EMBER~As the chants rose, my body followed instinctively, every movement connecting to my wolf, and to the quiet pull of the ancient chanting coming from Elder Maera.The chants deepened as I spun, my ceremonial ornaments chiming softly with every movement. I felt the eyes of the crowd, yet none of them weighed on me. For those moments, I danced not as the female Alpha, and even not as the Luna, but as a vessel of blessing bestowed by the Moon Goddess upon her people. That’s what I was taught.When the final drumbeat fell silent, I came to a stillness at the center of the stage, chest heaving, and my breath uneven. The lights returned all at once, bright and warm, and applause thundered through the hall.The sound washed over me in waves. I bowed slightly, hands pressed together, and muttered a soft thank you but my voice was barely audible over the cheers. Elder Maera approached me then, her steps slow but steady. She cupped my face in both hands and kissed my forehead, stars gliste
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