CRIMSON MOON LEGACY

Selenae

My gaze locked into Ryker's as he stood tall and proud before the witch that was to perform the ritual of transferring my inherited Alpha powers to him.

I felt dignified at the big decision I had taken and knew I wouldn't regret it for one second. I was only securing my pack's future. And I was sure my dead father, Ewan, and the preceding leader of the pack, would be proud of this. Of me. After all, I was taking a bold step putting the leadership of the pack in great hands.

Ewan's sudden death had left the prospect of the pack in my incapable hands. I hadn't been trained to lead and wouldn't know what to do with the immense powers that had been bestowed upon me.

And while Ewan hadn't been in support of my relationship with Ryker, he hadn't known Ryker like I did. His assumptions of him were based on past events and unfair judgement. This was a chance for Ryker to prove my father wrong.

And he would. I was sure he would.

"Selenae, you're doing the right thing," Ryker whispered, his blue eyes on just me, but I could hear him just fine as though he was speaking right into my ear. My heart swelled with pride. It was almost like we were the only ones present in the room full of a dozen other Werewolves.

And the witch. The Moon Goddess' chosen vessel. She waved her hand over for me and I joined them on the altar, my chest fluttering with emotion. The witch began weaving intricate patterns in the air. She gestured to me, urging me to proceed with my profession which I gladly did.

"Ryker, my love, my mate," I started. "I entrust you with the greatest gift I possess- my Alpha powers. May they strengthen your resolve and guide your heart. As the moon witnesses our bond, take my powers and my love and together, we will forge a brighter future for our pack," I declared.

"The Pack's fate rests in your hands, Ryker," I continued, my voice barely above a whisper, but this time, it was meant for just his ears.

Ryker's smile was reassuring but a flicker of something I couldn't place danced in his eyes. "I'll protect them, Selenae. I promise."

I tried to place the foreign expression but couldn't put a finger on it. However, I trusted him and that was all that mattered.

"By the moon's sacred light, the transfer begins!" The witch announced. "Kneel, child," she said to me. I obliged.

The witch's chant grew louder, the air thickening with ancient magic. I felt a mix of relief and trepidation as the transfer commenced. The weight of responsibility still lingered even if I was passing it unto him.

The witch intertwined my hands with Ryker's, and nicked us both on the wrist, initiating a blood oath. I felt my recently gained powers leave me and begin to flow into Ryker, strengthening our bond. My body felt light, the weight of duty and responsibility of the endowment slowly freeing me.

I shut my eyes, my thoughts drifting to my father. "He would have wanted this," I whispered with conviction before I fell into a trance.

The witch's incantations increased in the background and there was a significant shift of energy in the air.