Fire and Flames

Chapter 39

Sage

It had been a month since the incident with Erin. Now we found ourselves outside under the full moon on the ceremonial grounds. Rayne and Caden stood before the Elders on a platform. Moon Flowers decorated the platform and were woven through Rayne's hair.

Rayne looked stunning. He wore the golden silk robes of the Luna. The gold of his robes contrasted the cerulean blue of the Moon Flowers. His green eyes shone brightly under the powerful moonlight. His lips were set in a soft smile as he gazed at his mate.

I could tell that Rayne was extremely nervous about the ceremony. So far he was performing every task perfectly, flawlessly. My eyes move over to Caden who stood on the other side of the Head Elder. If a human had wandered upon the coronation ceremony, they would think that it was an elaborate wedding.

Caden wore the white silk ceremonial robes of the Alpha. His blonde hair also held the Moon Flowers. The difference was that Caden only had one flower that faced the pack. The Moon Flower was painted black on one half, signifying the end of an Alpha's reign. The other half was painted white, the beginning of another leader's rule.

I couldn't help but stare longingly at Caden. It could have been me up on that stage, preparing to become Alpha to the pack that I loved. But I could not be Alpha. I committed a terrible act of betraying my mates and bearing the pups of another man. If my mates found out they would never be able to trust me again. And the pack would have been filled with doubt, questioning my leadership because I had lied and cheated on my mates.

I sigh, looking over to my son Flynn. He would hate me if he knew that I betrayed his parents. My gaze wanders to Kalen, Hunter, and Shiloh. Hunter looked so much like I had when I was a pup. Shiloh looked like a perfect combination of Rayne and Caden. They reminded me of Rayne and myself when we were pups.

A frown makes its way onto my face as I look at Kalen. He looked like Afton. My stomach churns and I feel the urge to vomit. My parents, who stand on either side of the platform, catch my facial expression twisted in pain and exchange a look.

"We are gathered here," The Head Elder says, his voice booming in the quiet forest. "To celebrate the successful rule of Alpha Zaryn King and Luna Eden King, and to pass on their titles to Rayne and Caden Lancaster."

The pack cheers as Caden raises his right hand.

"Are you, Caden Lancaster, willing to take this oath?" The Head Elder says.

"I am willing," Caden replies.

"Do you, Caden Lancaster, solemnly swear to govern your pack according to the Council Laws? Will you maintain peace within your pack?"

"I do."

"And do you, Rayne Lancaster, promise to protect and offer support to your fellow pack members? To stay loyal not only to your mate but to the people who rely on you for comfort?"

"I do."

The Head Elder takes Rayne and Caden's right hands and presses their palms together. He wraps their hands with a white ribbon, signifying the Moon Goddess binding them to their pack.

"Alpha Zaryn, Luna Eden, please step forward." My parents step up onto the platform, Dad standing next to Caden, and Daddy taking his place next to Rayne.