This was it. The hour that she had feared but it was now upon her. Accalia fished out her favorite dress and donned it on. She brushed her wavy hair and tied her hair neatly into a smooth bun.
Accalia squeezed out a dollop of cream into her sweaty palms and began to gently apply the sweet-smelling mixture on her arms and thighs. She thought about the meeting with the Alpha and prayed her quite embarrassing past shouldn't be discovered.
As she stepped out of her door,she was joined by the other ladies.
"You ready?", Rachel asked
"Yes.. yes I am", Accalia replied and smiled faintly.
As Luna, Rachel led the way. It seemed like even the air at that moment sensed the anxiety as only their footsteps could be heard as they walked in silence to the Alpha's chambers. Accalia was certain her heartbeat could be heard and felt from the way Helen smiled at her reassuringly.
Soon they arrived at the porch and they met Ethan conversing with one of the young warriors. Ethan nodded at the presence of the ladies and dismissed the young man,so he could lead them in.
Rachel asked Ethan about Gabriel and he told her that he was in with the Alpha and the elders. As Ethan spoke,he made sure that he avoided looking at Accalia's way. He tried to block his senses from interfacing with hers but it barely worked.
He could feel her breath as if she leaned on him. He felt her palpitating heartbeat and even the soft gasp she gave when they stepped into the large room that the Alpha sat. Their eyes met briefly as he bowed before the Alpha and gestured with his hands that she could step forward into the circle.
The circle was a highly magical spot. It was said that several strong werewolves made a very strong enchantment beneath the circle that could only be broken by the blood of all the werewolves. It had the power to absorb every evil spell and to revoke spirits.
The circle was decorated with burning white candles and it had a mark in the middle and it smelt of burnt incense. One of the elders beckoned on Accalia to step into the circle so they could commence.
Accalia gulped hard and gathered courage,then slowly,she placed one foot after another into the circle. She wasn't bothered about being revoked because she wasn't evil. All she wanted was a new home.
"What is your name,fair lady?",The Alpha asked softly
"I am Accalia Monae. Daughter of Elsinore and Dryan. I lost my father before I was born and I was raised by my mother before she passed away a few years ago", Accalia said, raising her head high as she spoke.
This was the first time she introduced herself in the open. She had never been given an opportunity to identify herself because she was a slave who knew nothing about speaking or accepting who she was.
"Hmm.. interesting! So what brings you to our pack?",the Alpha asked again rubbing his chin curiously
"I'm an open woman like a book. I feel life is worth exploring so I wouldn't want to live a life regretting that I should have explored more. Your kingdom is popular for its peace and happiness. I only seek for a home,my Alpha and if the gods bless me,an opportunity to build a family", Accalia said bowing her head as she ended.
"So you haven't been marked?", one of the elders asked from across the room.
Accalia turned slightly and replied,"Not yet. I hope to be but I have no mate yet".
"We have rules and regulations here. We look out for our members. But in all,we wouldn't want rogue werewolves", Gabriel spoke up for the first time.
"So tell us, would we have your loyalty if you are accepted as one of us?"He asked, shifting in his chair.
"My loyalty and my respect you would get. I'm not a bare woman. All my knowledge and services I would offer whenever there is need for it", Accalia replied bowing her head again.
"You look like a good and humane one, Accalia. But we would love Luna and Gamma to take you in the room, to examine you. We don't want a pregnant werewolf without a mate, that we don't know",the Alpha said,and all the elders nodded in agreement.
Accalia turned to Rachel who had risen from her seat from behind. The Gamma who was sitting beside the door,opened it and went in followed by Accalia and Rachel. Helen silently prayed for a negative result as she remembered how difficult it was for her to migrate as well.
Although she wasn't cross-examined because of her uncle who was a respected Beta,she still felt anxious,so she understood the way Accalia was feeling at the moment. The room went silent as they all awaited Accalia's return.
The Alpha leaned forward to pick some grapes from the fruit basket and threw some of it in his mouth then leaned back thoughtfully in his throne. Gabriel shut his eyes,and one could tell he had a busy morning, while Ethan stood elegantly with his hands held in front of him.
Less than an hour later, Accalia walked out of the room to the piercing eyes that watched her. She saw Helen who watched her trying to get some signal from her. Accalia was directed to stand again in the circle which she did.
