Colliding Dreams

Chapter Sixteen: Marked by Destiny (R Rated)

[Luna's POV]

The night sky stretched above the Black family castle, a velvet canvas speckled with twinkling stars, as though the universe itself was bearing witness to the moment. The atmosphere buzzed with an electric energy, the air humming with the excitement and anticipation of the evening—my coronation, my wedding, my marking.

I stood in the grand hall, the weight of my lavender gown trailing behind me like a river of moonlight. My heart raced, each beat reverberating in my chest, not from fear, but from the gravity of what was about to happen. Tonight wasn't just about becoming Luna in title; tonight, I would truly become one with Darius, in body, soul, and spirit.

The grand hall was alive with life, filled with hundreds of our pack members who had come to witness this ancient rite. The sound of laughter, music, and the rustling of rich ceremonial robes filled the space. Yet, despite the grandeur and the crowd, the world narrowed down to just me and Darius. My gaze locked with his deep, red eyes, and suddenly, all the noise around us faded. It was just us. Just him.

The elder, standing between us, raised his hands to quiet the pack. His voice, strong and steady, echoed through the room as he began the ancient rites of the coronation.

"Luna Adelia Martin," the elder intoned, his deep voice resonating with authority. "Today, you stand not just as a leader, but as a protector, a guide, and a symbol of unity for this pack."

He extended his hand toward me, holding the crown that would mark my new role. It was a delicate circlet, shimmering silver, adorned with small opal stones that glistened like captured stars. As he placed it gently on my head, a wave of warmth spread through me, the weight of the crown settling on my brow like a promise, an unbreakable bond between me and the pack I would serve.

The room erupted in cheers, but even through the noise, I could feel Darius's gaze on me, steady and unwavering. His pride, his love—it was tangible, almost like a physical touch.

The elder then turned to Darius, his expression serious as he spoke. "Alpha Darius Orion Black, do you accept Luna Adelia as your equal, your partner, your bond?"

Darius's voice was strong, steady, but threaded with deep emotion. "I do."

A ripple of energy coursed through the room at his words, and I felt it settle deep in my bones. This was real. This was happening. And the most sacred part was still to come.

The elder smiled softly before stepping back. His role in the ceremony was done. Now it was up to us.

Darius turned to me, his expression softening as he took my hands in his. His touch was warm, grounding me in this moment. His thumb gently caressed the back of my hand as his eyes locked onto mine, and everything else faded away. This wasn't just a ritual. This was our forever.

"Luna," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, for my ears only. "Tonight, I mark you as mine, not just in name, but in soul."

My breath caught in my throat. The marking. This was the final step, the ultimate bond that would tie us together for life. It was a tradition, yes, but it was so much more than that. It was primal, ancient—our wolves' way of sealing the bond between mates.

"Are you ready?" he asked, his voice thick with emotion.

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "I've never been more ready."

He smiled, his eyes glinting with something raw, something untamed. He gently brushed my hair away from my neck, his fingers lingering on my skin. My pulse quickened, a shiver running down my spine. I knew what was coming, and yet nothing could have prepared me for it.