The Marking Ceremony
Marcus's POV
The day dawned bright at the edges of the Silver Pack's territory. A breeze through the pines, bringing with it the scent of earth and a new beginnings. Today wasn't just another day—it was the day I would publicly mark Camilla as my Luna.
My heart pulsed with anticipation. Every wolf in our pack could feel it—the tension, the excitement and the joy.
The entire pack had gathered near the sacred grove, where the old trees formed a circle so ancient even the elders claimed it had been blessed by the Moon Goddess herself.
This was the place where Silver Pack Alphas marked their mates. I stood near the altar stone, dressed in our ceremonial garb: a deep silver robe fastened at the waist, etched with runes passed down through generations.
Camilla had not yet emerged.
My heart thudded. Not from fear, but from awe.
From the moment I met her—fragile, scared, and wandering into my lands like a wounded dove—I knew she was something special.
She was broken, yes, but inside that shattered soul was a storm waiting to be unleashed. And I? I would be her anchor, her shelter and her champion.
The elders lined up on both sides of the altar, each holding a burning torch. Mira approached me, nodding to signal Camilla was ready. I turned toward the ceremonial path.
And then Camilla appeared, walking between two lines of maidens dressed in silver. She wore a flowing white dress that shimmered in the sunlight like moonlight on water.
Her long hair was braided with strands of pearls and feathers. Her eyes met mine, nervous but glowing. Every step she took closer filled me with pride—and something deeper.
Love.
She stopped before me, trembling slightly. I reached out, gently cupping her cheek.
"You look like a dream," I whispered.
She smiled, and for a brief second, the haunted sadness she carried since the day I found her melted away.
The High Priestess began the ritual, her voice echoing through the grove in ancient tongues.
"Today, Alpha Marcus of the Silver Pack marks his chosen Luna. The Moon Goddess watches, the ancestors bless. If any soul wishes to challenge this union, let them speak now." Silence.
Even the birds seemed to hush in reverence.
The priestess turned to me. "Do you, Marcus, Alpha of the Silver Pack, accept Camilla as your Luna—protector of the pack, mother of its heirs, keeper of balance?"
"I do."
"And do you, Camilla, of your own will, accept Marcus as your mate and Alpha?"
Camilla looked at me, "I do."
I stepped forward, letting the wolf rise beneath my skin. My canines extended slightly, and Camilla tilted her head to expose her neck, just above her shoulder. I leaned in, breathing her scent in deeply—lavender, vanilla, and something uniquely her.
With reverence, I marked her.
My teeth grazed her skin, sinking just enough to seal the bond. A radiant pulse of warmth shot through us both. Camilla gasped, clutching my arms. I could feel her pain, her joy and her heart.
She was mine.
And I, hers.
The mark shimmered, a silver crescent, before settling into her skin like it had always been there.
The crowd erupted in joyous howls.
The warriors stomped the earth, the women ululated, and children threw petals into the air. It was done. Camilla was now the Luna of the Silver Pack.
Camilla held my hand, her expression was so real. I bent down and whispered, "You're safe now. They love you already."
"I never thought I'd have a moment like this," she murmured, tears streaking down her cheeks. "After everything, I feel… seen."
"You were always seen, Camilla," I said. "They just didn't deserve you. But we do."
A banquet followed—music, roasted meat, sweet wine, and laughter. The pack danced under the full moon, celebrating not just a union, but the healing of a woman who had endured far more than she ever should.
Later that night, as we returned to my private chambers, Camilla walked beside me, quiet.
"Tell me what you're thinking," I asked, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"I'm scared."
"Of what?"
"That this is too perfect," she said. "That Michael might come… that my past will poison this happiness."
I pulled her close. "Michael lost the right to you the moment he betrayed your heart. Your past doesn't define you, Camilla. But if it comes for you, it'll have to go through me."
She smiled. "You always know what to say."
"I mean every word."
We entered our room, and Camilla paused before the mirror.
She touched the mark on her neck.
"I feel connected to you," she whispered. "Stronger. But also more vulnerable."
"That's the bond," I said. "It binds, but it also protects. You're never alone now."
"Camilla," I called. "I promise you. Whatever justice you seek, I will help you find it. You don't have to face them alone."
Her eyes glistened with tears. "I don't want revenge, I just want peace. For my baby and for us."
"You'll have it."
"And this child," I added, resting my palm over hers, "will be born into love, not betrayal."
"I still can't believe you chose me," she said.
"I didn't choose you," I replied. "The Moon Goddess did. I just had the good sense to follow."
With that, the bond was sealed.