The Peace Ceremony

ETHAN MING POV

The moon cast its little glow over the Night Shade pack gathering, as we observed the peace ceremony.

A ceremony where the pack members, Alphas, Betas, Gammas, Omegas, and pups all dressed in their beautiful cloaks and robes gather to feast and pay respects to fallen warriors that had lost their lives in battle. And those who departed too soon and also to our great past rulers honoring their legacy and memories.

It was one of those few ceremonies that was held in an open space under the moonlight, with lanterns hanging on trees to give more light.

The royal and elite families were seated on exquisitely carved wooden benches, adorned with soft, plush cushions made of animal skin that seemed to swallow them whole, while the rest of the pack members sat or stood in front of them.

I was one of the servers, no I didn't volunteer, my stepdad made me.

"Since you're very useless to me, at least try to make yourself useful at the gathering today." He had yelled in my face this morning.

"Useful, how?" I had asked innocently.

"You will be among the servants that would serve in tonight's ceremony and the moment you get paid, hand everything over." He responded in the same tone that clearly showed how he detest me.

I tried to speak, but he cuts in.

"And don't think of playing any silly games because I know exactly how much you would be getting." He had warned.

"Yes Sir." I nodded, ignoring the death stare from my step-brother Aldan.

I've never been to the palace before, I had always been that pup that was locked inside only to be released after I turned 18 and for four years, I've served and lived as an errand boy for my stepdad and my step-brother and my two step-sisters. Not allowed to leave the compound for any reason.

I've never really been able to figure out why my stepdad did that, even though I sometimes delude myself into thinking he was protecting me from the outside world, since they said I was born fragile and weak.

"Move it!" A voice accompanied by a push brought me back to reality.

"I'm sorry." I fidgeted as I stepped into the gathering to serve wine.

"Filth." I heard some young she-wolves murmur as they laughed.

"Yeah. I haven't seen him before, is he a new palace slave?" Another chipped in.

I was the filth they were laughing at.

I couldn't help but notice the eye everyone gave me, I don't blame them, I was the one dressed in an old worn out cloak to such a grand occasion.

I felt so ashamed, but I can't do anything about it.

Besides, I would probably not get to see them after now.

After I had handed one of the warriors his jug of wine, I looked up, the Alpha, Ryan, caught my eyes.

This was the first time I got to see him. I was taken aback by how one can look so domineering and cold yet radiate such a beautiful aura that made my heart beat in a good way.

I wanted to come closer to get a better look at him, that was when his eyes met mine.

He looked furious, and I was scared I was going to get punished for looking at the Alpha, so I foolishly ran.

I ran into the pack house since everyone was outside. I thought hiding here for some time might save me from whatever punishment I might get.

ALPHA RYAN JIAN POV

I had already given my speech, some rehearsed words about peace, legacy, and honoring the fallen. The crowd had cheered, music had begun, and the scent of roasted meat drifted through the air.

I sat there, stiff in my seat as I watched everyone celebrate like that was their last day, but I felt nothing, no excitement, nothing. 

“Alpha Ryan,” Lucy’s voice purred beside me. “Can I spend the rest of the night with you after the ceremony?” she asked.

I didn’t even look at her. I already knew the expression she'd be wearing. Her same old deceitful playful, eager, appearance with her usual fake expression of care.

I was so tired of pretending. Tired of her. Tired of the suffocating role I’d stepped into the moment my father’s body turned cold.

She wasn’t my choice. I didn't like the idea of her, but since I wasn't interested in acknowledging a mate either, I had to give in. It was convenient, no emotional attachments, and that was exactly what I wanted.

She was simply an obligation, my Dad's Beta’s daughter betrothed to me as a means to strengthen whatever it was my Dad thought it would strengthen, and I'm strict on keeping it that way.

I lifted my wine to my lips, needing a distraction, but just as the rim touched my mouth… it hit me.

An unusual scent.

Subtle at first, but magnetic. The air around me thickened, pulling my attention away from everything else but that.

It was so intoxicating but warm, oddly comforting. Like fresh pine wrapped in rain and a whisper of something floral. I froze.

My heart thudded once, hard.

"No… no, this can't be happening now." I said to myself.

The cup slipped slightly in my grip. I clenched my jaw.

"I need to reject this bond now." I thought.

I scanned the crowd, my instincts flaring. My wolf was pacing, growling softly, urging me to find the source. I didn’t need to look long for me to meet his curious gaze.

He stood near the serving tables, barely noticeable in the crowd.

Him? I could almost laugh at the Moon Goddess’s cruel joke.

I thought a bond like this had been forbidden.

Also, he wasn't just a man but a servant.

He looked weak, was dressed in an old cloak with the hood over his head, but that didn't hide his blue eyes which seemed frightened.

"Mark him already." My wolf urged.

My stomach twisted. I couldn’t let this happen. Not with someone like that. Weakness disgusted me. But somehow... Somehow, this felt different.

I started rethinking my decision to reject him. Maybe it was the bond that stirred that, but looking at how frail and weak he looks, the suffering from a rejection might probably take his life.

Keeping him around and then slowly rejecting him would be a better idea.

He blinked, startled by my gaze, and then he turned and ran away like a frightened pup.

And yet, I sat there frozen, still tasting his scent in the air.

"Hmph, too weak to even feel the mate bond." I scoffed.

"What did you say?" Lucy asked.

I hadn't realised I muttered aloud.

"Nothing." I stood up.

"Where are you going?" She asked.

"For some air." I said, leaving without minding the fact everyone must have seen me leave.

I followed the Mate pull, and it led me inside the pack house, precisely the kitchen.

Walking in, I saw him.

He was trembling and looking around nervously.

I scoffed and walked closer to him.

I touched his shoulders and he dropped his tray, almost falling to the ground too.

I caught him in time.

"Weak " I muttered. He couldn't even sense my presence.