Chapter 2
1187 Words
Chapter 2
AURORA
"I, Alpha Magnus Blackthorne of the Silver Crest Pack, hereby relinquish my position as Alpha and pass both my authority and title to my successor… my daughter, Aurora Blackthorne."
My father announced atop the stage in the pack’s grand hall.
Everyone went on their knees as he descended the stairs and walked towards me.
Today was my coronation.
One month had passed since Kael and I completed our mating ceremony in neutral territory.
Just as we had planned, our union had remained a secret. Most importantly, Father had heard nothing about it. But time had continued moving forward, bringing us to this very day—the day I would finally reveal my mate to the entire pack.
Today, power would belong to me.
Today, no one would be able to challenge my authority.
Father stopped in front of me and offered a warm, proud smile. I returned it before lowering my head respectfully.
Extending my hands, I allowed him to slip two gold bracelets adorned with crimson rubies onto my wrists.
"With this, I officially bestow my power and authority upon my beloved daughter!" he proclaimed before stepping aside.
The bracelets symbolized the transfer of leadership.
Though it wasn't always jewelry, every Alpha possessed a treasured item. Whether a pendant, ring, amulet, or ornament that represented their authority and could be passed down to their successor.
For Father, it had always been these bracelets.
I had seen them for as long as I could remember.
Once, he told me they had been gifted to him by his uncle on the day of his first shift.
"Now the Elders shall come forth and offer their blessings to our new Luna," Father announced.
I turned as the twelve Elders rose from their elevated seats and slowly descended the grand staircase.
Adjusting the heavy ceremonial robe draped over my shoulders, I bowed my head.
Soft, solemn music filled the hall.
The first Elder approached.
"Blessings upon you, Luna Aurora," she murmured, resting her palm atop my head.
She stepped away, and the next Elder repeated the ritual.
Within our traditions, each Elder represented the legend of the First Twelve. The first twelve werewolves who started Silver Crest Pack. They were known to have ruled the pack without an Alpha but as a group of powerful individuals with collective power.
One by one, the Elders completed their blessings. Afterward, a steward guided me toward the platform. There, he poured water into a white ceremonial basin so I could wash my hands, symbolizing purification before leadership.
Once finished, I ascended the stage and settled into the Alpha's throne, the highest seat in the entire hall.
Thunderous applause erupted around me.
A bright smile spread across my face as I looked upon my people.
At last.
The power was mine.
I stood and raised a hand. The applause ceased almost instantly.
I couldn't help but feel surprised by how quickly everyone obeyed.
"Thank you all for placing your trust in me," I began. "Leading and protecting this pack is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I vow to rule with fairness, honesty, and transparency. That is why I have chosen today to share something of great importance."
All gazes were glued to me, all curious. I glanced at my father, his proud eyes staring at me. The Elders, with their scholarly ambience, watched me keenly and the pack members too were not left out.
"As you all know, no Alpha or Luna governs alone. Their mate stands beside them as their greatest ally and partner. Until now, none of you have known of my mate's identity. It is with immense joy that I introduce to you my mate... and your future Alpha, Kael."
I gestured toward the grand entrance at the far end of the hall.
The doors opened, and Kael stepped inside.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored black three-piece suit, he looked every bit the leader I knew him to be. The fabric emphasized his broad shoulders and powerful build, while confidence radiated from every step he took.
A smile curved his lips as cheers erupted throughout the hall.
"Impossible!" Father's voice reverberated through the walls of the grand hall, making me jump in fear and the pack members became mute.
"Aurora, what do you think you're doing?" he demanded as he stormed toward me.
Though my heart raced, I refused to back down. I had expected this moment.
"Father, this is my choice," I said firmly. "And you cannot change it."
His eyes widened in disbelief. Clearly, he hadn't expected me to challenge him publicly.
"Luna Aurora," Elder Orion spoke calmly, "may we ask what exactly the issue is?"
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.
I opened my mouth to answer, but Father spoke first.
"He's a rogue!"
His voice thundered through the hall as he pointed directly at Kael.
A collective gasp swept through the room.
The reaction was so strong it felt as though the very foundations of the grand hall trembled.
"Is this true, Luna Aurora?" another Elder asked.
I lifted my chin and nodded. "Yes. It is."
The whispers grew louder.
"But I refuse to define him by the circumstances of his upbringing," I continued. "He grew up without a pack. That does not make him any less worthy."
"He is still a rogue nonetheless," the Elder countered.
"He is my mate," I said sharply. "And we all know that mates are chosen by the Moon Goddess herself, regardless of whether they are packborn or rogue."
"It has never happened before," Elder Cedric said. "A royal-born heir being paired with a rogue is unheard of."
I shook my head.
"Just because something has never happened doesn't mean it cannot happen. The Moon Goddess works in ways beyond our understanding."
"My daughter will never be mated to a rogue!" Father bellowed.
I turned toward him, frustration burning through me.
"And what exactly are you going to do about it?" I challenged. "The bond is already sealed. We completed our mating ceremony a month ago."
"No!" Father shouted.
"Yes, Father." I met his gaze without hesitation. "And may I remind you who holds authority now?"
The color drained from his face, shock flickering across his features. Whispers spread throughout the hall while the Elders remained silent.
Turning back toward the assembly, I lifted my voice.
"Kael is my mate. He always will be. And no outdated tradition will stand between us."
Then I looked toward Kael and nodded.
He immediately started walking toward the stage.
"Members of the Silver Crest Pack," I announced, "your Luna, Aurora Blackthorne, willingly relinquishes her sovereignty to her mate so that he may carry the supreme authority of this pack as its Alpha."
Kael climbed the steps and came to stand beside me.
Sliding my arm around him, I removed the ruby bracelets from my wrists, then I placed them into his hand.
"Celebrate, everyone," I declared. "Celebrate your new Alpha—Alpha Kael."
The hall erupted with cheers and applause.
As the crowd rejoiced, I glanced toward Father.
The horror etched across his face was impossible to miss.
- Writer
