The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 145

Sage

"Hold still," Helena commands gently, adjusting the ceremonial silver circlet nestled in my hair. "The ancient symbols must align precisely."

My reflection stares back from the ornate mirror – a stranger dressed in traditional Luna garments with distinctly non-traditional modifications. The gown follows royal protocol in its elegant silver-white fabric, but embroidered healing symbols edge the sleeves and neckline, acknowledging the heritage I once had to hide.

"Nervous?" Iris asks, arranging the ceremonial cloak around my shoulders. Through the open bond, I know Alaric senses my anxiety despite our agreement to maintain mental distance until the ceremony.

"Is it that obvious?" My hands smooth non-existent wrinkles from the dress.

"Only to those who know you well." Helena's fingers work with practiced precision, securing ancient silver pins. "I felt the same before my marking ceremony."

That gives me pause. The composed, elegant queen I've come to know seems incapable of such uncertainty. "You were nervous?"

A rare smile softens her features. "Terrified. The entire kingdom watching as I formally bound myself to their king." Her hands still momentarily. "Though in my case, it was arranged, not a true mate bond."

"That must have been harder," I offer quietly.

"Different." Her gaze meets mine in the mirror. "I grew to love Perseus over time. You and my son began with something deeper than most wolves ever know."

Through our dampened bond, I feel Alaric's impatience growing, his beast pushing closer to the surface as the marking ceremony approaches. We've been kept carefully separated since dawn – tradition demanding that the Alpha sees his mate only at the formal presentation.

"Almost time." An elder appears at the chamber door, her eyes widening slightly at my completed appearance. "The council awaits."

"And I." Iris takes her place. "Iris, Princess of the Royal Line, present her as worthy by courage and sacrifice."

"And we." A surprising voice joins from the side – the head healer, flanked by her entire staff. "The healers of the kingdom present her as worthy by gift and service."

Not part of the traditional ceremony. I feel whispers ripple through the assembled wolves as more step forward – warriors I fought beside, Alphas whose territories I helped defend, even civilians whose families I saved.

"We present her." Their voices join in unified declaration. "As worthy by choice and action."

Tears threaten as I continue my approach to the dais. Through our bond, Alaric's pride flows stronger than the ceremonial restrictions should allow, his beast pushing against protocol to reach for mine.

"The kingdom has spoken." Lord Harrison's voice holds formal gravity. "Sage of the Healing Line approaches the throne as chosen mate, as future Luna, as Queen in her own right."