Bound in Ash and Moonlight

—MOONSHADOW PACK TERRITORY, AETHERIA—

A flutter of nervous excitement danced in Madeleine Blackwood’s stomach. Today was the day. Her mating ceremony. A day she’d dreamt of since she was a little girl when she attended mating ceremonies and witnessed the love between mates and the affection between them.

She’d spent the morning flitting around her room, not being able to stay still. She had done her hair countless times because she kept running her fingers through it and biting her nails in anticipation.

She carefully arranged the small collection of wildflowers she’d gathered that morning. She had always found them to be calming, and the action reminded her of her childhood with her mother. She wanted everything to be perfect. More than anything, she wanted to make her father proud.

Alpha Titus Blackwood, a man of strength and unwavering resolve, had always held high expectations for his daughter.

Madeleine, despite the gnawing insecurity that sometimes whispered she wasn't enough and the feeling her father resented her for being responsible for her mother's death, desperately wanted to live up to his expectations and win his approval.

And then there was Philip. Just the thought of him made her heart race. Everything about him drew her and her wolf. She knew she was hopelessly in love with him, and she believed, with every fibre of her being, that he loved her too. From the moment they had met, they had known they were to be mated, and today would be the day all her dreams came true.

“Maddy, you're going to be late for the ceremony,” her father’s voice echoed from the bottom of the stairs, pulling her from her daydream.

“Just a minute!” she called back, quickly grabbing her worn leather boots.

She glanced at her reflection in the mirror – a slender figure with raven-black hair and eyes the colour of a stormy sky. She wished, not for the first time, that she was more… striking and confident like her best friend, Rebecca. Rebecca had fiery red hair and an ability to draw and hold the attention of everybody in any room she entered. They were two opposites, but that's what made their friendship work.

She pushed the thought away, preferring not to focus on her insecurities. Today was about Philip, about their future. She rushed downstairs, a smile plastered on her face.

Her father stood at the door, a flicker of concern in his usually stern gaze. “Today is the mating ceremony, and you still choose to be late.”

“Well, technically, I'm still early. I have over an hour until dusk,” she replied, trying to lighten the mood.

She balanced precariously on one foot, tugging on her boot, then switched to the other. She knew her father didn’t approve of her casual attitude, especially on such an important day, but she couldn’t help it.

She walked out of the house, closed the door behind her, and climbed into the back of the waiting wagon. The wagon rumbled along the path, the silence between Madeleine and her father thick with unspoken emotions.

Madeleine played with the hem of her dress, her gaze fixed on her hands.

She looked at her father from the corner of her eyes, watching his every movement.

“Father,” Madeleine began, her voice barely a whisper, “are you… are you pleased with how things are going?”

Titus glanced at her, his expression unreadable in the fading light. “Things are proceeding as they should, Madeleine.”

“It’s just,” she hesitated, a small frown creasing her brow. “It all feels so… big. So many people.”

Titus sighed, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. “It’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed.”

“I know,” she said, her voice small. “It’s just… I just want to make you proud.”

Titus’s hand landed briefly on her shoulder, a fleeting gesture that offered little comfort. "Today is a big day, Madeleine. Focus on the ceremony. Everything else will fall into place."

The wagon stopped, and she stepped out into the crisp evening air. The grove was alive with activity, werewolves milling about, their scents mingling in the air. Some were on guard duty, and others were arranging the wood for the bonfire and preparing the tables for the wedding feast.

She walked towards the tent designated for her to change into her ceremonial clothes, her heart pounding in her chest. Inside the tent, she quickly changed into the simple white dress she’d chosen for the ceremony. It was plain, but it was her favourite. She felt a pang of sadness as she thought of her mother, who had passed away years ago. She wished her mother could be here today to share in her happiness.

As she passed a nearby tent, she heard muffled sounds of moans and gasps. She picked up the scent of cedarwood and it reminded her of Philip. She recognised the earthy scent of arousal, and a blush crept up her neck. Wolves. Even on a day like this, some things never change. A small giggle escaped her lips.

As dusk approached, the grove filled with pack members, their whispers and murmurs creating a low hum in the air. Madeleine watched as the elders arrived, their presence commanding respect. She felt a surge of pride. Her father was a respected leader, and she was his daughter.

Suddenly, she heard a rustling behind her and turned to see Rebecca approaching, a sly smile playing on her lips. Rebecca's hair was slightly tousled, a few strands clinging to her forehead, and her lips looked fuller, almost swollen. She smoothed down her dress, a subtle flush rising on her cheeks.

"Maddy, are you ready?" Rebecca asked, a playful smile tugging at her lips and her voice a little breathless. She gave Madeleine a quick once-over. "That dress...it's very you."

Madeleine laughed softly, smoothing down the simple white fabric. "What's wrong with it? It's my favourite."

Rebecca shrugged, her smile still in place. "Nothing's wrong with it. It's just...plain. You know? For such a big day, I just expected something a little more… wow." She twirled, showing off her own richly embroidered gown.

Madeleine's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "It's comfortable," she said, lifting her chin slightly. "And it's white like it's supposed to be."

Rebecca giggled, linking her arm through Madeleine's. "Of course, of course. You always were one for tradition, besides that's just a personal choice. Come on, let's get this show on the road. I can't wait for the mating ceremony to begin."

"Me neither," Madeleine replied, a genuine smile returning to her face.

"Did you know the pack elders would be present?" she asked, glancing around at the growing crowd. "This seems a bit sudden."

"Well, Philip is the next alpha, and he’s about to get mated,” Rebecca said, her tone matter-of-fact. “They’re probably coming to pay respects to their new leader.”

Madeleine’s heart skipped a beat. Philip, the next alpha? She hadn’t known. A wave of pride washed over her. Her Philip, her mate, would be the leader of their pack. She could hardly contain her joy. “That makes sense,” she said, her voice filled with warmth.

“Your dad is planning to step down from the alpha position today after the ceremony.”

“A lot of things are going to change, huh?” Madeleine asked, a small frown creasing her brow.

Rebecca threw her a sidelong glance, her smile widening. “You have no idea, Maddy.”

Madeleine and Rebecca walked towards the centre of the half-circle, where the ceremony would take place. Madeleine’s heart was pounding in her chest. She could feel the eyes of the pack members on her, their whispers like a gentle breeze. She saw her father standing near the front, his face unreadable. She offered him a small smile, but he didn’t return it.

As she reached the centre of the circle, Rebecca subtly detached her arm from Madeleine’s and moved away, leaving Madeleine standing alone. Confusion flickered through her. What was going on?

Then, she saw him. Philip. He walked into the circle, his presence radiating power and confidence. He was even more handsome than she remembered. Her heart swelled with love. He walked towards her and took her hand. His touch sending a shiver of excitement through her.

The Moon Oracle, whose presence commanded respect, entered the circle and took her seat. She looked from Philip to Madeleine, her eyes piercing. “You are to be mated,” she stated, her voice resonating with power.

Madeleine’s smile widened. Finally, the moment she’d been waiting for.

But then, Philip spoke, and the world tilted on its axis. “I wish to be mated to another, Oracle.”