The sun dipped low, leaving the valley bathed in amber and violet.
A hush fell across the gathered crowd.
Kanah stepped with Owain toward the center clearing—
her hand in his,
her heartbeat thundering,
her breath shaking with anticipation.
Owain squeezed her fingers once.
"It's time," he murmured.
And the tribes moved.
They didn't approach her as warriors or allies.
They approached as witnesses.
As family.
As those giving their blessing to the new queen of Beastworld.
THE FIRST BLESSING — THE WOLVES
Owain's pack formed a wide circle around them, lowering onto one knee in unison.
Their heads bowed.
Their chests exposed.
A sign of complete trust.
Owain stepped forward.
"As your king," he said, voice resonant, "I offer my mate to the pack."
A murmur rippled through the wolves.
He continued:
"Kanah. Human-born. Fire-hearted. Pack-chosen."
Dozens of golden eyes lifted to her, glowing with acceptance.
Kanah swallowed.
She didn't feel fear.
She felt…
belonging.
Owain's Beta approached with a ceremonial bowl of glowing moon-water.
"Tilt your hands," he instructed.
Kanah obeyed.
He poured cool silver water across her palms.
It shimmered.
Glowed.
Then evaporated instantly, leaving only a faint scent of moonscent.
"From this moment," the Beta said, "the pack recognizes your scent as one of ours."
Kanah's chest tightened.
Owain murmured in her ear:
"They accept you."
She hiccuped softly.
"Easily?"
Owain smiled.
"You belong."
THE SECOND BLESSING — THE DRAGONS
A deep rumble vibrated the ground.
Rhaegor, Vaeryn, and Yllas approached, wings half-extended, eyes shining like molten metal.
Yllas stepped forward.
"Human mate of the Wolf King," he said in a ritual tone, "you are offered dragon flame—not to harm, but to light."
He cupped a small orb of blue-white fire between his hands.
It hovered.
Alive.
Breathing.
Kanah's breath caught.
"Touch it," Yllas murmured.
Owain tensed behind her.
"I'll keep her safe."
Kanah lifted her fingertips.
The flame curled toward her gently—
warm, not burning—
and dissolved like wind against her skin.
Yllas bowed.
"Your future will be illuminated by dragon fire," he said softly.
"Not ruled by it."
Kanah's eyes stung.
"Owain… it was warm."
Owain leaned close.
"Because you burn brighter."
THE THIRD BLESSING — THE ELVES
Gerrin approached with a woven thread of pure mana—
silver light braided with soft green.
He knelt before Kanah.
"Kanah," he murmured, "offer your wrists."
She extended them.
Gerrin looped the shining thread around both wrists, tying them loosely.
"Mana follows emotion," he said.
"Let your bond with Owain be grounded in choice, strengthened by breath, and protected by your heart."
The thread dissolved into her skin—
a warmth that spread through her veins.
Kanah gasped.
Gerrin touched her cheek gently.
"You will not walk through life overwhelmed," he promised.
"Not while we are here."
Kanah's tears slipped free.
Owain growled softly, wrapping one arm around her waist protectively.
"She'll never be overwhelmed alone again."
Gerrin smiled.
"That is why we trust her to you."
THE FOURTH BLESSING — THE LEOPARDS
Helion dropped from above, landing silently, tail flicking lazily.
He gave her a grin—
not teasing,
not flirtatious—
Soft.
Reverent.
The whole leopard clan gathered behind him, rhythmic and graceful.
He stepped forward and placed a small object in Kanah's hand.
A fang.
Smooth.
Polished.
Bound in gold-thread vine.
"This," he murmured, "is a hunter's promise."
Kanah blinked.
"What does it mean?"
Helion smirked slightly.
"It means:
If danger ever hunts you—
the leopards will hunt it back."
Owain's chest rumbled with appreciation.
Kanah clutched the fang tightly.
"Thank you, Helion."
He leaned in, brushing a soft kiss to her temple before darting back into his clan's line.
Owain muttered,
"He touched you."
Kanah elbowed him.
THE FIFTH BLESSING — THE DEVOURER-BORN
Silence fell.
Even the wind paused.
Kanah's breath trembled as the Devourer-born children approached—
small hands clasped,
eyes glowing soft gold,
steps unsure.
The eldest child held a small, smooth stone.
"Mother," they whispered.
Kanah froze, heart twisting painfully.
"Don't—"
her voice broke,
"—don't call me that."
The child lowered their gaze.
"Sorry."
Kanah knelt instantly, taking both their hands.
"No," she whispered.
"I just… I'm not ready for that word. But you can stay with me. All of you."
Their eyes widened with relief.
"Then we give you our blessing," they said softly.
"We give you the promise we could not give our real mothers."
They placed the stone in her hands.
It pulsed faintly.
Warm.
Alive.
"What is it?" Kanah whispered.
"A memory stone," the eldest said.
"Of our gratitude.
Not our blood."
Her chest shattered.
Owain knelt behind her, holding her shoulders as she trembled.
The child wrapped Kanah in a gentle hug.
Kanah hugged back—
shaking—
heart full of ache and tenderness.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"I won't let you be alone again."
The Devourer-born stepped back as a group, bowing their heads deeply.
Owain kissed Kanah's shoulder, whispering:
"They gave you their trust."
Kanah wiped her tears.
"I want to deserve it."
THE GATHERING OF TRIBES
As Kanah rose, every tribe stepped back, forming a large circle around her.
Owain stepped forward.
His voice filled the valley.
"All tribes witness," he said.
"That Kanah of no clan—
born human,
raised without beast,
carried by fire and pain—
is now recognized by all."
He pulled her against his chest.
"She is mine," Owain growled softly.
"My true mate.
Wolf Queen of our people."
A roar of approval echoed across the valley.
Kanah's heart hammered.
Owain turned to her, eyes glowing like molten gold.
"Now, Kana," he whispered,
"we walk the fire rings."
Her breath caught.
"Owain—"
He lifted her hand, entwining his fingers with hers.
"Do you trust me?"
Kanah nodded.
"With everything."
Owain smiled—
slow, fierce, reverent.
"Then tonight, we burn away your past…
and chase your future together."