MATED TO THREE, DESPISED BY ALL.
I stood there, frozen, my chest tight, as the sound washed over me and threatened to drown what little strength I had left.
When the noise finally subsided, the elder stepped forward again, his movements careful, almost hesitant. He held a velvet cushion in both hands, and resting upon it was the crown.
The Luna crown.
It shimmered under the lights, silver and intricate, embedded with stones that symbolized unity, protection, and devotion. I had imagined this moment countless times before, imagined standing proudly while my mates placed it upon my head, imagined warmth, acceptance, love.
Reality was far crueler.
The elder cleared his throat.