Chapter 56: The spring festival
The night air carried the lively energy of the festival.
The festival grounds stretched across a vast clearing beneath the night sky. Thousands of lights hung from wooden posts and tree branches, casting a golden glow over the celebration. The scent of roasted meat, sweet pastries, and spiced drinks drifted through the air while drums echoed across the open field. Laughter and conversation blended together, creating a lively atmosphere that could be heard far beyond the palace grounds.
At the centre of it all stood a massive bonfire. Flames crackled high into the night, throwing sparks into the darkness above. Around it gathered hundreds of young werewolves dressed in white, each waiting for the moment they would experience their first shift. Some stood with family members. Others huddled together with friends, trying to hide their nervousness behind excited smiles.
Ravencourt was far too large to fit every pack member into a single location. Throughout the territory, families celebrated from their homes, village squares, and local gathering grounds. Large screens broadcast the festivities live, allowing everyone to witness the coming-of-age ceremony no matter where they were.
A large stage had been built near the bonfire for performances. Dancers moved across it while musicians played traditional melodies that had been passed down for generations. Near the front stood a raised platform reserved for the royal family, high-ranking officials, and honoured guests.
Aevia sat beside Alexander beneath an ornate canopy. Tonight marked the first time she had officially appeared in an official pack event beside Alexander. She carried herself with grace, wearing elegant gold robes that marked her status.
Whispers spread through the crowd in her presence. The people were still used to their former Luna Estelle and her presence created a noticeable stir.
"Is she the new Luna? She looks stunning. " some complimented her looks
"She already looks like the future Luna."
"She resembles Lady Estelle less than I expected."
"Still, she carries herself well."
The comparisons to Estelle were unavoidable. For years, the former Luna had occupied that place. Seeing someone new beside Alexander felt strange to many members of the pack.
Several seats away, Kieran sat dressed in formal black robes embroidered with gold thread. A crystal glass rested in his hand. He took another sip of wine and allowed the liquid to burn down his throat as his gaze wandered across the crowd as if searching for something. His actions were subtle but they did not go completely unnoticed
Killian noticed the glances and his voice quietly slipped through the mind link.
’ You keep searching the crowd like you’re looking for something.’
Kieran’s hand did not freeze; he raised the glass to his lips, slipping his drink casually. ’ I am surprised by how grand the event turned out,’ he replied.
It was a convenient lie. Killian knew he was lying but could not call him out on it. He kept his expression neutral.
’ Be careful. Eyes are on us.’ Killian warned. Kieran glanced toward him briefly before returning his attention to the performers dancing around the fire. He offered no further response.
The dance performance neared its conclusion. Midnight approached with every passing minute. The moon hung high above them, bright enough to illuminate the entire clearing.
’Besides this is Eloise’s coming of age. We have been waiting for this day.’ Killian mentioned through the mind link. His eyes found Eloise who was seated at the beta table looking every bit like the centre of attention. She wore an elegant white dress that made her look like the moon goddess herself. Her hair was styled perfectly. White was the colour of the coming-of-age ceremony. Eloise noticed Killian’s gaze and her ears burned as a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. She had a barely contained smile.
" What if Eloise is not our mate?" Someone asked out loud in a low voice. Luckily the loud music made it audible only to the brothers. Killian and Kieran could not control themselves. Their heads snapped toward Kaden who had been quietly nursing his drink before they could stop themselves.
The thought of Eloise not being their mate was something they could not imagine. Worse if anyone could say this it definitely was not Kaden.
" What do you mean?" Killian asked. " We have felt a connection to her since we were children." He said but it felt more like he was convincing himself.
Kaden placed his glass down. His voice was low. " I am just saying we know the rules. It is either she is our mate or mated to one. That is how it has been with multiple births for centuries." He continued. His words were slightly slurred. He was a bit tipsy but not really drunk.
His brothers listened, waiting for him to make his point. " What if Eloise is mated to just one of us who becomes the alpha or worse none?" He asked, staring at the cup. The repercussions of that statement were heavy.
Kaden smiled as he glanced at Killian. " If she is mated to just one the chances of it being me are quite high. I am the one with the most pull to her." His tone was a bit provocative; a slow smile curled up his lips.
" Would you fight me dear brother when I become the alpha?" Tension thickened between them. Kieran’s gaze darkened as he observed his brothers.
Killian scoffed. " The alcohol is starting to get into your head, Kaden. Stop spouting whatever enters your mouth." He said. Kieran’s lips parted to warn Kaden but before he could speak Kaden had already risen up.
" You are right. I need to clear my head. No need to worry, I will be back before midnight." Kaden chimed then excused himself. Kieran’s gaze followed him before he glanced back at Killian. The tension was still there.
There had always been the possibility of Eloise being mated to just one but they never wanted to imagine that situation. A situation where he might have to fight his brothers.
Kaden left the platform and blended into the crowd. The music was making his head spin. He slipped through heading for the Obsidian Palace that was nearby. He knew she was not here. Someone he did not want to name out loud but had been plaguing his mind.
The palace stood illuminated against the night sky, its dark stone walls reflecting moonlight like polished glass.
His entire mind was a mess and he needed cool air to clear it up. Kaden ran his hands over his face. He stopped at the side entrance of the palace close to the festival grounds. No one was around so he just slumped against the wall and sat on the stone floor staring at the night sky.
He closed his eyes. He did not know how long he sat there just listening to the night. Until he heard footsteps. He slowly opened his eyes and saw a figure in white weakly walking from the side entrance.
For a moment he thought he was imagining things. Then moonlight revealed her face. It was Yuki. She looked pale, far paler than she should have.
Her white dress fluttered around her legs as the wind swept through the courtyard. Her hair danced around her shoulders beneath the moonlight.
She was lost in her thoughts but she noticed him almost immediately. She froze as their eyes locked.
Kaden parted his lips to speak but she did not wait. She walked past him. Panic rose in his heart and his body moved on its own. His hand clamped around her wrist. A strange jolt of spark erupted that made his heart race. He flinched, pulling away as if he were burned.
Yuki’s head snapped to him. Her heart was racing as her breathing grew uneven. Her nails dug into her palms. "What do you want Kaden?" she asked and he could not say anything.
Before he could get the words to his lips a loud horn sounded. It was midnight. Yuki stepped back then ran off without a word toward the bonfire. It was almost time.
Kaden remained frozen in place. His pulse refused to settle.
********
By the time Yuki reached the clearing, the centre of the festival grounds was packed. Hundreds of young werewolves dressed in white surrounded the bonfire.
The drums had fallen silent. Conversations died one by one until only the crackling of the bonfire remained.
Alexander stood before the bonfire; the entire crowd watched him as he spoke. Yuki arrived just in time to hear the end of his speech.
His voice carried effortlessly across the clearing. "Tonight, you stand at the threshold of a new life. Trust your instincts. Trust your wolves. Let yourselves go wild beneath the gaze of Nyxoria."
The red flames surged higher then turned blue. A hush fell over the crowd. "Unleash your wolves." His voice boomed like a command.
The horn sounded again then it started. They ran, hundreds of young werewolves sprinted toward the forest surrounding the festival grounds. Yuki felt something stir in her like it was forcing its way out.
