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THE NUPTIAL CEREMONY.

CHAPTER 1: THE NUPTIAL CEREMONY.

ALEENA'S POV.

This was the day I had been waiting for, literally all my life. The Nuptial ceremony was always a big deal in Talvor, but this wasn't just some random Nuptial ceremony. I was to be joined to Marcus Kerrigan, son of the lord of Talvor, Alpha Kerrigan. So yes, this was a big day.

While I sat in my chamber already adorned in a beautiful tailored oxblood dress by the best seamstress whose craft was exclusive to the high and mighty of Talvor, many thoughts ran through my head.

Hearing the knock on my door, I quickly snapped out of my thoughts. I comported myself, and cleared my throat.

"My lady?"

"Come in," I responded. The door swung open and my maid walked in.

"You have a visitor, my lady," the maid announced. I furrowed my brow, wondering who it was.

Without giving permission, the door to my chamber swung open. Seeing who walked in unpermitted, my delightful demeanor was instantly altered.

"Excuse me, my lady" the maid bowed and walked out. I'm sure she got the hint to leave without me asking her to seeing how the atmosphere had suddenly turned as I looked at who came into my chamber disrespectfully.

"I guess congratulations are in order. You most certainly look like a bride today, Aleena."

"If you're here to gloat, Camila, you came too late," I replied calmly, staring her straight in the face.

"You really think so?" she said, walking calmly towards me. After a little while of glaring at each other, she scoffed.

"You don't belong with Marcus. Whatever this arrangement is, it won't last. I'd advise you to walk away while you can," she said.

I was stoic as I stared at her, not giving her the satisfaction of my response.

"Count yourself fortunate you were spared from the fate that befell your family. Or perhaps, you were the one who brought the curse upon them."

Hearing that, I was enraged. I clenched my fists, sulking within.

"You miserable thing. Do you think you can take me on? Hmm? I'd snap you in half without even breaking a sweat," Camila snarled, threateningly.

Of a truth, I couldn't possibly take her on, even though we were of the same age bracket. The advantage she had over me was that she could shift, whereas I had never shifted, even though I was three years above the age of maturation.

As a result of my situation, I was considered the runt of the pack, especially amongst the high borns.

Suddenly, a knock interrupted the heated moment. I cleared my throat, adjusting myself.

"My lady?" the maid called.

"Come in."

In walked a man along with my maid. It was the house master of the Kerrigans.

"Ladies," he greeted.

"Col," I responded, cracking up a smile.

Camila rudely ignored him and stumped her way out of my chamber.

"I see you both were having a moment," he noted.

"It's just girl's stuff," I shrugged, covering up. But I knew he sensed the tension.

"It's time, my lady," he announced.

I sighed, then smiled at him. "Okay."

Col and my personal guard escorted me to the great hall. My heart raced, not out of fear. I really couldn't explain it. But I was gripped with a bit of anxiety.

As the guards swung open the twin doors of the great hall, I met the peering looks of the guests that filled the hall. I gulped and sighed softly, and I began walking forward to where my betrothed, Marcus, stood.

He smiled all the while as I walked to meet him. The priest went on to perform the nuptial rites.

The moment we were declared mates, I was greatly relieved. The crowd cheered in celebration.

The lords of Talvor and delegates from the capital city, Moonville, approached us, congratulating us. Well, they mainly congratulated Marcus, subtly ignoring me in a civilized manner.

I was used to being treated that way, so I shrugged it off, covering up my hurt with generous smiles.

Was I supposed to be treated thus, on such a day as that? It was also my day, not just Marcus's.

Amongst the crowd, I sighted Camila with her her group of friends. A bunch entitled high born brats. They glared hatefully at me. Her vexation was of no consequence as far as I was concerned.

Lord Kerrigan approached me and Marcus. He gave us his blessings as the Alpha of our pack. Finally, I wasn't going to be looked down upon anymore. I was now the future Luna of Talvor.

Oh, I relished in the moment. This was a dream come true.

Celebrations went on in the great hall with the guests chugging down the ale and wine, and having their fill of the buffet the royal household had made available.

After a short while, Marcus leaned towards me as we sat down on the high table.

"I need to go take a piss."

"Okay," I nodded, smiling. With dreamy eyes I watched him walk elegantly out of the great hall. A couple of his friends cheerfully surrounded him and they walked out together.

As I sat there all alone, I looked round at the people who were now my subjects, I cracked up a smile. I looked towards the direction where Camila sat and found she wasn't there again, but her friends were.

'Where did she go?' I wondered within as I looked round, leaning back into my chair.

A maid walked up to me with her head to the ground, and bowed.

"My lady. The prince has requested your presence," she said.

"Where is he?" I inquired.

"A- At the garden, my lady," she replied, jittering.

I noticed how fearful she was. She was human and it was normal to see them cower in fear in the presence of the lycans, but not to this degree. It made me wonder what terrified her so.

I got up and headed out, escorted by my maid and my personal guard. As we approached the garden, I noticed how awfully quiet it was.

"Wait here," I told them and went further in.

There was a spot Marcus always took me to in the garden, and it became my favorite spot, our favorite spot.

A myriad of thoughts ran through my head causing me to smile without even realizing that I was. I was enthralled by the mysticism of this out of the blue invite.

When I got there, I met nothing out of the ordinary. Marcus wasn't there either. I furrowed my brow looking around.

"Hello? Are you here, Marcus?" I called out. But there was no answer.

I was suddenly startled when I heard a rustling sound behind me. I got alert at that point, and carefully approached where the sound came from.

"Marcus?" I called, treading cautiously.

A squirrel hopped out of the flowers taking to it's heels. I sighed in relief seeing that it was nothing to be afraid of.

Suddenly out of nowhere, a bag was put over my face from behind, at the same time I felt firm hands grabbing and restraining me, as my hands and legs were quickly tied. It was obvious to me that I was attacked by more than one person.

Before I could shout for help, my mouth was gagged with the bag over my face. I felt lifted from the ground unto a person's shoulder, and was being taken somewhere.

All my cries for help couldn't be heard as they were muffled. Everything was pitch black as I couldn't see anything.

My heart raced as fear gripped me, not knowing what was going on.

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