Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 107: The Mating Ceremony

**Tiana's POV**

The fragrance of roses and jasmine wafted into the room. I couldn’t help myself as I inhaled slowly, savouring the sweet aroma. My gaze wandered to the large bronze bowl and warm steam was rising from it. The maids dipped soft clothes into the scented water and started running them over my skin. Their hands were gentle but swift, wiping every grain of dirt and droplet of sweat off of me and ensuring my cleanliness.

I remember hearing that the ceremony began with a purification ritual. To me, it felt much more elaborate than what was required.

To say that it left me with mixed feelings would be an understatement.

With my back straight, I continued staring in silence into the silver mirror's reflection. As I glanced closer, it seemed like the girl’s image was not the same. Her gaze was fixed on a certain point, and the dark pupils of her eyes bulged out. She looked beautiful—almost unreal. Her dark hair was brushed to perfection, expertly woven into a braid adorned with silver pins crafted in the shape of Crescent Moons.

“By the gods, you resemble a genuine Luna,” smiled one of the elder maids.

I was taken aback, processing her words slowly. After a few moments, I managed to respond by giving her the warmest smile I could muster.

However, this smile was one with no emotion. My cheeks hurt a bit and I sensed the smile not creeping towards my eyes as much.

Something deep within said ‘You ought to be happy.’

All along, I had lied to trick myself into believing,

‘You ought to be honored.’ the voice within me said again.

Instead, my heart pounded, and my stomach twisted like I had swallowed stones.

They slipped my dress over my head, letting it fall into place. It was silver, soft, and light, but it felt heavy too. Tiny beads were sewn into the fabric, catching the candlelight like stars in the night sky

Theo will be waiting for me soon.

This was the moment every she-wolf dreamed of. The moment I would be named his mate, his future Luna.

So why did I feel like I was drowning?

*+*+*+*

The full moon was perched above like a magnificent spotlight, illuminating the usual dark forest surroundings. I could feel the breeze slowly creeping in and noticing the grass beneath my toes wet, I knew I was getting closer to the sacred altar. Every member of the pack had gathered for the occasion and were surrounding the altar while the elders were standing right in front of me, their hands together while giving me a stern expression.

Theo was in the middle of it all.

He was the reason I did not freeze. The powerful charm he had on me supplied a warmth. The middle of the night settled around me. It was calm, still and empty. His blacked-out gaze was locked on my every movement. My words escaped as I realized he had the potential to look another step above how he already did. He was no longer just my mate. Theo was the next Alpha.

The priestess's arms rose, and suddenly all chatter came to a halt.

The wooden altar had a small bowl on top filled with crushed herbs and the faintest hint of sacred oil. After she had grabbed a dagger and made a small gash on Theo’s palm, I watched in awe as the saturated blood poured out and trickled down into the bowl. She did the same to me, and I barely winced as my own blood mixed with his.

The scent of burning sage filled the air as she set the bowl aflame.

"This fire carries your promise to the Moon Goddess," she said. "From this night forward, your souls are bound, your fates intertwined."

Theo reached for my hand, his grip warm and strong. When he looked at me, there was no hesitation in his gaze.

I wished I could say the same for myself.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the priestess announced us as the future Alpha and Luna. Wolves howled, voices rising in celebration. Theo squeezed my hand gently, his thumb brushing over my skin in a way that sent shivers down my spine.

“It’s done,” he whispered.

I nodded, but my heart was still racing.

*+*+*+*

The Reception

The main dining room was lit with hundreds of golden lanterns, the soft light enhancing the interior and making everything look warm and magical. Deserts of roasted meat, fresh fruit, and goblets of sweet honeyed wine adorned long tables that stretched across the room. Dressed in rich fabrics, nobles from different packs had come, their voices filling the space with laughter and conversation.

From afar, I watched Theo's deep voice, calm and sure, speak to one of the elders. I should have been listening, but my eyes were fixated elsewhere.

On the table where I was, was dedicated to the highest-ranking officials and noble people and the VIP guests from other packs.

I sat beside Theo at the head table, my hands resting in my lap. His father sat beside my brother and Derek. Then Peter and Amara sat opposite them, beside the Lycan king and queen. And directly opposite me were two women who seemed to dislike me as of late.

Elara. Layla.

Across the table, their two pairs of eyes were watching me. They weren't speaking, but every few minutes, they would glance at each other, and then back at me. It was as if they shared a secret that I wasn’t a part of.

A strange feeling settled in my stomach, making me nervous about the way that they were staring at me. Usually, I couldn't care less if they were but considering the fact that Layla and I were currently not on speaking terms, Elara did not like me because of her feelings for Theo and her thinking I wasn't worthy.

I didn’t know what it was they were staring at me for, but I knew one thing for certain.

Whatever it was, it wasn’t good.