His Rogue Luna novel Chapter 40

I took a steady breath and walked out, feeling all the stares but calmly ignoring them. I kept my shoulders back and chin slightly up and my gaze forward, focusing on the seven people that stood at the end of the aisle of a raised platform.

I carefully climbed up the steps, the smooth marble cool under my bare feet. Just as Selene had explained to me, I was careful to avoid any eye contact and stopped a few feet away from the elders and got down to kneel on both legs.

I kept my gaze glued to the ground before me, my face impassive. The First Elder stepped up, the hem of her long white dress stepping into my view before she began speaking.

"Welcome my dear were-folk," she spoke. Her voice was smooth and melodic, but with an undertone of power. She spoke loud and clearly, no doubt every werewolf hearing even without their enhanced senses.

"Today we are gathered before Her Celestial Highness to witness a rare and sacred moment," she paused. "The Moon Goddess has chosen this young wolf to be one of her vessels," she paused again. She stepped forward, placing a warm hand on my shoulder.

"Look at me," she murmured. I did as she asked, my eyes meeting her obsidian gaze. She had a strong jaw, a sharp nose and deep set eyes that all screamed power and elegance at the same time.

I could see where Selene got it from.

Like mother, like daughter.

"Repeat after me," she whispered. I nodded slightly to show I understood.

"I, Artemis Cynthia Garcia," she began.

"I, Artemis Cynthia Garcia," I repeated.

"Pledge my loyalty to the Moon Goddess,"

"Pledge my loyalty to the Moon Goddess,"

"And swear to uphold the Celestial Laws,"

"And swear to uphold the Celestial Laws,"

"And promise to protect the were-folk with my life,"

"And promise to protect the were-folk with my life," I finished.

It was deadly silent across the space, no one even daring to breath loudly as the First Elder picked up a silver crown handed to her on a pillow and carefully lowered the stunning piece on my head.

I felt something shift within me, the wolf part of me and the human part of me suddenly joining, no longer seeming like two separate identities. My body felt stronger and more in tune with my instincts.

The First Elder held a hand out for me to take, holding my hand as I stood up and turned around to face the mass of werewolves watching us. The other spirit wolves came to stand besides me on the stage, the First Elder still gripping my hand.

"Behold! Our newest Spirit Wolf!" She cheered into the crowd. The crowd cheered back and I vaguely registered my friends besides me congratulate me, but my eyes scanned the crowd, looking for someone.