Bound to the Alpha.

V. Return.

Music blares in the clearing. The scent of burning incense and sweet flowers fills the air, and the flickering flames of torches cast eerie shadows across the faces of the assembled people. In the center of the clearing stands a raised platform, adorned with intricate carvings and draped in colorful fabrics.

Sage's brow furrows in concern as she takes in my disheveled appearance, and she calls out my full name, "Serenity, what happened? Where's Alexander?"

My chest heaves as I struggle to catch my breath. "Forget about Alexander," I gasp. "Listen to me, both of you. The wolf in my dreams is not just a figment of my imagination. He's real!"

Aurora's eyes widen as she surveys the scratches and bruises covering my arms and legs. "Oh my god, what happened? Who did this to you?" she asks, her voice quivering.

I shake my head, my mind still reeling from the encounter. "Don't worry about me, I'll be okay," I assure them, but the urgency in my tone is unmistakable. "The rogue wolf... he's not just some imaginary beast in my dreams anymore. He's real, and he saved my life. But now, he's out there, and we need to be extremely cautious. He took on Alexander like he was nothing."

A shadow falls over Sage's face, casting her features in a solemn light as she nods. "We'll be vigilant," she asserts, her voice a murmur. "But for now, let's focus on the ceremony. You need to freshen up. Come on, let's go."

In the quiet refuge of our car, Aurora's gentle care soothes the weariness and aches of my body. Her fingers apply a healing balm against my countless scratches, her calm voice enveloping me. "You're safe here, Serene. Nothing will harm us," she assures me, her words casting a protective spell of tranquility.

I inhale deeply, allowing her reassurance to wash over me, easing the tightness in my chest. Surrounded by those who love and protect me, I remind myself that I am not alone.

As I regain a sense of calm, Sage approaches with a crown of wildflowers. Her hands are careful as she places the crown upon my head. The arrangement is thoughtful, each bloom imbued with meaning: daisies representing innocence and purity, lavender signifying devotion and grace, and forget-me-nots—a promise of lasting love and remembrance. 

I can't help but ask, "Why the flower crown, Sage?"

"Oh!" Sage's eyes light up with fondness as she responds. "I saw one of the girls from the Evergreen pack wearing one earlier. It's a tradition there, and she explained how each flower holds a special meaning. I thought it was beautiful, and it made me think of us—how we've always been there for each other."

She adjusts a sprig of lavender and continues, "Daisies for the innocence and joy of our childhood, lavender for the devotion that's grown between us, and forget-me-nots to make sure we never forget the memories we've shared, no matter where life takes us."

As she steps back to admire her handiwork, Aurora steps forward with a small mirror, tilting it to catch the fire-light so that I can see my reflection. Despite my disheveled appearance, the wildflowers make me look beautiful and radiant, like a woodland nymph. 

As I run my fingers over the delicate petals, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. The perfume of the blooms fills my senses, and for a moment, I can forget about the danger lurking just beyond the trees. 

But then, as if on cue, the music starts up again, the drums pounding out a rhythm that sets my heart racing once more.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "Thank you," I say, smiling gratefully at Sage and Aurora. "I feel like a forest queen with this crown on my head."

Sage smiles softly, but I can tell she pities me. Because of my ragged dress, my scraped knees, and status. But she's always sweet. "You certainly look the part, Serene. Now, let's get moving before we're late for the official ceremony."

Aurora nods in agreement, her eyes flickering nervously towards the edge of the clearing. "We should stick together," she says, her voice low. "There's safety in numbers, especially with all these packs gathered in one place."

I nod, my own eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of danger. "Agreed. We need to stay alert and be ready for anything."

With that, we join the crowds of wolves making their way towards the center of the clearing. The large stone altar at the center, washed in the soft glow of moonlight, stands ready for the night's solemnities.

Approaching the altar, Reid emerges as he takes a commanding position before the assembly. His voice, clear and resonant, carries across the crowd. "Welcome, my fellow wolves, to the Marking Ceremony. Tonight, we come together to honor our ancient traditions and to celebrate the bonds that unite us."
Yet, as I scan the crowd, absorbing the energy and the eager faces, a subtle unease worms its way into my consciousness. It's been only about half an hour since the harrowing chase with Alexander, and his conspicuous absence nags at me. Could something serious have befallen him after our encounter?

I glance at Reid, trying to gauge his demeanor. To the untrained eye, he appears composed, the epitome of a leader ready to guide his pack through this significant event. But I know him better than most—I see the slight tension in his jaw, the occasional flicker of his eyes scanning the crowd, perhaps searching for the same face I am.

Author's note : Thanks for reading this chapter!