The priest lets go of my hand and faces the side of me. I cross my arms in front of my chest. The priest then slowly pushes me under the water for my final rebirth. My back starts to burn but the water helps to soothe the pain. I was told getting my holy mark would hurt but I never would have thought it'd be this painful. I hold it in and keep it together. If it wasn't for the water I would have screamed. I calm down and come out of the water for some much-needed air. Everyone starts clapping their hands in congratulations. My cape came off and so did the veil when I went under. When I turn to face everyone to get out it gets quiet. I look around to see why it was so quiet when one of Nona's roots passed me my veil and cape.
I gasp in surprise and quickly put them back on. I hear a couple of growls and see my family run over to stand in front of me.
"Keep your eyes to yourself, she's still a pup." My father gets into an attack stance in front of me.
The head priest gets out and grabs a wool towel and holds it out for me to take. I quickly get out and wrap myself up. Our people weren't the only ones who were here. Beastmen from other cities and villages were also here to see my ascension.
I walk with my family surrounding me back to my hut. Before I enter the priest speaks up, he was also following behind us.
"You will have to stay in these clothes for the night. This material dries quickly so come back to the temple before we start the final ceremony." He leaves after saying that.
"Are you alright?" My dad finally speaks when there aren't any more males around.
"I'm a little shaken up but alright." I hug my dad. He always has a way to make me feel better. I smell his scent and relax in his arms. No matter how much I grow everyone is still twice my size, but I don't mind, I can snuggle into them easily.
"Lyria we still need to dry you off," Mal speaks up behind me. I let go of dad and turn around. He was holding the towel that slipped from my shoulders when I went to hug dad.
We all go into my hut together. They look around at my space and seem to nod in approval. When I first came here it was pretty bare. I've added fur to the hardwood floor, and I have several potted flowers in here as well. I've been collecting river rocks and polishing them down to make decorations and wood cravings that were small enough I could use them to accessorize myself.
"Do you guys want to see the new tattoo?" I ask excitedly
"Of course." They say in unison.
"Hurry up and show us." Ryker and Pat say just as excitedly.
I take the cape off and pull the dress down to show them my back.
"Wow!"
I feel cool hands touch my back.
"That feels good." I sigh in contentment.
"Does it hurt?" Dad was the one with the cool hands.
"It still stings a little but your cool hands feel good." I hear him laugh a little before he puts his other hand on my aching back. I feel more hands covering the tattoo on my back and I start to cry. The whole process was very painful, and I held it together till now. Having my family with me right made me so relieved I couldn't help but cry.
I sniff a little trying not to worry them.
"Are you crying Kitten?" Ryker asks me.
"I just feel so relieved to have you all here with me." I choke out. My voice sounds horse from trying to hold back my tears.
Ryker stops trying to cool my back off and stands in front of me. He pulls my chin up so I'm looking at him.
"It all hurt so much Ryker." I stopped holding back my tears and let it all out. I lean my head on Ryker's stomach and hold his hand for dear life.
"The cut on my hand only stung for a moment but getting my Mark felt like a fire was lit on my back. I couldn't scream or I'd swallow water and choke. If I wasn't shocked by everyone seeing my full face I probably would've started crying while I was still in the pool." I admitted.
We stand there for a couple of minutes while I try to calm myself down. Now that that's off my chest I feel a lot better. Once I've calmed down, I get ready to head to the front of the temple to finish the Red Lunar ceremony. I lead the way with my family following closely behind.