Chapter 4
Father took my mating ceremony
seriously and threw a massive celebration
for it.
When I arrived, Damon was already
seated at his designated spot.
The moment our eyes met, he coldly
turned away.
The crowd below was buzzing with
whispered conversations.
“So who do you think Princess Astra will
choose as her mate?”
“Duh, obviously Damon. I heard the
Princess is totally obsessed with him. The
Reed pack has already prepared the
mating gifts and everything.”
“But I think Rowan’s pretty great too. He’s
her cousin–imagine how strong their
bond would be. And Leo’s not bad either,
total heartthrob.”
Someone snorted. “Could be anyone
except Rhett Blackthorn.”
“Why not?”
“Everyone knows Rhett spends his time
partying and fooling around. He’s the
most irresponsible of the four heirs. No
way the Princess would pick him.”
These comments kept reaching Damon’s
ears. His fists were clenched tight, and he
looked like he wanted to punch someone.
Rowan and Leo couldn’t care less–they
just kept drinking their ale.
Rhett sat with his eyes closed, lost in
thought.
After the feast started, a group of dancers
took the stage.
When I spotted Talia among them, my
eyes went wide. Wasn’t she supposed to
be under house arrest? What was she
doing here?
I automatically looked toward Damon. His
eyes were glued to her, and he was
actually smiling.
It hit me instantly.
He must have pulled some strings to get
her released early.
Talia caught my eye and smirked
triumphantly.
I glanced at her with complete
indifference.
When the dance ended, Father gestured
for me to come forward.
“Astra, this is your life we’re talking
about. You should be the one to announce
the Moon Goddess’s will.”
I took the sacred decree and felt a
burning gaze on me.
It was Damon.
I deliberately smiled at him, and Damon’s
entire body tensed with anticipation.
Satisfied, I looked down and began
reading the Moon Goddess’s decree.
“By the sacred will of the Moon Goddess
and the authority of the Alpha King, it is
hereby declared that Rhett Blackthorn of
the Ironwood Pack, being of noble
character, striking presence, and steadfast
loyalty, is chosen as Princess Astra’s
destined mate. The mating ceremony
shall be held under the next full moon. So
the Goddess wills it.”
