Chapter 0371
+25 BONUS
“I want lots of red and gold,” I told my father. “And I want a banner with a phoenix on it.”
My ceremonial gown was the real star of the show. Bright red and gold skirts that glittered when I moved, made of the finest silk that pooled around my legs liko liquid fire. The neckline was off the shoulder, with long sleeves that came down to a point on the back of my hand.
A long golden cape was connected to the sleeves, which unfurled like wings when I spread my arms. I wore my hair up in an ornate updo wound with braids that were laced with black feathers, and my gold and red eyeshadow fanned out around my eyes, making the blue of my irises pop more than ever.
And I made sure that the seamstress kept the silhouette tight down my body. I wanted to show off my baby bump, not hide it.
Because here I was, a female Alpha and a single mother who wouldn’t be cowed by her ex–husband’s despicable actions.
As Viona and I made our way to the grand hall where the ceremony would take place, I could hear the excited murmur of the crowd through the doors. It seemed like half the world had turned out for this
event.
Drake met us at the entrance, looking dashing in a tailored suit. He wore a small engraved phoenix pin on his lapel. Viona wore one too; I’d had them custom made for both of them.
Viona was my Beta now, after all–I had told her just last night that I wanted her to fill the role, which had resulted in a lot of tears and screams of excitement.
And Drake was my closest ally. My unlikely friend through thick and thin.
“Ready?” he asked, offering me his arm.
I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. “As I’ll ever be.”
The doors swung open, and we stepped into the hall. The crowd fell silent, all eyes turning to me. I scanned the faces, recognizing friends and allies. There was Amber, grinning widely, and Emma, giving me a subtle thumbs up. The Luna Queen sat in a place of honor by my family, her serene smile a balm to
my nerves.
But what surprised me most were the faces I didn’t recognize–people from Nightcrest who had come to support me despite everything. As we passed, I could hear their whispers.
“I can’t believe what Alpha Noah did…”
“She’ll be a much better leader…”
“Do you think Silvermoon would accept transfers?”
My heart swelled and I wanted to shed tears of joy, but I kept my chin held high and a wide smile plastered on my face. These people were counting on me, and I wouldn’t let them down.
As we reached the front of the hall, my father stood waiting, the ceremonial crown–a simple golden band that would perch around my head–glinting in his hands. I knelt before him, my head bowed. The room fell silent as my father raised his hand.
Chapter 0371
+25 BONUS
“Hannah… You kneel before us as my daughter, but you will rise as our Alpha. Do you swear to protect and guide the pack of Silvermoon, to put their needs before your own, and to lead with wisdom and compassion?”
“I swear.”
“Then rise, Alpha Hannah, and take your place as the leader of Silvermoon.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Alpha's Regret After Her Rebirth (Hannah and Noah)