Rise of the Rejected Luna - Chapter 192

Chapter 192: _Dream Begins
Night fell too quickly.

The waiting was the worst part.

Kaene and I sat at the foot of the tree, watching the sun set as we stayed together before the dreadful hour.

We both knew there was a chance that we wouldn’t make it, but we held on to the promises of love.

It’s the sacrifice we had to make for the pack.

My mind wandered to my wolf, trying to reach her once more. It felt like she was near but hard to reach.

I glanced at Kaene and asked “Have you tried to reach your wolf?”

He nodded, placing my head on his shoulders. “I’m sure he’s fine. He’s a fighter.”

I had a million words to say, but I chose to remain silent. I wanted to cherish this moment, it might as well be my last.

I looked at the beautiful sunset. The reds, oranges, and yellows seemed to speak words of comfort to me, telling me to stay strong .

I saw butterflies dancing around happily and birds flying freely, I envied them. They didn’t have to worry or take part in a ritual that might cut their lives short.

We should have never come here but we had no choice. This was the only place that could offer a solution to the tragedy that befell the pack.

I wondered how the pack was doing. We left no one in charge and not a soul knew where we went.

The leaders had disappeared, even Elder Gita, who was the spiritual leader.

It was so unwise to leave the pack that way. No protection, no guidance.

I could imagine the disarray.

I remembered Kaene’s mom. If she were alive, the pack would at least have a leader. Someone to keep them together in their time of loss.

We were so vulnerable to other packs right now.

Thinking of this strengthened my resolve.

I must survive, my pack will not be in ruins.

I sat up, turning my gaze to Kaene. Sadness clouded his features, and his eyes were filled with emotions that I understood too well.

Regret.

He tightened his grip around my fingers and smiled softly.

It was a bitter smile. A smile that I had never seen on his face. I missed his usual smirk whenever he teased me.

“How do you think the pack is doing?” I asked softly.

He grimaced, as if I had poked him at a wounded spot. “I don’t know honestly. We shouldn’t have come here.” He said.

I shook my head, “I know.”

And we remained quiet.

As the last rays of the sun set, a maid came into the garden. The moment I dreaded had arrived.

She lowered her head as she spoke “The ritual will start soon, you should go inside now.”

“We’ll be there shortly. Thank you.” I said.

I watched as the maid walked away, feeling my heart beat faster.

I was scared.

Kaene pulled me up gently, dusting off the dirt particles that stuck to my dress. He did it slowly, as if he were oblivious of what the maid had just said.

“Kaene, we have to go.” My voice coming off as barely a whisper.

” I know.” He said, grabbing my hand again.

As we approached the house, my breath quickened with each step. I was getting closer to a journey I didn’t want to go on.

Finally, we got in and I could see the others had gathered, they seemed to be waiting for Kaene and I.

Kaene gave a quick nod to them, acknowledging their presence.

I looked at our matching cream-colored clothes. We looked like prisoners about to be sacrificed for the greater cause of a belief.

A maid arrived shortly announcing her presence with a short cough, “My lords, I am here to tell you what the mind cleansing ritual entails.”

Iona didn’t think it was appropriate to tell us herself? That shows how disrespectful this witch was and how low she thinks of us.

I despise her very being.

Sir Elijah scoffed, “Cut the bullshit! We know about it already.”

Lycan Davos gave a supportive nod, “Let’s not waste more time. We have till daybreak, don’t we?”

I wanted to ask about Iona but the fear of the ritual struck me deeper than I thought it would.

Reality was setting in.

“Very well, my lords. Please follow me.” She said, shaking her head.

She gazed at us with pity, looking at us like we were some kids playing with fire.

She led us to the hallway where our rooms were situated, bringing us to the last room on the left side.

The door opened by itself as if expecting us.

I felt Kaene’s grip tighten around my hand. I glanced back and saw the shock on everyone’s faces, but at that point, I was too scared to feel any more emotions.

We entered and my nose was instantly attacked by the smell of scented candles.

The room was filled with candles and old animal bones littered the floor. The walls looked like it was made of stones rather than bricks and ancient scrolls hung loosely on them.

The floor was engraved with writings that I didn’t understand and right in the middle of the room, there was a door set into the floor.

The maid kept walking, opening the door. A dark stairway was revealed, adding more mystery to this house.

She made her way through the stairs and we followed closely behind her until we reached a large room. The air was thick with the scent of burning herbs, and the walls were filled with ancient markings that seemed to glow faintly.

At the center of the room was a large circular stone slab. Six smaller circles were made in it, each surrounded by tall, white candles.

“This is where we lie?” Sir Elijah asked, his voice laced with unease.

The maid nodded.

“Please step into the circles.”

Kaene turned me to face him, grabbing my face with both of his hands. “We still have little pups to make, darling. You have to survive.”

My face flushed red, making me forget my fear momentarily. How could he think about that when things were as serious as this?

“I don’t deserve to survive because I can’t make little pups with you?” Negan said.

His face held a playful smirk as he stared at Kaene and I.

His attempt at making us smile was a success. Everyone had a smile on their faces even Sir Elijah who was nervous a few seconds ago.

A sharp gust of wind blew through the room, snuffing out all but the ritual candles, bringing us back to reality.

Kaene walked forward, facing everyone. “I need every single one of you. We have more wars to win, so come back stronger to fight by my side.”

We barely had time to react before the maid spoke again.

“The ritual starts now.”

My heart pounded and my fingers twitched, but I forced myself to move.

One by one, we stepped into a circle. My breath was shaky and my palms sweaty as I lay my back on the cold stone facing upwards.

Slowly, the maid started chanting some spells. At first I heard a voice and then I began to hear multiple voices all chanting at once.

I turned my head, but I couldn’t see beyond the tall candles.

I swallowed hard, gripping the edge of my dress as I shut my eyes.

A chill crept into my skin, deeper than any natural cold.

And then I felt myself being pulled into an indescribable darkness.

Until the dream began.