The Secret and The Ceremony

Lyla’s POV

“By the strength of the pack and the blessing  of the moon goddess I bless this union,” said the elder, and his voice was steady as he laid his hands over the hands of my sister and those of Kieran. “May your wolves know each other and your union last till all times.”

Elowen gave Kieran a squeeze and her eyes were sparkling. He made a bow to the older, then to the pack, and his voice was cool and slow. “Thank you, Elder. Thank you, everyone. I will respect my mate and make sure her position is not violated. Now I have to take her home, as--we do not do the same thing as you. The rogue ceremony is something that needs to be done privately and uniquely.””

I changed my position and felt the knot of my chest. My sister smiled, excited an oblivious to the truth.

Should I tell her? My throat got tight as I thought of telling the truth. She would be shattered, in case I said something. It was her second mating ceremony, and the first one had not matched her to anyone, and she had been heart-broken. I could not do that to her any more.

“Layla?” The voice of Elowen startled me out of my thoughts... She was coming in my direction with a smile on her face. “Come on, you need to see him. Now.”

“Meet… who?” I inquired.

“The rogue alpha,” of course, she said, and took my hand and pulled me. Her hand was strong, impatient, and I had no objection. I was aware that my knot in my stomach was tightening with each step.

We stopped in front of Kieran. He was standing erect, with hands slightly clasped together behind him, serene and deliberate as ever. My stomach twisted.

“Keiran, “ my austrr said to him, and bowed her head. Then she turned to me. “Layla, this is Kieran, my mate.Kieran this is my sister , Layla.”

I went on, maintaining a light voice, as though we were not acquainted. “Hi. I’m Layla… I mean, Lyla Moreau. Hello, I am glad to see you and congratulations.... You found a gem.”

Kieran turned his head a little towards me. “Thank you so much,” he said. His voice was steady. “Nice to meet you.”

We maintained a neutral expression as we both faked that the night that we had shared never occurred. All the fibers of me would have said something , would have shouted, would have advised her, but the words could not come up my throat.

“You and your sister are going to my pack to the mating ritual,” Kieran said, and looked at my sister. 

Elowen smiled and looked at me. “You’ll come with me, right?”

I momentarily hesitated and nodded. 

“Thank you thank you ,” she said. “We leave soon. Don’t fret we can come back later and get our stuffs

The trip to the Rogue Territory was one of the longest trips I’ve ever been on . My sister was talking about what she hoped the ceremony to be like, what she desired to eat, and what she hoped the evening would be like. I kept quiet most of the time only nodding or smiling sometimes. I felt a knot in my stomach each time Kieran spoke.  He did not talk much, just inquiring directions here and there, or assuring her of plans.

Upon arrival, the celebrations were already underway. Laughing and singing wolves of the rogue lands crowded the streets.

“Elowen and Layla , Welcome to my humble abode,” Kieran said as we walked into the palace, guards and maids walking behind us.  “ this is my younger sister, Isolde. Isolde, this is my mate, Elowen and this is her sister, Layla.”

 A young woman came forward with a pleasant smile, yet I noticed how her eyes swept Elowen all the way up to her head and down to her feet. “So here is the one the moon goddess chose for my brother?How… interesting. I am Isolde, lovely to meet you.” 

I slightly tightened my jaw, but I made no comment. The voice of Kieran came in. “Introductions will be properly done later. The mating ceremony has to be fulfilled before the moon sets.”

Isolde looked up, and grinned, but made no further inquiry. I sighed and concentrated on my sister.

It started with the ceremony in the main hall. Wolves stood round, some cheering, some looking with silent admiration. My sister went forward, her stride assertive, yet I could tell how some trace of nervousness was in her pose. She was glowing in the ceremonial attire with her gaze on Kieran.

“Elowen, welcome to the Rogue Clan.” said Kieran with low yet firm tones. “May your presence bring us peace and prosperity.” 

An old wolf stepped up, grabbing a small knife, slicing Keiran’s palm and Elowen’s , then pressing them together.

  I noticed the shock on the elder’s face, but he said nothing.

“Rogue clan, welcome your new Luna!” The elder yelled, in a voice that was suprisingly loud for a man his age.

I stood some distance away with crossed arms, trying to ignore the slight burn on my neck,  as I observed the ceremony. My mind was a storm. Should I tell her the truth? Warn her of Kieran, of the burning mark  on my neck? All the situations in my head were heartbreaks, and I could not think of breaking her happiness.

The ceremony ended after what seemed to be an eternity. Elowen , the new Luna of the rogue wolves went around, greeting elders and talking to the commoners. She smiled with joy and even Kieran, with all his rugged manner, bowed to her respectfully. 

I giy  bored and I resolved to conduct a personal tour of the palace. 

“Lost ma’am?” There was a soft voice behind me.

I turned around and saw a maid walking towards me.

“Y-Yh… I’m looking for my room.” I replied.

“This way.” So she said and took me down the hall, at last arriving in front of a great door. “I will tell the alpha you are there.” She said, bowed and left.

I sat down by myself, on the side of the bed, in a frenzy. But how was I to tell her the truth and wreck everything? Should I wait? Is it better to keep the secret forever? I went through myriad situations none of which was acceptable.

Hours went by, and I could not think of an easy means.

How am I to tell my sister I have spent the night with her mate! I questioned myself, although I knew I had no answer to that question.

“Elowen… i … the dress I bought for you… I got the money after I spent the night with a stranger, this stranger… is your mate…Keiran.” I practiced, pacing around the room. “No no no!” I said.

Just then, I heard a knock on the door and immediately stopped pacing. 

“Layla, we need to talk.” Elowen said, walking into the room.