A Daughter’s Revenge のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 91 - チャプター 100

The woman in pink claps her hands and the pond disappears and a meadow takes its place. My body dry and clean, I stand naked. The women who were just moments ago washing and perfuming my body disappear into mist. With a small bow, the woman in pink does as well. On the wind I hear her reminder. “Follow your path without judgment.” Asteria takes a stick and carves a circle into the ground. “What are you doing?” I ask. “We will hold our ritual. It is safe here.” She says plainly. “So you will give me a name?” I ask, unsure of how any of these rituals work. “Yes. I will name you. The ancestors have already whispered your name to me in my dreams.” She confides. “Stand within the circle. No matter what happens, do not leave the circle.” “What do you mean, no matter what happens? What do you expect?” I ask. “You can never anticipate what may appear outside the circle. Just heed my warning and do not leave it until I say.” She says firmly. She stands in the circle, arms raised an

The carriage awaits just outside the clearing. A short walk through the trees and a road appears. Road may be generous, the dirt path only wide enough for a single carriage. It’s the type of road you would only be on if you knew of it, the chances of stumbling upon it are slim. “Into the carriage, my child.” She commands, arm outstretched toward the door. A coachman stands at attention next to the door, no hand lent to sturdy my step into my awaiting cage. Follow your path. I repeat to myself as I climb into the carriage. The carriage is plain but that does not mean it isn’t luxurious. The inside is sparsely decorated but richly furnished. I recognize the grain of the wood, a tree only found in the North at the tops of Crescent Moon Pack territory. It’s a sacred tree of the ancients, only one is cut each year, and mostly used for ceremonies. Most decorative pieces are made from fallen limbs, too small to produce a carriage interior. I gently ghost the wood accents with my finger

There is a hollowness to temples that I enjoy. The smooth white stone floors and endless smooth white walls reaching the massive domed ceiling that must be hung from the sky, it’s so far out of reach. The walls have the same glowing quality of the moon, so finely polished and sparkling. The ceiling depicts the different events of the ancient texts and the phases of the moon are cut in skylights in the sanctuary. The scale is considerably more modest as we walk towards the dining area, the ceiling a less impressive height of an Oak tree. Tall and majestic, but not otherworldly. The walls, still smooth and white, but dotted with official portraits of Immaculate Mother’s from long ago. The fashion unchanged with time, white robe after white robe, the same serene expression. Two doors open and we arrive at the dining hall. The long table is already full of white robed priestesses, perfectly silent standing like pawns on a chessboard behind their chairs, unable to move a space forward. No

“Upon the full moon that our Alpha is given his mate, Destiny reveals our Alpha’s fate. For an Alpha born under the approval of the stars, Leads our people righteously in all regards. A mate must pass the Trials to demonstrate their strength, A true Luna will go to any length. Demonstrate the truth of the bond and strength of body and spirit, The ability to pass is destiny- do not fear it! As the Goddess guides, We shall abide! As the wolf controls and the spirit is guided only by honesty, The spirit illuminates the truths we only know subconsciously. To heart and soul Threads bind and make whole. Devotion to the Goddess or to her Alpha mate, The outcome of the trials will determine her fate. “ The Order of the Kingdom of the Moon: Luna Trials I hear the echoes of steps in the stone hallway outside my door before my eyes even dare to open. I look toward the ceiling to the small square window for a shaft of light. Dawn is not yet splashing her colors across the s

“Higher purpose.” I muse. I have read enough religious texts to know that saviors and saints are just martyrs by another name. “May I read the texts, Immaculate Mother?” I ask, seeking clarity. “Once married and sealed to Prince Edward of Fives, you will have access to all sacred texts of the pack. You are not a member of the pack, so you may not read the prophecies and divinations of the Oracles.” She replies sternly. “When shall I become a member?” I inquire. “Once Prince Edward of Fives accepts you within the temple and seals himself to you.” She says. “He will be told of your current success.” She assures. “Your identity as the last wolf of the Celestial Alpha Line will not be discussed until it is confirmed by your marking. You will know my child by the mark they make when they lay claim, A full moon with a sword emblazoned with Selene’s name.” She recites effortlessly. “Was my crescent mark and alpha command not enough?” Theia’s voice rages through me and out of my mouth. A