"My Alpha,as the Luna in this pack,who was assigned to cross-examine Accalia Monae with the help of the Gamma,permit me to announce that on Accalia's body bears no mark of a prospective mate and neither is she pregnant", Rachel said, bowing to the court before leaving to her seat.
Helen almost jumped in excitement,but was quick enough to hold herself. She smiled at Rachel who smiled back before sitting.
The court heaved in relief and the murmurings began. Their pack had not been involved in a war for a while now,and they weren't looking forward to one. They still had to ward off human hunters and researchers from discovering that they were different.
"Silence!", Ethan roared when the noise heightened and made it impossible for the Alpha to speak.
Immediately,the court went dead silent and the Alpha began to speak, "Oh well there we have it! Accalia Monae is free to inhabit amongst us. As it's our tradition,there will be a welcome celebration for her".
Accalia smiled and bowed as the court cheered in excitement. "We have another in our pack and my dear Accalia, you are welcome. You would never be addressed as an immigrant but an original werewolf".
"Some of us had been through this road before but here we are stronger and fiercer",the Alpha said, rising to his feet and the others in the court rose as well.
When he said that,he walked down the steps to where Accalia stood and held out his hand to her. Accalia knelt before him and kissed his hands while everyone cheered on.
"Tell your families! Tell everyone! Accalia Monae is one of us now!",the Alpha roared.
After the cheers died down,the Alpha raised his hand that he had an announcement to make. Again,the room went tense.
"As you all know,I have served as your Alpha for years and I have led us to several war battles and we emerged victorious. I'm pleased to have fought with you all side by side, however,I do not wish to die before my son rules. Therefore,in a month's time,I'll be handing over the throne to my son, Gabriel".
"If anyone wishes to challenge his Alpha title, feel free but I'll advise no one does. Because although he may not leave the loser alive,I'm certain he would make a great Alpha and Rachel would make a fine Luna", the Alpha said with pride.
Gabriel couldn't believe his ears."Why",he thought to himself. He stared at his father in shock and so did Rachel. Ethan and the rest of the others bowed in support of the Alpha's decision.
Rachel and Gabriel walked to the front hand in hand and knelt before the Alpha. "The coronation would be on my birthday and since I'll still be alive,I'll be occupying the Godfather emeritus title. That means I'll be away from your board except invited by the Alpha".
"If you ask me, I'll be honored to offer my advice to anyone and just like Accalia here,after the coronation,I'll be taking a trip around the world. I'll love to meet up with my Alpha friends too", the Alpha joked and the court cheered in amusement.
The Alpha hugged his son and Rachel, before announcing the end of the meeting.
With the meeting closed, Ethan walked to Gabriel and congratulated him with a firm handshake. The duo laughed and patted each other on the back. The elders greeted the Alpha-to-be and Luna.
Everyone paused as the Alpha retreated into his inner chambers to rest and relax, before they continued in their conversations. Helen ran to Rachel and the both ladies squealed in excitement. Accalia walked to the women and they both hugged her so tight she could hardly breathe.
"Oh my goodness,there are so many parties to plan. First, Accalia's party,then the Alpha's birthday and the coronation party", Helen said breathlessly
"Don't worry ladies,I'll be taking your measurements as soon as we get home,so I can start sewing our dresses",she continued yapping.
"Absolutely! Just so you know Helen,I love bright colors. They just bring out the glow in me", Accalia cut in happily.
"Oh no! This isn't happening. Two of Helen?", Rachel cried jokingly.
"Oh my gosh! I know right! I knew you were that spark we needed", Helen said to Accalia ignoring Rachel's cries.
"So I have so many crazy ideas about my party, ladies but please can we get some wine? My throat is dry from all the tension earlier", Accalia asked.
"Of course my darling! Right away. Moreover,we were yet to relish those yummy vanilla ice cream", Rachel said as she strutted in front of the ladies.
"Now someone is all hyped up. Who knew all it took was the thought of vanilla ice cream", Helen commented as they all laughed before running behind Rachel back to Accalia's place.
As they walked off, Accalia turned and met Ethan's eyes burning on her. She smiled at him and wanted to wave when Helen held her hands and dragged her off in excitement.