CHAPTER 150: GODDESS CHOSEN

The day arrived.

The Fates will be within the castle grounds in a few hours. There was a force in the air I couldn’t explain; maybe it was the restlessness that had overrun the castle in the last few days.

The Fates never showed themselves, except for the line of succession, and this event was unforeseen, yet the most anticipated one in a long time.

I stood in front of the mirror, taking in my appearance. I wore a deep blue gown with long, flowing sleeves that widened at the wrists. It had golden embroidery along the neckline, sleeves, waist, and front.

If I had a choice, I wouldn’t attend this occasion. But my presence was needed, and there wasn’t an exception for anyone.

"It’s time, Your Grace," Osha said behind me.

Taking a deep breath, I exited my chambers.

The walk there was a long, exhausting one, probably because my nerves were out of place.

I used the separate entrance, walking up the stairs to where the royal family stood out from the rest of the crowd.

I stood beside Drevon, my heart thrashing against my chest, as I sneaked a peek at him, silently wishing he would look at me.

But after a minute, I peeled my eyes away. They blurred from the coming tears, but I swallowed down the emotions.

The hall was packed, but big enough to accommodate the noble house. I could feel the tension in the air as everyone waited for the doors to open.

With all this stillness and silence, it felt like I was within a painting by a renowned artist. From the bright lights of the grand chandeliers, to the elegant attire, and how perfectly organized everything was. I could see why the moonflower was needed; the beauty of it was the highlight of the scenery, and they glowed too as the full moon streamed in from the wide windows.

I gulped, getting more nervous, feeling like my entire body would collapse. My hands, tucked in my sleeves, dropped to my side.

My chest heaved as the heat of Drevon’s body beside me burned through me, stealing away the cold. I moved a finger, knowing his hand was close.

My breath shuddered as the ghostly feel of his finger brushed mine. I wanted to touch him; I feared that if I didn’t, I might die.

Like a warm wrap, his big hand engulfed mine in a tight hold, and I released a breath. The sparks travelled through, and the days of being dead were nothing compared to how alive I was right now, how my insides flared at that one contact.

I almost broke down in tears, but I did my best not to.

"The Fates have arrived!"

My eyes moved to the aisle, landing on the grand doors that pushed open, and three figures stepped through.

They were dressed in simple black attire, the veils flowing behind them.

Wait, is that...

I moved, without much thought about what I was doing, my hand releasing from Drevon’s grip as I descended the stairs; every sound and presence was lost to me as I neared the Fates.

It was like being called from a voice that cannot be heard. Like a thread to a needle, I didn’t stop. My heartbeat pounded against my chest.

But then a hand on my arm stopped me. It was Drevon.

"Eloise," he said. "What are you doing?"

And then it dawned on me, I had left my post and walked the aisle to the Fates.

What was I thinking?

I could feel dozens of eyes upon me, many confused by my actions and questioning even.

"I..." I trailed, looking up to his gaze.

Drevon crooked his head with a puzzled look.

I swallowed hard. "I saw her, in the Moonhall, she sweeps the floor," I said, looking at the three.

The blind woman smiled at me.

"Eloise, their faces are covered with veils. No one has ever seen who or what they look like."

"What? That’s not right. She’s an elderly woman, blind."

The murmurs intensified.

I looked back at the three. Can no one see their faces? How come? I turned my head to Drevon, and then it dawned on me.

He can’t see them. No one can.

"What is she saying?"

"She sees them?"

"No one has, never."

"It’s not possible."

"She lies!"

"This is disrespecting the Fates!"

"Forgive this misbehavior, virtuous ones. This human does not know custom," The Dowager said, stepping forward. "It must have been a long journey here. Shall we get on with the affair so as not to take up your time?"

"Time?" The blind woman spoke, but strangely, it was all three of them in unison; they had the same voice, and faces. "We’ve been here for a while."

"I-I see... The Fates are unforeseen as always. You go against timing."

"The torch wasn’t burning for our coming, but as a beacon that we’ve arrived. And now it has extinguished? We show ourselves..." They looked at me. "...to the others."

"You honor us, dear ones. We’re glad you have come all this way to choose our future queen. Your public announcement shall set aside all doubts and usher us into the future."

"Future Queen? We did not come here to name or choose."

"Whatever do you mean?" the Dowager asked in confusion.

"We did not come here to name or announce a Queen. We came here to pay our respects and greetings."

Their heads turned to me.

"We greet Eloise Balthar. Goddess Chosen Mate of the Monarch. Queen of Valkanor and First Luna of the Lycans."

They bent their knees, as did their escorts who accompanied them.

"What is the meaning of this!" The Dowager boomed.

"This is not right..." Sloane intoned, stepping forward. "T-There must be some kind of mistake!"

"Virtuous ones, explain this!"

"There is no mistake." Their heads were to Sloane. "Nor is there anything to explain."

They looked at Drevon and me. "An Alpha must have a Luna, and that Luna is Eloise Balthar, with blood as snow."