Chapter 89
89
~Elara’s POV
A ripple of applause and cheers went through the hall. My knees felt weak, but Darlon’s hands held me steady, grounding me, filling me with warmth. I glanced at my parents, their faces shining with pride and happiness. Then, looking back at Darlon, I felt a sense of completeness I had never known before, just like in the present.
The feast followed soon after the ceremony, the place now transformed into a place of celebration. Long tables stretched across the room, each one overflowing with food of every kind. Roasted meats, fresh fruits, sweet pastries, and breads of every shape and size were laid out, and the smell alone made my stomach flutter with excitement. Goblets of wine and sparkling juices were passed around, and the air was warm with laughter, chatter, and the clinking of glasses. Candles moved on every table, casting soft golden light across the polished floors and the rich tapestries that lined the walls.
Alpha Darlon stayed close to me the entire time. His hand found mine again and again, grounding me. I could feel the warmth of his fingers curling with mine, the steady strength in his touch, and every time our hands met, my chest lifted with joy I could not put into words.
Soon after, Ronan and Lira approached us, moving through the crowd with practiced smiles. They bowed politely, their words smooth and careful.
“Congratulations, Luna Elara,” Ronan said, his voice even.
“You look… beautiful.” Lira added quickly, her tone a little too high, “Yes, I mean truly stunning. We’re so happy for you p>
I smiled, genuine and bright, because I was still wrapped in my own happiness, still full of love for the man who now stood beside me.
But inside my shield, I could feel the twinge of something else. My present self, watching from afar, felt a cold shiver run down my spine. The forced politeness, the subtle undercurrents I could sense but my past self could not, made me feel unsettled. Still, my past self was oblivious to it all.
She laughed freely, her eyes bright as she thanked them and spoke about how excited she was for the future. She could feel nothing but pure joy, nothing but the warmth of the people who cared for her and the man she loved.
After everyone had eaten, the music started again, softer this time, pulling at the energy in the room. A few of the guests began to clap lightly, encouraging others to join.
Someone suggested that the couple dance, and without hesitation, Alpha Darlon extended his hand to me.
I placed mine in his, and together we stepped into the open space in the middle of the hall. The music swelled, and his hand was steady, his presence comforting and thrilling all at once.
We moved together, slowly at first, letting our bodies learn the rhythm. His gaze never left mine, and I could feel the unspoken promise in every glance, every step.
Soon, others began to join us, forming pairs and circles, twirling and stepping in time to the music. Laughter and lighthearted shouts filled the hall as more guests followed, their joy infectious. The hall seemed to pulse with life, every movement, every note of music carrying the energy of celebration, of love, and of a moment that would be remembered forever.
And all the while, my past self spun and laughed, her gown flowing around her, her hair catching the candlelight, her heart full.
I felt my chest tighten as the festivities slowed, and I realized it was finally time to leave for Silvermoon Pack. The evening sky was dark, the first stars glinting softly above the palace. Outside, the palanquin waited, polished wood gleaming in the torchlight. I wasn’t ready. My hands trembled slightly as I clutched my gown.
Tears pricked my eyes before I could stop them. I didn’t want to leave. My father’s hand was on my shoulder, warm and steady. “My daughter,” he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You are strong. You have your mate waiting, and he will care for you p>
My mother hugged me tightly, her voice soft. “We will always be here, even when you are far. Remember, my love, your happiness matters most p>
Alpha Darlon stepped closer, taking my hands in his. His eyes softened when they met mine, and I felt a shiver run through me. “You will be safe with me,” he whispered. “I will care for you every step of the way. Don’t cry for the past. I am your present, and I will be your future p>
I nodded, tears slipping down my cheeks. He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face with his thumb. I shivered again, heart pounding.
Then Lira and Ronan appeared beside the palanquin, expressions cautious but attentive. “We’ll follow you to Silvermoon,” Lira said softly. “Just to keep you company until you’re settled. We’ll leave the next day p>
Ronan nodded. “It’s fine. We’ll be there. Nothing to worry about p>
Alpha Darlon looked at them calmly. “If that is your choice, I trust you’ll behave,” he said.
I swallowed hard, feeling a jolt of unease. My shielded self screamed inside, yelling at me, Say no! Don’t let them follow you! Don’t trust them! But I only nodded, trusting them the way I always had.
I turned to my parents. “I’ll be fine. I promise. I will make you proud p>
Taking a deep breath, I climbed into the palanquin, the folds of my gown settling around me like water. Alpha Darlon mounted his horse beside it, his hand brushing mine one last time before letting go. Lira and Ronan mounted theirs silently, and we began the journey.
The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of roses from the palace gardens. Every step of the horses echoed softly. I pressed my face against the cushion, tears still dampening my cheeks, and let out a shaky breath. My heart was full, part excitement, part sadness.
Finally, we arrived at Silvermoon Palace. The gates opened, torches lining the cobblestone path to the inner hall. Alpha Darlon lifted me easily from the palanquin, making me flush with embarrassment and delight. I buried my face in his shoulder as we moved inside.
He set me down gently, brushing my cheek with his hand. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered. “I can’t wait to mark you, to make you mine p>
My breath hitched as he leaned in, kissing me softly at first, then deeper. My hands gripped his shoulders, melting against him, heart racing. The warmth, the safety, the longing, it all overwhelmed me.
A sharp knock startled us. Alpha Darlon paused, frowning. “Who dares disturb me?” he snapped.
Another knock came, insistent. He pulled back slightly. “Open the door p>
The door creaked, and a man in uniform stepped inside, bowing low. “Commander,” Alpha Darlon growled.
“My apologies for disturbing you, Alpha,” the commander said quickly. “But there are reports of rogues attacking nearby settlements. Only you can lead the men; they need your command immediately p>
I saw the irritation flash across his face. “Can’t someone else handle it?” he demanded.
“Your beta is drunk and fast asleep,” the commander said firmly. “And this is the brutal rogue group we’ve been tracking. Only you can lead the men p>
I put a hand on his arm, soft but firm. “It’s fine,” I whispered. “Go. Your pack needs you. This is your duty p>
He hesitated, eyes searching mine. Then he nodded, muttering, “You’re too reasonable sometimes,” before leaving.
I stood there, hands clasped in front of me, heart hammering.
The shield around me vibrated with tension, my present self screaming, Don’t let him go! Don’t leave him alone!