Chapter 5

Elixir’s POV

The full moon loomed high above, its silver glow casting long shadows across the room where I sat, hands clenched tightly in my lap. My heart thudded in my chest as the reality of my decision sank in. I had agreed to something that seemed impossible just days ago: to become their queen.

The door creaked open, and Lucian stepped inside, his expression as unreadable as ever. Behind him, Soren and Ewen followed, their faces a mix of curiosity and calm calculation. Despite their different demeanors, there was an unspoken intensity in the room that made it hard to breathe.

“You’re sure about this?” Lucian asked, his voice low and firm. He crossed his arms, his dark eyes fixed on mine.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to meet his gaze. “I’m sure.” My voice sounded steadier than I felt, but my resolve remained firm. “If this is what it takes to bring peace and… to belong, then yes.”

Soren stepped forward, his expression softer. “You’re braver than you think, Elixir. But this isn’t just about the prophecy. This is about trust. A bond between us that goes beyond destiny.”

Ewen, who had been silent so far, nodded. “It’s not just a title. Being our queen means accepting us as your mates. All of us.”

My stomach flipped at his words. Mates. The idea still felt foreign, overwhelming. “I understand,” I said quietly, though my trembling hands betrayed my fear.

Lucian sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “Then let’s begin. The seer is waiting.”

The walk to the clearing felt like a journey through another world. The forest seemed alive under the moonlight, the trees whispering secrets as we passed. Soren walked beside me, offering quiet reassurance with his presence, while Lucian and Ewen led the way, their strides confident and purposeful.

As we entered the clearing, my breath caught. The space was bathed in moonlight, the silver rays reflecting off the dew-kissed grass. At the center stood an ancient stone altar, and beside it, a woman with piercing gray eyes and long silver hair. The seer.

“You’ve come,” she said, her voice carrying an otherworldly echo. Her gaze lingered on me, and I felt as though she could see every fear, every doubt that lived inside me.

“This is Elixir,” Lucian said, his tone respectful but firm.

The seer’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Yes, she is the one, I can feel it.”

I shivered under her scrutiny, but Soren’s hand on my shoulder grounded me. “It’s okay,” he murmured. “You’re not alone.”

The seer gestured for us to step forward. “The ceremony must be conducted under the full moon. Are you prepared?”

I nodded, though my heart felt like it might burst from my chest. “I am.”

The ceremony began with the seer chanting in a language I didn’t understand. Her voice wove through the air, pulling at something deep within me.

Lucian was the first to step forward. His intense gaze never left mine as he offered his hand. “This bond isn’t just for the prophecy. It’s for us. I promise to protect you, to guide you, and to stand by you no matter what.”

I hesitated, my hand hovering over his. The weight of his words, the sincerity in his voice, it was too much. But when I finally placed my hand in his, a surge of warmth shot through me, filling the emptiness I hadn’t realized was there.

The seer pressed a small vial of liquid into my hand. “Drink,” she instructed.

The liquid was bitter, but as I swallowed it, I felt a strange pull, a connection that tethered me to Lucian. His expression softened, just slightly, and for a moment, I thought I saw something vulnerable in his eyes.

Soren was next. He approached with a gentle smile, his blue eyes shining in the moonlight. “Elixir, I know this is overwhelming, but I want you to know I’ll always be here for you. Not as a duty, but because I believe in you.”

His words brought a lump to my throat. When he offered his hand, I took it without hesitation. Another vial, another sip, and another surge of warmth filled me.

Ewen was last. He stood silently for a moment, his gaze steady. “I’m not one for flowery words,” he admitted, his voice low. “But I’ll protect you with everything I have. That’s my promise.”

Despite his bluntness, his words held a weight that resonated deeply. I took his hand, completing the bond with him.

The final step involved the seer carving an ancient rune onto the stone altar. As she worked, the three alphas stood around me, their presence both comforting and intimidating.

“This mark,” the seer explained, “symbolizes the unity between you and your mates. It binds your souls together, strengthening your bond and solidifying your role as their queen.”

When the rune was complete, a beam of moonlight illuminated the altar. The seer stepped back, her expression serene. “It is done.”

For a moment, silence filled the clearing. Then, I felt it, a deep, unshakable connection to each of them. It wasn’t just emotional; it was physical, a pull that bound us together in a way I couldn’t explain.

Lucian broke the silence. “How do you feel?”

I met his gaze, my voice trembling but resolute. “Different.”

“You are,” Soren said, his smile gentle. “You’re one of us now.”

Ewen nodded, his expression unreadable. “The bond is forged. There’s no turning back.”

The walk back to the house was quieter than before. The weight of what had just happened settled over me, but beneath the fear and uncertainty, there was a spark of hope.

As we reached the door, Lucian turned to me. “Rest tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll start preparing you for what’s to come.”

I nodded, exhaustion tugging at my limbs. “Goodnight.”

Soren offered me a reassuring smile. “Goodnight, Elixir.”

Ewen simply nodded, his usual calm demeanor unchanged.

As I climbed into bed, the events of the night replayed in my mind. The bond, the ceremony, the promise they all felt surreal.

But as I closed my eyes, a sense of peace washed over me. For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t alone.

And for the first time, I dared to believe that maybe, just maybe, I belonged.