Chapter 4: Under the Moon and Steel

(Isla's POV)

Ring.

Ring.

Ring.

The bells were rung three times, the horn was blown next then the howling of wolves broke through the space. The two rival packs stood, shoulder to shoulder and old grievances thrown back.

“Here comes the new Luna and Alpha.” The elder announced, giving a curt nod for me to start coming out.

I was dressed in a red bridal gown, a veil placed over my face and a necklace from my mother wrapped round my neck to signify that I was still a lady of high position. The anklets on my legs shook after each step as my footprints were placed in the ground.

I looked down at my hand, my left hand held the other tightly as my fingernails began pinching my skin, holding myself back from screaming.

I came face to face with Bastian, my eyes looking away as I listened to what the elders said, they went through the history of both packs, reminding us the reasons for this allegiance. Then the question came, “ Do you agree to this union?”

His voice came first, “Yes.” The crowd went quiet, I could feel my father's piercing gaze on me. This was the first step before the vows, so I said slowly, “ Yes.”

The crowd hooted. Some whistled. But I knew they were happy while I wasn't.

“You may take off your bride’s veil for the vow taking.” The elder said, Bastian stepped forward, I felt his musky, woody scent and I almost repulsed and pushed him away but I stayed put.

I felt his hand, he pulled the veil off slowly as our eyes met but my heart tightened as I immediately looked away. I looked straight at the crowd, searching for my father in the crowd.

There he was, sitting in the wheelchair, in the front of our pack. I smiled at him, he nodded at me, that was a go ahead.

I took in a shaky breath, waiting for the next proceeding.

The eldest of the council stepped forward, his silver staff in his right hand as he slammed it against the ground, it made a splitting sound and some of the omegas staggered backwards.

His eyes burned, staring at the two of us and said in a strong voice,  “Before the Moon Goddess, before the blood of your ancestors, and before both packs gathered here today, I ask you both one question.”

Our heads snapped to his side, I watched as he stared at me first then his eyes moved to Bastian, his voice came down like thunder,

“Do you come before this council willingly, knowing the allegiance you are about to swear?”

My voice came out faster this time, “ I do.” Bastian's voice next, “ I do.”

Everyone was relieved, they let out sighs.

The elder nodded, “Then let it be witnessed.”

He stepped forward, stood in front of me as he said, “Isla, daughter of the Thornwood Pack , you stand before the very pack that once called yours its enemy. You are not here merely as a bride. You stand as the blood-bound bridge between two territories, two alphas, and two histories.”

His eyes hardened.

“Do you swear that you will honor this alliance, protect the peace between your packs, and never knowingly raise your hand against the pack you are about to join?”

My fingers grabbed my dress, squeezing it tightly as I pushed the words out of my mouth,

“ I swear.”

His head snapped to Bastian, his gaze cold as he said,

“And you, son of the Ravencross Pack. Do you swear that you will accept Isla not as a prisoner of war or a symbol of surrender, but as your chosen mate and the representative of her bloodline?”

“I swear.” Bastian said.

The elder stepped between them.

“Then face one another.”

I looked up to face Bastian.

“For generations, your bloodlines have carried hatred. Tonight, that hatred ends—not because the past is forgotten, but because you have chosen not to inherit it.”

He raised his staff.

“By the will of the elders and under the witness of the Moon Goddess, you are bound by allegiance.”

The entire hall fell silent.

“Speak your vows.”

I drew a slow breath, turning to look at my father as the words he had said previously rang in my head. I held back the tears that were about to stream down my face and I said in a shaky voice,

“I vow to stand beside you beneath the moon and beneath the sun. I will honor your name, your people, and the bond that has brought us together. I will not let the hatred of our ancestors rule the life we build. Where there is fear, I will choose truth. Where there is division, I will seek peace. I give you my loyalty freely, my strength willingly, and my heart without surrendering the blood that made me who I am.”

Bastian held my gaze, there was something different about it. But I didn't care.

“I vow to take you as my equal, never as a prize, a prisoner, or a symbol of victory. I will protect your life, your freedom, and your right to speak, even when your truth challenges mine. I will honor your bloodline as part of our future and defend the peace we create together. Before the Moon Goddess and both our packs, I give you my loyalty, my strength, and my heart. I choose you—not because our enemies demand it, but because you are my mate.”

The elder lowered his staff, drawing the dagger in his staff as a pack member brought a bowl of spring water. We both stretched out our hands and he slashed our palms, the blood trickled into the bowl and mixed.

He raised the bowl to the side, muttering something under his breath before he gave it to them to each take a sip.

He said, “ “Then let these vows be carried by the moon, remembered by your ancestors, and witnessed by every heart gathered here. From this night forward, your allegiance is shared, your fates are joined, and the peace between your packs rests not upon words alone, but upon the lives you choose to build together.”

He asked the packs that were gathered and asked if they bear witness, they echoed, “ We bear witness.”

“By blood, you are bonded as mates.”

“Torn apart by death, not man.”