I was panicking on the inside. my hands wringing together as I paced around my room. today would change everything. gone would be the times where I could leisurely enjoy afternoons relaxing at the lake or hanging with friends at the mall.

as my father's only child soon I would be the leader of my large clan of Nagas. and I couldn't help the fear of failing and even possibly leading my clan into destruction. feeling myself becoming frantic I sank down to the floor with my head resting on my arms.

I heard the door open as my best friend rushed in possibly having felt my discomfort over the clan bond.

Malaya she said reaching down and grabbing my arm as she pulled me from the floor. what are you doing the ceremony starts in an hour and you still aren't ready. she exclaimed while trying to pull me to the closet.

Keita I dont know if I can do this I said looking down at the floor. what if I'm not strong enough I say still trying to pull myself together.

Malaya you are the strongest girl I have ever met and you have been raised for this position your entire life. while everyone was playing with their friends you where in here studying and while everyone was out at parties you where training tirelessly with the clan warriors. and everytime your father tried to stop you from running patrols with the others you would always argue with him until he backed down. that's how I know that your strong and smart and fearless. I know you can do this and so does the rest of the clan. we all believe in you. Keita said as she looked me in the eyes.

now I know you wish your mom could be here with you and help prepare you for the day you not only take over the clan but also meet your life mate but I hope you will let your sister from another mother help in getting you ready. Keita asked finally succeeding in getting me over to the closet as she pulled out the beautiful ceremonial dress that I was required to wear. typically the future chief or chieftess would wear gold and black but because I am also becoming eligible for mating I am to where a white dress so to keep both the traditions intact I had custom made lace dress created in gold and white colors to signify my royal bearings and my purity to the mate bond. after putting the dress on I have never felt more beautiful as Keita had done my hair into a elegant updo that left my neck and upper shoulders exposed.

just when I was prepared to step out of the door my father stopped me with an odd look in his eyes. Malaya you look so beautiful right now almost exactly like your mother. he said as he pulled me into his arms. I leaned into him as I knew he need this moment just as much as I did.

your mother would be so proud of you right now he said and I felt moisture building in my eyes. come on daddy dont make me cry I'll ruin my makeup. I said trying to lighten the mood because I knew that thinking about my mom always made him so sad. and it worked because he laughed and said we both know your not wearing makeup that stuff is for actors. it was a long standing joke because for some reason he was always trying to make me do ridiculously girly things which included buying me a gigantic makeup kit when I was nine years old. so I immediately did him a face full of makeup that looked amazing in my nine year old eyes and then promptly gave it away to the school drama club and declared I would never wear makeup because it was for actors and ugly people. which I do admit was a little naive because now I do very rarely wear makeup though very little of it. I know he was just trying to fill the whole left by my mom but I guess I just wasn't into those things wanting to focus more on learning how to be a great clan leader and getting my shifting capabilities under control. slowly he pushed out of the hug holding me at arms distance while looking me up and down. you look stunning daughter he said while reaching into his pocket and pulling out a large black box. dad how did you fit that box into your pocket. that thing is huge. I said joking lightly still trying to alleviate the sadness I see in his eyes. I dont know he said humoring me. it was a little tight.

that's what she said. I cackled at him. and the look that crossed his face was indeed hilarious. it was a mix of mortified laughter mixed with a little embarrassment please Malaya dont make those kind of jokes your father's heart cant stand for it. oh please dad your as healthy as an ox.and plus I couldn't wait for the chance to get you back for making me where that dress to the father daughter day when everyone else was in casual wear I'm still traumatized by having to wear a dress while playing baseball with all the other girls. I said laughter over coming both of us at the memory. thanks sweet heart I know what your trying to do and I appreciate it. I knew this was something your mother wanted to do with you but before the accident she said to make sure that on the day of your mating day I would give this to you. with that being said he slowly opened the box. nestled inside was a delicate white gold and chocolate diamond matching bracelet and necklace it was stunning and matched my dress exactly. wow daddy this is beautiful and I love it I said as he went behind me to help with chain. thank you I said sincerely. I watched as a faint blush rose up his neck as he carefully tucked my arm into his. your mother wanted this and all I want is for my girls to be happy he said as he lead me out of the house and into the cleaning where the ceremony will be held.