Enslaved To The Alphas-Chapter 296: The Golden Night
Before either of them could speak again, the night sky shifted. Everyone turned in tandem to look at the change in the night. After all, it was a phenomenon that appeared only once in a hundred years.
The soft silver glow of the moon slowly deepened and started to tinge with gold, as if a luminous golden ring was forming around it. The clouds thinned and drifted apart, revealing the full moon above them.
The air grew heavier, charged with power, and every wolf in the courtyard felt it settle into their bones.
The Golden Moon was awakening. Soon, the golden Goddess would descend to bless the Union and all beings under her protection.
Shiqi’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. She turned away from Aron and looked toward Lance, her eyes bright with anticipation, "Your Majesty. It is time."
Lance lifted his gaze to the sky for a brief moment, his expression hard and unreadable. Then he nodded once and without looking at Emira, turned back, towards the podium.
Without another word, he stepped forward. As Lance reached the steps of the podium, movement stirred at the edge of the courtyard.
Zen appeared first. Kael followed closely beside him, his golden eyes sweeping over the gathered crowd with quiet intensity. Together, they walked forward, not even acknowledging the others present in the crowd. But, their eyes found Emira almost instantly.
For a brief moment, everything else seemed to fade as they stared at each other...
Zen’s gaze lingered over Emira and Kael’s expression tightened slightly, his jaw set as if holding something back.
Emira met their looks without flinching or even letting them see what was happening to her. They had already made their choice, so what did they expect from her now? She stepped back, closer to Aron, letting them see her choice.
That single movement caused their gazes to harden and then, without hesitation, the two princes turned away and joined Lance.
They stepped onto the podium, taking their places beside him beneath the golden-tinged moonlight. The large stone beneath their feet began to glow faintly, as if responding to their presence and that of the golden moon.
Shiqi watched them with open satisfaction.
Her gaze swept over Lance, then Zen, then Kael, lingering just a little longer than necessary. A faint, gloating edge touched her smile, as though this moment had long been hers to claim.
Slowly, she raised her hands. Her voice dropped into a low murmur as she began to chant, the words ancient and unfamiliar. The incantation flowed smoothly and with each word, the air around the podium shimmered.
A soft, glowing light rose from the stone, spreading outward in a perfect circle. It wrapped around the podium like a veil, gentle in appearance but heavy with magic. The glow pulsed faintly, in rhythm with the Golden Moon above.
The crowd went silent.
Shiqi Stav’s voice rose a little, carrying across the courtyard without effort. The murmuring chants faded, replaced by words spoken with purpose and command.
"On this sacred night, under the rise of the Golden Moon, the Lords of Stormhold stand before the heavens and call upon the Golden Goddess. We invite her presence to descend upon this land. Bless this union and bind their fates as one. Grant them strength to rule, wisdom to judge, and clarity to lead."
The light surrounding the podium brightened slightly.
"Let her gaze fall upon all beings gathered here," Shiqi went on, her tone unwavering. "Upon wolves and packs, upon lands and bloodlines, upon those who serve and those who protect."
The air grew warmer, heavier.
"Let no force obstruct her path. Let no darkness stand in defiance. Tonight, the Golden Goddess is invited to walk among us."
Then Shiqi lowered her hands slightly and spoke again, this time with a shift in her tone. "Bring her forward."
From the far side of the courtyard, Ramona appeared.
She walked slowly, her steps careful, as though she were afraid to disturb the sacred ground beneath her feet. The golden light brushed against her skin, making her appear almost radiant. Her face glowed softly and all present could see the shining way she stared at the three princes standing there. No one would have thought that she was not in love with the three princes.
Shiqi smiled and extended her hand. Ramona hesitated only briefly before stepping closer and placing her hand in Shiqi’s.
Together, they walked toward the podium.
As Ramona ascended the steps, the glow intensified.
The stone beneath her feet flared brighter, reacting sharply to her presence. Several elders shifted uneasily, sensing the imbalance but unable to name it. Lance stiffened, his jaw tightening. Zen and Kael felt it too, a subtle pressure in their chests, heavy and wrong, though neither of them spoke.
Shiqi’s smile widened.
This was the moment she had been waiting for.
Once Ramona stood at the center of the podium, Shiqi stepped back slightly and raised her hands again. Her voice returned to a chant, but this time it was lower. Quieter. The words no longer meant for the crowd.
They were meant for the heavens alone.
"Golden Goddess," she murmured softly, her eyes fixed on the glowing ring around the moon. "Hear not just their invitation... but mine."
The light flickered.
Shiqi’s lips curved as she continued, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Grant me your strength, so I may guide these people. Grant me your power, so I may teach them to follow your path."
The air grew thick, pressing down on every being present.
"And should these men," she went on calmly, "fail to choose the mate you have blessed... should they stray from the will you have set before them today..."
Her gaze slid briefly toward Lance, Zen, Kael and then Ramona.
"Let them be your offering."
A faint tremor ran through the podium.
"Let their blood cool your wrath," Shiqi finished softly. "And let their sacrifice return balance... and power... to the one who remains faithful to you. Me."
