The Rite 2 Novels & Stories

I'll make her humiliate herself and get branded as someone who disrespects the Moon Goddess! I heard every bit of it and let out a quiet laugh. The High Rite was the most sacred event in the pack, and Rosa cared deeply about etiquette. Leena's outfit alone was already inappropriate. Trying to pull a stunt here was nothing short of self-destructive. When the ceremony began, Leena quietly slipped behind me, planning to shove me while I kneeled in prayer. I shifted aside just in time. She lunged forward and missed, tumbling down the steps of the ceremonial platform instead.

Their mouths found each other briefly, a clash of teeth and tongue that sent shockwaves through the bond. The rite demanded more, the drums urging us to the climax. Thorne chanted ancient words, calling for the blood mark. We knelt, the dagger returned. Isaak drew a shallow cut across Rhaedon's palm, then mine, mingling the blood on Isaak's chest. The sigil absorbed it, glowing crimson before fading to silver. Power crested, a wave that made us cry out. Pleasure bordered on pain, bodies trembling as the bond sealed the rite. The crowd hushed, then erupted in cheers. For a moment, unity reigned.

The priest began the ceremony, his voice deep and resonant. “Miss Leena, do you accept Alpha Kevin as your lawfully wedded husband, to lead the pack together as Alpha and Luna, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?” I hesitated, my throat tightening. The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of countless eyes pressing down on me. I opened my mouth, the words catching in my throat. Finally, I forced them out. “I... I do.” The crowd erupted in applause, their cheers echoing through the hall. My hands trembled as Kevin slipped the ring onto my finger, his smile widening with triumph. Then it was his turn.

Factions pressed at the edges—some with faces set in grim support, others with eyes bright with hunger, waiting to see him fall. At the high dais, the council had already assembled. Even though Rhovan was not on the throne, his presence caused the air to bend like heat, and he sat among them, leaning forward and staring at Draven with the acerbic gaze of a predator who had laid the trap and was now waiting for it to spring. “The Rite shall begin,” intoned Elder Marrik, his voice carrying across the stone. “Let the fire judge. Let the bond prove. Let all gathered bear witness.”

“There is one more choice to make.” She stepped forward, gaze sweeping the council. “We cannot win this war with swords and blood alone. There are old ways ancient rites. Forbidden, yes, but still powerful.” A tense silence fell. Sera’s eyes went to Aria. “You know what I speak of.” Aria’s throat tightened. “The Rite of Binding.” A sharp gasp from several elders. “That ritual has not been performed for centuries!” Vaelen said. “It is dangerous. Unpredictable.”

“Killing him won’t help us right now. We need to focus on stopping the ritual.” Rigel’s eyes burned with anger, but he relented, shoving Thorne aside. “You’ve made your choice, Thorne. Don’t expect mercy next time.” The sound of ominous chanting rose above the chaos, drawing our attention back to the center of the ritual. The rogue leader stood tall, his arms outstretched as the glowing runes pulsed in rhythm with his words. The ground beneath him cracked and split, releasing streams of shadowy energy that coalesced into a towering, monstrous form.

Kade’s voice rang out, deep and commanding. The crowd stilled. No one dared move. “I, Alpha Kade of the Silverfangs, invoke the Rite of the Moon,” he said. “To challenge prophecy, to clarify destiny, and to determine loyalty.” A low murmur rippled through the crowd. The Rite of the Moon was not common. It was sacred—dangerous. The council elders, seated in a half-circle near the ceremonial stones, nodded solemnly. Raven stepped forward. “I accept the rite.”

That made my chest tighten with anger, but I did not give her the satisfaction of reacting. “You made your choice,” she continued. “You are sending your mate into a death trap. You are using her the same way he used your mother.” “That is enough,” I said, my voice cold. But she stepped closer instead of backing away. “You think this Rite will protect her,” she said. “But you know what it really is. A test that kills most who enter. Even if she survives, she will not come back the same way.” I did not answer. Because she was not wrong.

“Then perhaps it is not you who must decide. But them.” “They’re babies!” Kael snapped. “You speak of toddlers like warriors. Let them be children!” “No,” Thorne whispered. “Let them become who they are meant to be. Begin the Rite of Awakening.” Gasps followed. My stomach twisted. The Rite of Awakening was a forbidden practice, an ancient ceremony that tested the spirit of a wolf before its time. It revealed power, yes but also burdened the child with the weight of what they could become. “It’s dangerous,” Lyra said. “It’s cruel.”

~ MACK ~ Surprisingly, the next he approached was Natalie. I held my breath, uncertain if he was naming her to something or challenging her—this Rite could be used to remove threats, too. “Sister, I stand today for freedom, for unity, and a new dawn. I will take down our Alpha, or die trying. Will you stand with me?” “Yes.” She didn’t even hesitate. Rig nodded. “I stand in my mate’s stead. And she Names you Second. Beta for her power. If she is… is harmed, will you step in for her and call the packs to safety?”