Chapter 155: The Wedding
TERESA’S P.O.V.
The night of the moon marriage was like stepping into a dream spun from silver and starlight. The entire pack gathered in the ceremonial clearing deep within the woods, where lanterns hung from tree branches, their flickering light casting ethereal shadows. I could feel the weight of thousands of pairs of eyes on me as I stood beside Lucian, his hand firmly clasping mine. His blind gaze was steady, his presence grounding, while I felt like my heart might leap out of my chest at any moment.
Luke and his family were seated on a makeshift bench at the edge of the clearing, their expressions a mix of awe and confusion. My brother, ever the protective hothead, leaned over to whisper something to his wife, probably asking why wolves were howling in perfect harmony as part of the opening rituals.
The elders stood at the center of the clearing, cloaked in ceremonial robes adorned with intricate symbols. Elder Greyna, the eldest among them, raised her hands to silence the crowd. Her voice was melodic yet commanding, a tone that demanded attention.
"We gather here tonight," she began, "under the watchful gaze of the moon goddess, to witness the sacred union of our Alpha, Lucian Blackwood, and his fated mate, Teresa."
There was a murmur of approval from the pack, followed by more howls. Luke flinched beside his wife, and I couldn’t help but stifle a giggle at his bewilderment.
"This is..." Luke whispered to his wife, wide-eyed. "This is not normal. This is very not normal."
"Shush," she replied, nudging him. "It’s their culture. Respect it."
Lucian, who had been silent, leaned close to my ear and whispered, "Your brother looks like he’s on the verge of a stroke."
I stifled a laugh, earning a raised eyebrow from Elder Greyna, who did not appreciate interruptions.
The ceremony continued, with chants and blessings from the elders. They circled us, sprinkling us with moonwater and marking Lucian’s forehead with a silvery paste symbolizing strength and leadership. When it was my turn, they painted my forehead with a symbol for unity and nurturing.