The day of the coronation had finally arrived. The air buzzed with anticipation as the pack gathered outside the grand hall, waiting to meet their new queen. Inside, Ahicia Moonlight stood before a large mirror in a ceremonial gown, her crimson eyes reflecting both determination and unease.
Damian entered the room, his golden eyes calm yet commanding. He approached her with a measured stride, his regal presence as unwavering as ever. "Are you ready?" he asked, his voice steady.
Ahicia turned to him, her usual cockiness replaced by a flicker of vulnerability. "Do I have a choice?" she retorted, though her voice lacked its usual bite.
He stepped closer, his gaze softening. "You do. But this isn't just about you, Ahicia. It's about them. They need to see the strength you hold, the power of someone who's endured and risen above."
She arched an eyebrow, her lips curving into a faint smirk. "You do love your speeches, don't you?"
Ignoring her jab, Damian gestured toward the room's entrance. "Follow me. I'll guide you through everything. The rituals, the selection of your personal servants, and the formalities—I'll explain it all."
Ahicia hesitated, then nodded. As they walked through the ornate halls toward the ceremonial grounds, Damian's deep voice detailed each step of the process.
"First, you'll introduce yourself to the pack. Boldly. They need to feel your confidence," he said, glancing at her. "Then you'll select a servant. It's not just a random choice. You'll sense the right one—someone whose energy aligns with yours."
"Great. No pressure," she muttered, though the sarcasm in her voice was tinged with genuine apprehension.
As they reached the final doors before the ceremony, Damian stopped and turned to face her. "Ahicia," he said, his voice quieter now, "whatever doubts you have, leave them here. They're not just meeting a queen. They're meeting their future."
She swallowed hard, her defiance faltering for a moment. Before she could respond, Damian leaned down and pressed a gentle peck to her forehead. The unexpected gesture left her momentarily speechless, warmth spreading through her despite herself.
"For luck," he said, his voice almost teasing, though his eyes held a deeper meaning.
Ahicia blinked up at him, then straightened her posture, determination hardening her features. "Let's get this over with."
The doors opened, and the noise of the gathered pack flooded in. Damian guided her forward, his hand resting lightly on her back. Ahicia stepped onto the platform, her crimson eyes glowing as she faced the sea of wolves and shifters waiting below. The murmurs hushed as she lifted her chin, projecting an air of confidence she didn't entirely feel.
"I am Ahicia Moonlight, Wife of your alpha Damian Moonlight the II," she began, her voice strong and clear. "I didn't choose this path, but I've walked it. I didn't seek this power, but I've earned it. And whether you believe in me now or not, I will prove myself worthy."
The crowd erupted in applause, though a few skeptical faces lingered in the throng. Ahicia's glowing eyes swept over them, her resolve only strengthening. She fiercely released her pheromones, the raw power of her omega energy rippling through the air. Everybody felt a shiver run down their spine as her red eyes pierced through them, radiating authority and strength. No one dared to defy her as her presence solidified her dominance over the assembly.
The rituals began. She moved through each step with precision, guided by Damian's subtle cues. But as she reached the final act—selecting her servant—an unexpected force seemed to ripple through the crowd.
A low growl echoed, silencing the assembly. A figure stepped forward, their presence heavy with dominance and challenge. It was Kaffie, the son of the Northern wolf tribe, his stance exuding defiance.
"Why should we accept you as queen?" the figure demanded, their voice cutting through the silence like a blade.
Ahicia met their gaze, her glowing eyes unyielding. "Because I am not here to beg for acceptance. I am here to lead. And if you doubt my strength, step forward and test it."
The tension was palpable, the crowd holding its breath. The challenger hesitated, their gaze locking with Ahicia's. Whatever they saw in her crimson eyes made them falter. They stepped back, bowing their head slightly in reluctant submission.
The ceremony continued, the pack's murmurs now tinged with awe. Ahicia completed the rituals, selecting a servant with an almost instinctual ease. As she turned to face the crowd one last time, Damian's golden eyes met hers from the sidelines, a faint smile of approval playing on his lips.
The coronation was over, but Ahicia knew her journey was just beginning. She had faced the pack and earned their respect, but the path ahead remained uncertain. One thing, however, was clear: she would face it on her terms.