~Kaida Orion POV~
The rain has finally stopped as I stand in the forest clearing, my heart racing. The wet stones under my feet glisten faintly, reflecting the moon hidden behind clouds. Yet I feel the moon's power in the air, raw, and whispering.
I glance at Lupus, standing tall beside me, his cloak soaked but his posture steady. His eyes shows the promise of something ancient and powerful.
An elder wolf-morph, Councilor Rachael, steps forward. She's a tall woman with streaks of silver in her dark hair. Her voice is strong and calm.
"Alpha Lupus." She bows slightly, then turns to me. "This is his bride, Kaida. Are you prepared to bind your life to him and to the pack?"
I swallow twice. My body trembles, and my stomach twists with dread and excitement. On one side, I know I love Lupus, but on the other, I fear the bond, spells, pack rules, secrets. This oath can change me forever.
My voice is soft but clear: "I am."
The councilor nods. "Bring forth the silver chalice."
Two attendants carry a cup of glowing liquid to the center of the circle. It glows faintly blue-white, like moonlight trapped in water.
Lupus takes my hand, guiding me forward. The damp ground squishes under us, as I step into the circle, placing my free hand on Lupus's chest, over his heart.
Councilor Rachael raises the chalice. "Alpha Lupus, Alpha's bride... take and drink."
Lupus grips the cup and bends. Our lips almost touch, his breath warms me. Together, we sip. The liquid tastes cold and sharp, like winter rain, but a warmth blooms in my chest.
A hush falls. I feel something move inside softly but insistent, like a pulse or tether.
I look at Lupus.
His amber eyes glow faintly. "Do you feel it?"
"Yes." My voice trembles. "It's… deep."
He nods. "That is the bond."
My heart pounds. I rest my forehead against his, palms pressed to his chest. The bond pulses stronger, like heartbeats multiplied. Fear and comfort swirl together.
An elder steps forward, raising a hand. "By this oath, you are bound, you can now speak your vow."
I take a deep breath, steadying myself.
"I swear to stand by Lupus," I say. "To protect our pack. To honor our bond. To share his life and burdens, blood and moonlight."
My voice echoes. The pack members stir. I feel the bond tighten, pulling me closer to him, to them.
Lupus's voice is quiet: "And I swear to protect you. To hold you safe, and to share my strength. As long as the moon shines, you are mine, heart, mind, and blood."
A soft hum rises from the pack. The chalice cracks, splintering into pale shards that sink into the wet soil. The glow fades.
We remain inside the circle, bound. Then after the oath, the ritual ends. We walk back through the grove, mud squishes under our feet. Members of the pack step aside, some lowering heads in respect.
Lupus stays close. I lean on him, still dizzy from the oath.
"My wife," he murmurs, voice thick with emotion. "You swore fast."
I smile faintly. "I'm yours."
He presses a gentle kiss to my palm. "Welcome to the pack, Kaida."
I close my eyes, tasting the word on my lips. "Pack."
We head back to the mansion, and by the time we return, it's close to dawn. The servants are stirring. The courtyard is quiet. Rainwater drips from the eaves.
He leads me inside. The fire crackles low in our living room. I brush damp hair back. Lupus pulls a soft blanket over me.
"You should rest," he says.
I nod, though my mind is racing.
"I want to know…" I speak, my voice hushed. "What did I just bind myself to? How will night come now?"
He sits beside me, his cloak spread over my shoulders. "The bond…" He searches for words. "It ties our moon-blood. If you are hurt, I will feel pain. If I transform, you will feel the pull."
I shiver as he speaks. "You will transform?"
He hesitates. "One day. Perhaps on the full moon. Someday soon."
My heart twists. "Will you change in front of me?"
He covers my hand. "I hope… you will not have to see me in that form until you are ready. But you must be aware, the transformation is part of me, part of the bond."
I lean into him. "Tell me everything."
He takes a slow breath. "When the moon is full… I shift. I become Wolf. Stronger, wild. I run with the pack, hunt, and lead. I return when it wanes."
My mind races with images of bare chests, lupine eyes, fur and fangs. I tremble, but I trust him. I press a kiss to his cheek.
"Teach me," I whisper. "Teach me to be part of it."
His eyes shine. "I will. But tonight… rest."
He stands and dims the lights. "Morning, we start."
I close my eyes and sleep…but I dream. The dream is soft and raw.
I run through wet woods in a wolf's body. Fur ripples under my hands. My heart pounds. I smell rain, earth, pack. I feel strength I never knew, power that pulses bone-deep.
I hear a howl, It's not mine, but I answer. My voice is wolf-deep. My head tilts to moonlight.
I wake with a gasp. My blanket clutched tight.
Morning light filters through the window. My pillow is damp with tears or sweat, I don't know.
Lupus calls softly, "Kaida?"
I force my voice calm. "I'm up."
He enters carrying tea. "Did you sleep well?"
I smile weakly. "I had a strange dreams."
He sets the cup down, his touch gentle on me. "They will continue, because you are hearing the call."
My lips tremble. "You mean I will… transform?"
He takes my hand. "Perhaps, with time. So tonight… you learn control."
I nod, determined. "I'm ready for anything."
Then it was time for training at dawn, he leads me through the garden. Damp flowers smell sweet in the morning air, and the sky is pale gray.
"Show me your strength," he says.
He gently pushes me, and I step back. He smiles and attacks soft with his palm. Then I blocked it. We train, but not with swords, just our bodies. I feel muscle, trust, and I grow stronger.
We spar until sweat gleams on our skin. My breath comes in bursts.
He finally stops. "Well done."
I laugh. "I didn't expect this."
He brushes wet hair back. "The pack takes training seriously, just as do I."
I grin, chest puffed with pride. "Then teach me more, my Alpha."
He nods. "Tomorrow, we would do ritual training. And tonight... expect more dreams."