Moondance Pack - A Collection of Novelettes

A Solstice Luna Ceremony: Chapter 9

-CASSANDRA POV-

The Blood Moon Pack's chants started up, echoing around the room. It was weird seeing our usual dining hall turned into something straight out of an ancient ritual. There I was, front and center, feeling every eye on me. It hit me then – I'm Luna now, and it's a big deal. The chants, a blend of old and new, seemed to connect me to the very roots of our pack, echoing the strength and wisdom of generations past.

The only light in the room came from the candles that flickered like tiny stars around us. The shadows danced on the walls, creating an ethereal atmosphere that was both solemn and celebratory. I could almost touch the buzz of excitement from the pack around me. Their faces glowed in the candlelight, all proud and awestruck.

Each pack has its own rituals, making each Luna ceremony distinct.

The first part of the Blood Moon Pack Luna ceremony ritual was the lighting of the Moonfire. Markus, the elder representative, stepped forward with a torch in hand. He lit the fire in a large brazier in the center of the stage. The flames leaped up, casting a warm, golden glow that ignited the air around us.

The fire snapped and popped, warming my face. It was like I could feel the magic in the air, almost tangibly buzzing around us. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the heat wash over me, feeling it seep into my bones and soul.

Next came the offering of sacred herbs. Markus handed me a small bundle of dried plants, their fragrances strong and earthy. I held them over the Moonfire, watching as they began to smoke and burn. The smoke rose in delicate swirls, carrying our prayers and intentions to the moon above.

I repeated the same words every Luna before me has said, talking about protecting us, staying strong, and sticking together. "Under the moon's watchful eye, we offer these herbs, symbols of our dedication and our bond with the natural world."

The smoke from the herbs filled the room, its scent mingling with the smell of the burning wood. It was as if the very essence of the pack, the forest, and the mountains that surrounded us were present in that smoke.

Now for the big moment – saying the Luna oath, the heart and soul of the whole ceremony. I stepped forward, my heart beating fast in my chest. The words of the oath were etched in my memory, words I had heard many times before but never spoken myself.

Standing there, with the fire crackling behind me, I started the oath. "I, Cassandra, stand before the Solstice moon, my partner Alpha William, and my pack, ready to embrace my role as Luna. I vow to lead with wisdom and compassion, to protect our pack with strength and courage, and to uphold the traditions and values that have guided us through the ages."

As I spoke, I could feel the power of the oath settle over me like a cloak, heavy and warm. It felt like I was tying my soul to the pack, promising to be the best Luna I could be.

When I finished, you could've heard a pin drop, just the fire crackling and everyone shuffling a bit. Then, a murmur began to rise slowly, a chorus of voices joining together in a howl that filled the room and spilled out into the night.

It was a sound of acceptance, of celebration, of unity. It was the sound of the Blood Moon Pack welcoming me as their Luna.

As the cheers and applause faded, I looked to my right, my eyes meeting those of William, my Alpha, my mate. In his gaze, I saw a reflection of my own emotions - pride, joy, and an unwavering commitment to our pack and to each other.

Together, William and I were going to take the Blood Moon Pack into whatever comes next, right under that big, bright moon. The ceremony had not just been a formality; it had been a spiritual awakening, a forging of a bond that went beyond words and rituals.

It was a bond with the very soul of the pack, a connection that would guide us through whatever challenges and joys lay ahead. As I stood there, surrounded by my pack, with the fire's warmth still lingering on my skin, I knew that I was exactly where I was meant to be, ready to embrace my destiny as Luna of the Blood Moon Pack.

-WILLIAM POV-

The completion of the Luna Ceremony marked not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter. As Cassandra finished her oath, a wave of pride washed over me. She was more than just my mate; she was the strength of our pack.

Stepping out into the crisp, winter night, the forest around us was bathed in the glow of the full moon. The snow underfoot sparkled like a blanket of stars, untouched yet inviting. The air was fresh, filled with the scents of pine and earth, invigorating my senses.

Beside me, Cassandra, my Luna, my mate, shared a look of unspoken understanding. Tonight, we would lead the pack together, not just as Alpha and Luna, but as partners bonded by fate and choice.

With a nod to Cassandra and the pack we headed out of the pack house. Outside I addressed the group.

"Tonight, we are whole. Tonight, we welcome our Luna in our pack. To celebrate, we will run under the Solstice Moon, as a family."

I shifted first, then Cassandra. The shift was a familiar sensation, a rush of power and freedom that never ceased to amaze me. Then the ranked members of the pack and their mates. Afterwards, the rest of the pack shifted.

Let's get this party starty. Raven howled in my head.

My fur, a rich black, gleamed in the moonlight. Cassandra's wolf Izzy was a sleek and agile black wolf with piercing blue eyes that seem to see right through you. Her fur is soft to the touch and glimmers in the moonlight, with a white crescent marking on her chest.

The pack gathered around us, a sea of wolves, each unique yet united in purpose. Cassandra and I headed North side by side, we would do a perimeter run.

The run was exhilarating, a dance of shadows and light. We moved through the woods with a grace and power that was both thrilling and humbling. The snow crunched under our paws, the cold air filled our lungs, and the moonlight guided our path.

She's keeping up without much of an effort. Raven observed about Izzy. She's a feisty one.

I could feel Raven's admiration for his mate.

Cassandra ran beside me, her presence a constant source of strength and comfort. We moved in sync, our strides matching effortlessly as we navigated the terrain. Around us, the pack followed, a fluid motion of bodies weaving through the trees.

Something on your mind, my warrior. I heard Izzy over our mind-link.

Just agreeing with Raven about how lucky we are to have such wonderful mates.

My warrior, flattery will get you everything. She replied teasing.

Do you smell mate's arousal? Raven questioned.

I sniffed the air.

Behave yourself, Luna. I reached to Cassandra over our mind link. I'm not sure I can control Raven.

She laughed.

The forest was alive with the sounds of the night - the whisper of the wind in the trees, the distant call of a night bird, the soft rustle of snow falling from a branch. It was as if the world was celebrating with us, sharing in the joy of our union.

As we ran, I felt a sense of pure freedom and joy that was almost overwhelming. This was more than just a run; it was a celebration of our new life together, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Blood Moon Pack.

The snow crunched under our paws, each step a testament to our newfound bond and the exhilarating freedom of the run.

We paused at a clearing, the moon shining down on us, casting our shadows long and stark on the snow. The pack gathered around, panting and excited, their eyes shining in the moonlight.

I reached out to them over the mind link. Tonight, we run as one. Together, as Luna and Alpha, we will lead this pack to new heights.

The pack howled in agreement, a chorus of voices that echoed through the forest and up to the moon above.

We continued our run, a celebration that lasted well into the night. It was a run of unity, of shared joy and shared purpose. It was a run that marked the beginning of a new era for the Moondance Pack, with Cassandra and me at its heart.

As the first light of dawn began to touch the horizon, we returned to the packhouse, tired yet exhilarated. The run had been a physical manifestation of our commitment to each other and to the pack.

We had run as wolves, free and wild, yet bound by a deep sense of loyalty and love. It was a night I would never forget, a night that had solidified our bond and set the course for our future.

As dawn's first light washed over us, I knew that together, we were embarking on a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, bound by love and loyalty to our pack.