.
"She accompanied those returning the favour."
"What do you mean?"
"Our Alpha hates people giving him gifts during celebration; he hates being indebted. The Alpha of Moonshine sent him some wedding gifts, so he's sending them back since there will be a wedding there in two days."
"A wedding at Moonshine? Who is getting married?" I asked with a furrowed brow.
"The Alpha is getting married." For some reason, my heart sank.
"He's getting married to Erin Driscoll after the older twin mated and ran away with her secret lover on her wedding," she explained with a sigh.
"What?! Jaxon is getting married to Erin?" It was like a thousand spears piercing through the heart.
I don't know why I felt this pain; I expected them to be together, but now I know they are really together. I felt like tearing them apart.
"Jaxon and Erin won't make it out alive," I mumbled before stomping to my chambers.
- Writer
