Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 231

Chapter 231

Elowen

The moment my words faded into silence, everything changed.

Light.

只今

Pure, brilliant moonlight suddenly pierced through the solid stone statue as if it had transformed into glass-no, not even glass, but pure crystal, completely transparent. The beam struck me like a physical force, illuminating my entire body in silver-white radiance.

But it didn’t stop there.

Every ray of moonlight in the entire sanctuary-from the sky, from reflections on the water, even from the lotus pedestal beneath my feet

-began converging on me. It was as if gravity itself had reversed, pulling all light toward a single point. The lotus petals bloomed with

luminescence, each one radiating soft, ethereal glow.

The torches around the sanctuary dimmed and flickered, their flames suddenly inadequate, shamefully weak compared to the celestial

brilliance engulfing me.

I stood in the center of it all-alone on that platform, drenched and defiant-bathed in more light than should have been possible.

The audience sat in stunned silence. Not a single person moved. Not a breath could be heard.

Then, someone broke the silence with a shout that echoed across the water: “My Queen! Now and forever!”

The cry ignited something in the crowd. Like a spark catching dry kindling, voices erupted everywhere.

“NOW AND FOREVER!”

“MY QUEEN!”

“ELOWEN! ELOWEN! ELOWEN!”

The chant rolled through the sanctuary in waves-hundreds of voices united in perfect, thunderous harmony.

I searched the crowd and found Kaius in his seat, staring at me with an expression of wonder and awe that made my heart skip. His eyes

shone with pride and something deeper-reverence, perhaps, or the recognition of witnessing something truly extraordinary.

I couldn’t help it. I smiled.

Faelan’s voice rose above the cheering, magically amplified to reach every corner of the sanctuary. “I hereby declare-Queen Elowen has

passed the trial! She has received the Moon Goddess’s acknowledgment!”

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Chapter 231

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He paused, his scholarly excitement getting the better of his formal demeanor. “Moreover, I dare speak beyond my station to say this:

though I have witnessed few coronations in my life, I have studied every recorded trial in our histories. Never-in any text, any chronicle,

any ancient account-have I read of such a manifestation!”

His voice grew passionate, almost poetic. “Moonlight fills the lotus; the full moon dwells within her heart! This blessing surpasses anything

our ancestors documented!” He spread his arms wide. “She is, without doubt, the most legendary Queen in a thousand years!”

The audience erupted again-applause, cheers, howls of approval.

Faelan bowed deeply, gesturing for me to return to shore.

I stepped off the lotus platform, my dress heavy with water but my heart impossibly light. Each step through the pool felt like floating. I

was soaked, disheveled, and had never been happier in my entire life.

Frost waited at the edge with a cloak, but Kaius intercepted it, taking the fabric and draping it over my shoulders himself. His hands

lingered for just a moment, warm and steady.

He took my hand-his grip firm and sure-and together we walked toward the twin thrones.

I caught sight of Evelyn in the front row, practically bouncing in her seat with excitement, while Scarlett beside her had tears streaming

down her face. My friends. My family. Here to witness this moment.

The thrones were so close now. Just a few more steps and-

“Chief Elder Faelan!” A voice cut through the celebration like a blade. “I believe you’re forgetting one crucial ceremony!”

My stomach dropped.

Ronan.

The old man had risen from his seat, his expression pleasant but his eyes sharp with purpose.

Faelan’s smile froze. His round face flushed, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead despite the cool night air. “Ah… well… the trial has been completed successfully. As for the ritual you’re referring to-that’s merely tradition. Not strictly necessary-”

“Tradition?” Ronan’s voice carried a note of mock surprise. “Since when do we wolves dismiss tradition as ‘not strictly necessary’?”

Before Faelan could respond, another voice joined in.

Kaius’s mother rose gracefully from her seat, her expression cold and composed. “Elder Ronan is correct. The trial proved the Moon Goddess accepts her. But there remains the matter of mortal acceptance-of honoring the traditions our ancestors established.”

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