The Alpha King's Witch Bride
Chapter 251: _Luna Queen Odessa

Chapter 251: _Luna Queen Odessa

Later that night, I was in my bedroom, sitting in front of my mirror.

Caroline was helping me make my hair and didn’t bother me with any questions or exciting gossip tonight. Her expression was also solemn.

I wore a blood red gown with long sleeves, representing the pack’s signature colour.

Tonight, Kaelos and I will be going live to simultaneously broadcast Elder Davina’s funeral ritual and also to announce once and for all that I’m the new Luna Queen of the continent.

I wasn’t exactly sure if doing both things at once would be a good idea but Kaelos insisted... And I didn’t want to push him. He was trying hard to mask his emotions, to be the strong, ruthless Alpha King everyone expected him to be.

But I could tell Davina’s death was perhaps the final crack in the already weakening icy walls in his heart.

"All set, ma’am." Caroline finally muttered, stepping away from me after brushing my hair gently with her hand.

I slowly got on my feet, checking my hair out. It was made into stylish wavy tresses that reached my waist.

But I only smiled wryly, turning my gaze to Caroline and giving her a small nod. "Thanks, Car."

She smiled as well but didn’t say anything. I don’t know why but the look in her eyes... It was like someone who knew something but was keeping it to herself.

The question is... What could that be?

"The people are waiting outside." Caroline coughed when I stared for too long, parting aside strands of her hair.

Suddenly, she grabbed me by my shoulders and pulled me into a warm hug, causing my eyes to widen at first. That hug wasn’t random.

I could almost feel her grief and her silent need for comfort, forcing me to hug her as well, my hands brushing across her back gently as I sighed heavily.

"I don’t know how or when but a day will come when we’ll no longer have to live in fear in this pack," I whispered the first thing that came to my mind, my voice heavy as we slowly separated from the embrace.

Caroline’s face had a small smile now as she nodded, her eyes glinting with tears which she didn’t let fall. My eyes were heavy as well but I sucked in deep breaths to hold my emotion in as she mutttered.

"I believe so too, Odessa. More than you think."

.

.

We stepped out of the mansion side by side, heading outside the gates.

In front of the gates, people were gathered from far and wide. They stood a good distance away from the gate, but each of them had a solemn expression on their faces.

Thousands of werewolves from all around the pack... The elite district and the lower classes, young and old were gathered. And all had tense expressions under the moonlight when their eyes saw me.

"There she is."

"She’s the cause of all of this. I’m sure of it."

"First the charity Ball, then the lives we lost during the riots yesterday. I’m sure she killed Elder Davina."

"Who else does she need to kill before we band together and chase her out of this pack?"

I clenched my jaw, looking away from the crowd as I ascended the makeshift stage made in front of them.

I felt like hiding. I felt like sinking into the ground. But I couldn’t and had to suck it all in and keep my expression calm.

Kaelos was already standing on the stage with Marcellus and Layla standing behind him. Caroline gave me one reassuring nod before she gestured for me to go stand by my mate’s side.

When I got to Kaelos, I held his hand to ground myself, breathing heavily.

’You’ve been... Distant since we got back.’ I spoke to him through the mate bond. ’I just want to remind you that I’m always here by your side.’

He was silent, closing his eyes for a few seconds before he finally cleared his throat, speaking with a voice that probably boomed through the entire pack.

"We’re gathered tonight to observe the funeral ceremony of one of the greatest spiritual leaders this pack and the continent has seen!"

Silence.

The sea of people instantly became silent, ceasing their whispering. Some still stared at me with fear and disdain... Or both.

At the far right of the stage, Elder Davina’s body was placed inside a red casket. Flaming torches surrounded the casket, their light casting a sickly yellow glow on that part of the stage.

Camera men stood at strategic spots around the huge stage, broadcasting this worldwide.

"Elder Davina was a fierce woman. Attuned to the moon goddess and bringing clarity in these... Dark times where people push for the continuation of a war that has already lasted for over a century." Kaelos continued but I could feel the subtle anger lingering behind his voice.

I could feel it like it was mine.

Anger for himself. Anger for the people. And most of all... Anger for whoever killed Elder Davina.

"She’ll be missed and her death has left behind a scar that might linger in this pack decades later. But her death is also the beginning of something new." Kaelos finally brought his gaze to me and before I knew what was happening, he raised my hand.

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the sea of people as confusion spread.

But Kaelos barely paid any heed as his voice increased by an octave. "Tonight, as the flames of Elder Davina light one last time, I want to let it be known to the whole world. Odessa Pierce is MY mate and THE Luna Queen of the North American packs. Not just my wife and not just a hybrid."

The gasps and murmuring increased but Kaelos roared.

"Silence!"

I jolted slightly, shocked by the intensity. But the people took the hint and instantly kept quiet, some even holding their breath as Kaelos slowly let go of my hand.

He approached Elder Davina’s casket in silence, grabbing one of the flaming torches.

I watched as he dropped the torch on the casket which slowly caught fire on the table it was placed on, the flames lighting up the stage and billowing into the sky.

"Anyone who has a problem with my decree will answer to me," Kaelos said coldly, turning his head to the audience and a camera placed in that direction. "And I promise... The war you so desire for our people will rain on you. In abundance."