My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 62

**In Fragile Moments We Discover Strength Hidden In Stillness by Tao Cole Rynn**
**Chapter 62**
**Apphia POV**

Nicholas stands before me, clad in an all-black outfit that clings to his muscular frame, accentuating every contour of his body. His tousled hair adds an air of effortless charm, making him look both rugged and refined. A rush of warmth floods through me, and I can feel my cheeks flush once more.

As we exit the piano room, the moment Lily steps out, a wave of anxiety washes over me again. If it weren’t for Nicholas holding my hand firmly, I might have faltered and turned back. The thought of facing this ceremony alone is daunting, but his presence grounds me.

“Are you ready?” he inquires, his voice steady as we approach the rear of the castle where the festivities await.

I take a deep breath, my heart racing. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I manage to say, releasing the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Nicholas leans in, placing a gentle kiss on my temple, wrapping a protective arm around my waist, making me feel cherished and safe.

Stepping into the garden is like entering a dreamscape. The air is filled with the soft glow of shimmering lights and lanterns that dance in the evening breeze. The garden is alive with the city’s elite and alphas, all adorned in their finest attire, chatting animatedly and raising glasses of champagne in celebration. I’m in awe—how could Lady Anaiah have orchestrated such a lavish event in such a short span of time? It’s clear she possesses a remarkable talent for hosting grand affairs. At the far end of the vibrant red carpet, a magnificent stage looms, ready for the evening’s proceedings.

“How many people are we expecting?” I ask Nicholas, my voice betraying a hint of nervousness. He senses my trepidation and tightens his grip around me, offering silent reassurance.

“Maybe five hundred? I’m not entirely sure,” he replies, glancing around as if counting them in his mind.

As Nicholas guides me further into the crowd, I become acutely aware that the lively chatter begins to fade, and all eyes turn toward us. A wave of embarrassment washes over me, and I fight the instinct to hide my face against Nicholas’ chest. But I remind myself that this ceremony is for me, and I must summon the courage to face them all with a smile.

“Apphia!” Vicky’s voice cuts through the tension as she materializes from the crowd, throwing her arms around my neck in an enthusiastic embrace. When she pulls back, her smile is radiant. She’s clad in a sleek black silk dress, her hair elegantly slicked back.

“Apphia, you look absolutely stunning!” she exclaims, her excitement infectious. “I’ve been raving about you to my friends. You simply must meet them!”

I glance at Nicholas, who shrugs nonchalantly, rolling his eyes in a way that says, “Just go along with it.” With a resigned smile, I allow Vicky to lead me toward her circle of friends.

She introduces me to two lovely young women, both beautiful and warm-hearted—the kind of friends I would expect Vicky to have. They greet me with genuine enthusiasm, making me feel a little more at ease amidst the grandeur.

“Are you done monopolizing my mate, ladies?” Nicholas interjects, rejoining me with a playful smirk as he wraps an arm around my shoulders. The girls blush at his presence, their eyes sparkling with admiration.

“You’re stiff,” Ziora’s laughter rings out, and I can’t help but wonder how she finds this moment amusing.

My stomach churns, and I feel a wave of nausea wash over me from the sheer weight of my nerves. Nicholas raises his hand, and the jubilant crowd falls into a hush.

“Thank you, everyone. It is my greatest honor and privilege to introduce my beautiful mate and Luna of the Sapphire royal pack, Apphia Aeson. Please treat her with the respect she deserves as a member of this pack and the royal family,” Nicholas proclaims, his voice steady and filled with pride.

The applause that follows is thunderous, echoing in my ears. Instinctively, I bow my head, a gesture of humility and gratitude. However, to my astonishment, the crowd bows their heads low in respect to me. My heart races, and my eyes well with tears. These are powerful alphas, esteemed Lunas, and commanding figures—why do they show me such deference?

I’m at a loss for how to respond. A part of me wants to flee or tell them to rise, but my voice fails me. Nicholas offers me a brief, reassuring smile, pressing his forehead against mine in a moment of intimacy. I breathe in his familiar, comforting scent, allowing it to calm my racing heart. My hands tremble as I hold onto his waist, feeling the warmth radiate from him.

After the introduction ceremony, we partake in a blood ritual where we slice our palms and join them, our blood mingling in a sacred bond. I wince at the sharp sting of the cut, but Nicholas remains stoic, his gaze unwavering as it locks onto mine. In his eyes, I find solace.

A rush of indescribable emotions floods my mind, connecting me to all the pack members. The sensation is overwhelming yet exhilarating. I’m now the official Luna of the Sapphire Royal pack. As if on cue, a chorus of howls erupts from the pack, echoing in a shared joy through the vast mind-link. I’m so overcome with emotion that tears spill from my eyes. Nicholas beams at me, pulling me closer by my waist, and I feel the heat rise in my cheeks from our closeness.