Three weeks later
AVA
The three weeks following Elijah’s arrest were chaotic. The police had their work cut out for them, as did the courts. In the end, Elijah was sentenced to death for crimes against the Crown, as were some of Elijah and Matthew’s closest and most dedicated cronies.
As for the rest of them, they were locked up, and most of them would stay in prison for a very long time. A few were genuinely forced to cooperate by Elijah, and so had to undergo a lengthy rehabilitation programme to make sure no traces of his influence remained.
I even succeeded in charging Minister Byron for encouraging the breaking of laws that were fundamental to the safety of millions of women and girls. He’d spend the rest of his life locked up too.
Once everything was settled and punishments had been dealt out, pack leaders from across the realm and most of Blood Moon returned to Eclipse Mountain for our official coronation.
First, I’d take my oath, and then the Kings would swear to me. Once they were done, we’d have an enormous buffet followed by a ball. It was all very formal. I was looking forward to tomorrow when my Kings and I are disappearing away for a few days, just the five of us.
My Kings and I got ready in our suite, whilst listening to the Bishop who was conducting the ceremony giving final information about what would happen. He also picked up the crowns each of my Kings had that I’d purposefully not told them about because I knew they’d hate it, and the ridiculously over the top one that I had.
Once the Bishop left for the Cathedral to get ready, Jacob, Alex and my parents came up to see us before heading down themselves. “I’m so proud of you,” my mum pulled me into her arms, trying not to disrupt either my hair or my dress whilst she did. She moved around the room, hugging each of my Kings individually, and I definitely heard her promise to kick their asses if they hurt me, to which I had to silently laugh.
Once we were ready in full ceremonial garb, it was time to head to the Cathedral.
The Bishop gave an unfortunately long speech that, if it wasn’t my ceremony, would have had me falling asleep. Sadly, I had to look interested. Michael and I stood on either side of the Bishop facing each other, ready to transfer the ruling power.
“Are you ready, my Queen?” the bishop asked, a small smile on his face. I nodded, at which point he motioned for me to begin. As Michael was the incumbent in my absence, we were clasping each other’s forearms for the transfer to complete.
“By the blood of my ancestors, and the strength of the moon,
I stand before you as your Queen, bound to lead, protect, and unite.
With the earth beneath my feet and the sky above my crown,
I vow to rule with honour, wisdom, and courage.
I shall be the shield for the weak, the voice for the silent,
The flame that burns against the darkness, and the light that guides our people.
In times of peace, I will nurture and preserve our legacy.
In times of war, I will stand unbroken, a beacon for our kind.
I pledge my heart to this land,
My soul to those who call it home,
And my spirit to the moon that binds us all.
With every breath, I shall honour the bond between the realm and its Queen,
With every step, I will defend our sacred lands and uphold the laws of our people.
Under the watchful eye of the moon and the spirits of the ancestors,
I vow to lead with strength, love, and loyalty, until my final howl echoes through the night.”
The Bishop placed the crown on my head and bowed his, and at that point, the transfer of the Kingdom was done.
Michael then cut his palm and I did the same, our hands joining to transfer the leadership of Eclipse Mountain. “I, Alpha Michael Lennox, hereby transfer ruling command over the Eclipse Mountain pack to you, Queen Avelina Wroblewski.”
“I, Queen Avelina Wroblewski, hereby accept command of the Eclipse Mountain pack.”
The bond snapped into place, and that was that.
Now it was the turn of my Kings. Theirs would be long… we had talked to the Bishop conducting the ceremony about the four of them taking the oath in sync, but… they have to do it individually.
The four of them made their way towards the dais, Callum stepping forwards first. He dropped to one knee before me, giving me a proud smile on the way down.
He bowed his head for me to place his crown on his head, before taking a deep breath and reciting his oath.
“By the moon that binds us and the blood we share,
I swear to stand by your side, now and forevermore.
I pledge my strength to protect you, my Queen,
And my life to defend this kingdom.
In times of peace, I shall serve with loyalty,
In times of war, I shall fight without fear.
Whatever the cost, whatever the sacrifice,
I vow to uphold your reign and the honour of our Kingdom.
With my heart, my soul, and my strength,
I am yours, Queen and Kingdom, until my final breath.”
Callum stood, kissing my hand, before moving to stand behind me.
Oscar, Noah and then Theo took their oaths, and then it was all done.
Underneath the light of the Full Moon and under the watchful gaze of Selene, I was officially Queen, and they were officially my Kings.
Everyone in attendance dropped to one knee, heads bowed, as a unanimous “my Queen,” rang out across the Cathedral. Once the crowd knelt, my Kings and Michael followed suit.
It was a strange feeling.
But now I couldn’t wait to take this crown off.