Four (Damon’s POV)

The Collar of my white Ceremony robe tugged slightly against my throat as I adjusted it for the third time.I hates how it feels on me, too perfect maybe. I wasn't used to parties or crowds, not anymore. The last time I wore anything close to Ceremonial, Kara had her hand on my arm, fingers moving all around my veins, eyes full of lies. I could still hear her voice echoing at the back of my head, as she whispered things that tasted like a promises but struck like that of a betrayal.

This Ceremony was just another performance, bond recognitions, declaration of new unions and ancestral blessings. The sound of footsteps outside reminded me I wasn’t alone.

“Alpha Damon,” Gemma’s voice came from the hallway respectfully. “The Ceremony has begun.” I didn't answer at first. I was too busy staring at my reflection.

I opened the door eventually, nodding once at her. She wore a Slik Pink dress, with a dagger strapped to her thigh. Always ready, I respected her. Her mate, Asher, stood beside her. He gave a gracious nod, his hand gently resting at her waist. Gemma smiled faintly. “ You look like you're heading to a war, not a ceremony.”

“Feels the same.” I muttered. “Damon, even if it's just one night please.” Asher added. I didn't respond, but I followed them out.

By the time we stepped into the moon casted courtyard, the celebration was in full swing. Laughter like waves through the crowd. Lanters swayed gently overhead, dancing shadows across the trees. Low musics twirl around the edges of the celebration.

“Alpha Damon.” An Elder greeted with a low now. “Your strength shields us,” another muttered with respect.

Gemma rejoined me as Asher was pulled aside by some warriors.. “Everything seems under control Alpha.” She said, her tone was soft. “Even the Southern Alphas are behaving."

 “Uhm,” I responded, scanning the faces lazily looking at nothing in particular, and yet my heart raced like I was hunting. I stayed near the crowd, nodding politely to those I couldn't avoid, sming with the corner of my lips. 

Warriors, elders, even few of the Alphas from the Southern Clan were here. Their eyes watched me, some surprised, some with awe. My wolf stirred beneath my skin the moment we crossed the doorway restless. Not now, I warned. But then, My gaze landed on a flash of a moment, a girl. She slipped through the dancers like fog on water. Her white dress clung to her form like moonlight, lace trailing behind her like whispers. She wasn't dancing. She looked like she didn't belong here.

She stood near a girl in a peach colored dressed. My breath caught in my chest, the world tickling fastly. Familiar, yes, she looked familiar. Her face, her eyes darted, searching for something or someone. My wolf raised forwardly, a growl echoed in the corners of my mind. My heart punched against my ribs. “MATE?” The word struck like lightning. I gritted my teeth, shutting it down.

 I forced myself to look away, jaw clenched tight. I didn't believe in fate. I didn't believe in destiny. And definitely didn't believe the Moon Goddess would tie me to someone again. Not even all after I lost. I closed eyes for one second, just one. But it wasn't enough for Kara’s face to rise in my mind again. Her laugh, her knife, her betrayal. A woman who once claimed the bond only to use it against me.

“Alpha Damon!” Gemma stepped closer, her eyebrow raised. I hadn't even noticed her move. “You good?” I blinked, my chest tightening. “I need air.” She tilted his head. “You look like you saw a ghost.” She said carefully.

I didn't answer. As I turned and walked quickly towards the side hallway, away from the noises, the girl I couldn't stop thinking about, I caught a glance of Asher wrapping her arm around Gemma’s waist.

The hallway was empty, lit by candles. Cool breeze pressed against my palms as I leaned against the wall, closing my eyes. My wolf still paced, growling in the back of my head. And then, she crashed into me. It wasn’t planned, One seconds I was in thoughts, the next I’m catching someone by the waist. I barely had time to react, catching her by the arm before she could fall. Her skin was warm, trembling slightly under my fingers.

My hands strong, held her gently but firmly. Our eyes met, Time stopped. She blinked at me, widening her eyes, startled. I knew those eyes, it was from a dream, My dream. The one I never told anyone about. The burning forest and the glowing moon. A girl running barefoot through the forest. It has always been her.

“You should watch where you're going,” I said, but the words came dry. I didn't let go of her hands right away, neither did she speak.

She tried to speak, but I couldn't let her speak, neither did she speak. I turned away, walked down the hallway, jaw tight, eyes burning with all the things I wanted to forget. My heart thundered inside my chest. My wolf growled again. Behind me, I could still feel her eyes following me, like a pull I didn't ask for..

I left her standing at the hallway, her scent still clinging to my senses like a whisper I couldn't shake. The touch of her skin, the way our eyes met, I shouldn't have turned back, asked her name at least. But I couldn't. The music greeted me first, soft drumming beats, voices raised in songs. The celebration hadn’t slowed. Gemma was back near the drink table, she was giggling softly with Asher, her mate and my top warrior.

“Damon,” She called gently, moving through the crowd. “There you are, I thought you were ghosting the ceremony.” I gave a tight nod. “Just needed a moment alone.” Asher raises a brow saying nothing in particular, sipping his drink beside her. “You good?” She asked again, worried this time, studying me like she could read through my head.

“I ran into someone actually.” I muttered, eyes already scanning through the crowd again if I could see her again. And then I saw her. She was standing near the side of the crowd, half covered by the peach dressed girl. But my attention wasn't on her, it was on Ivy. Her fingers clutched onto something on her chest. A sketchpad? Maybe. She wasn't dancing or laughing. Just observing, like me. Her eyes kept sweeping the crowd, never landing on anything long. Was she looking for me?

That sketchpad tilted in her hand slightly, and the light caught a charcoal drawing on the edge of the page. Gemma followed my gaze. “You’re looking at someone.” She said it like an accusation wrapped with curiosity. I turned away quickly, “ Just watching.” Gemma gave me a look. “Your wolf’s pacing again, isn’t he?”  “Let me be Gemma,” I replied flatly.

She only smirked, brushing fingers along Asher’s hand as he leaned down to kiss her neck. Her mate bond was easy. I could sense it. Two wolves breathing as one. Whatever connection I had to that girl, it was a dream... Yet, I couldn’t stop looking.