Alpha's Regret After Her Rebirth (Hannah and Noah) novel Chapter 199

Chapter 0199
Chapter 0199
Hannah
I took a deep breath as Noah and I stepped up onto the altar. The crowd fell silent, all eyes on us as we prepared to begin the ceremony. The scent of incense filled the air as it was waved over us, the smoke curling around our bodies in fragrant gray tendrils.
“Oh, Moon Goddess…”
With practiced ease, Noah and I began our prayers to the Moon Goddess. The words-which we had been practicing for two weeks now-flowed from my lips easily, a traditional chant to plead with the Moon Goddess for the blessing of a good year.
But they felt empty-pointless. Like nothing more than reciting a lecture.
Glancing over at Noah, I saw that his eyes were downcast, his hands clasped in front of him. I sucked in a breath through my nose when he glanced back at me and caught me looking.
Focus, Hannah…
Shutting my eyes, I pursed my lips and focused on the words. Anything but that charged moment between us in the dressing room. Anything but that. Today was supposed to be about the Moon Goddess, the deity who had given me-and my baby-a second chance at life.
Nothing more, nothing less.
As we finished, an attendant approached, carrying two cloth-wrapped bundles containing our offerings.
I reached for mine, feeling the weight of my offering in my hands. The item inside was precious to me, although no one but the Goddess would know what it was. Noah did the same with his own private offering, and together we placed our bundles on the altar while the incense filled our senses.
For a moment, I lingered there over the altar, my fingers resting on top of my bundle. Noah had already finished, and was rising to his feet. But I remained.
“Hannah-”
“One moment,” I murmured, shooting him a sidelong glance. “I’m not ready.”
Noah raised his finger to stop me, but then lowered it again. The crowd was silent, save for the wind rustling through the trees. Focus, Hannah… I shut my eyes again, and this time, I really focused.
“Thank you, Moon Goddess,” I thought to myself, my fingers fluttering away from my offering and coming to settle on my lower belly. “Thank you for this second chance…”
Maybe she didn’t hear me as I thought those words. Maybe she couldn’t hear anything, and maybe I was just making a fool out of myself. But I couldn’t help it; today was about the Moon Goddess, and I needed to thank her.
Because in my past life, my death would have just been days from now. Days.
A long moment passed, the only sound that of the tiny bell chiming in the wind over the altar. When I finally opened my eyes, I was met with Noah’s concerned gaze.
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Chapter 0199
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“You alright?”
Nodding quickly, I sniffled and stood, turning to face the crowd. I hadn’t realized it, but a small tear had slipped free from my eyes and streaked down my face, and I quickly wiped it away before anyone could notice.
Noah and I bowed at the waist, and the gathered attendees did the same. Finally, a loud bell was rung, signifying the beginning of the Lunar Festival.
As the ceremony concluded, the festival burst into life around us. Music filled the air, and the scent of traditional foods wafted on the breeze. It wasn’t long before I found myself swept up in the festivities, laughing and playing games with my friends.
“Oh, look!” Viona exclaimed, pointing to a nearby stand. “They’re selling crescent cakes!”
I grinned at the mention of the treat-a sweet, ice cream-filled wafer in the shape of a crescent moon. “I haven’t had that in years,” I said as Viona grabbed my hand and tugged me toward the stand.
We made our way to the stand, joining the growing line. As we waited, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning, I found Drake standing behind me with a warm smile on his face.
“Luna Hannah,” he said, dipping his head respectfully in front of company. “The Lunar Festival is amazing. You’ve really outdone yourself.”
I felt a flush of pride at his words. After all our hard work, it was finally here. It was bittersweet, in a way. Thanks, Drake. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
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Finally, it was my turn to order. I got my crescent cake, taking a bite before the vendor even gave me back my change. As I turned to rejoin my friends, I noticed that the vanilla ice cream inside was already starting to melt in the humid evening air.
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