Faisa strolled around her quarters. Anxiously, she bit her nails.
She was having difficulty attending the mating ceremony, which was held again this year. She found it difficult to go to the meeting where her mate was supposed to be found.
She desired to be free from such things and to live a free life. She found them to be somewhat bothersome. She has been shy and afraid of numerous things for the entire twenty years that she has lived.
She wished for things to stay that way. Through the window of her room, she peered out. The air in the evening was lovely.
The atmosphere was vibrant because of the stars' brilliant brightness. She saw folks conversing while wearing various outfits. While some headed to the mating ceremony and others to their own destinations, they happily chatted.
She grinned. Seeing folks smiling was a pleasing sight. Her smile went sour in an instant. She tightened her hand as she thought about her deceased parents.
She was still unsure about going to the mating ceremony, despite the fact that her absence had left her feeling lonely. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She raised her head and saw a lovely woman's smile.
"Hi, Raina," Faisa said as she took a seat. She released her breath.
Raina saw the concern in her expression. "What could it be, Faisa? Raina questioned, "Don't tell me you're not going to the mating ceremony." She wanted to know.
She was the closest friend to Faisa and the person who knew her the best. Since she turned eighteen, Faisa has always been bashful and reluctant to participate in the mating ritual. She went to sit next to Faisa after walking over.
Taking Faisa's hands in hers, she spoke. "Faisa, don't pass up this opportunity. You'll find your soulmate, I'm sure of it. Could you attend the mating ceremony and survive? Will it? She enquired. Searching for answers, she glanced into Faisa's eyes.
Although Raina was aware that Faisa was still grieving over the death of her parents, she still wanted to help her.
Raina pleaded, "Do it at least, for your parents' sake."
Faisa met her closest friend's beseeching gaze. She made the decision to give it a shot. "All right! Raina, let's get this done," she said.
They both gave a big laugh. Raina assisted Faisa in selecting her outfit. She helped her apply makeup as well, and after getting dressed, she had a goddess-like beauty.
Her green eyes had a gem-like sheen to them. Her red hair cascaded down her shoulders like a never-ending torrent. She grinned.
Raina grabbed Faisa's hands and they went to the mating ceremony as she was already dressed. Feeling people's eyes on her, Faisa hung her head low.
With Raina by her side, she nearly fell off her heels. They both laughed as she turned to face Raina. Faisa periodically raised her gaze to the moon. It had not yet reached capacity.
She was petting her arms. The temperature was dropping. The air was full of laughter and chatter.
Now Faisa stood by herself. Raina was talking to several of the pack members. The closer midnight got to Faisa, the more terrified she became. She was by herself.
She turned to see everyone grinning broadly. Raina came over and handed her one of the two wine glasses she had. It was painful for her to give it up.
"Faisa, please stop acting in such a disrespectful manner for so long. You are now a woman."
"You are the greatest person to know that. Take a drink; it won't hurt."
Raina pushed the wine glass into her hands and said, "Go ahead."
She smiled as she turned to face her. "Always remember to have fun. And now is your opportunity. Make sure not to miss it!"
Reyna's counsel forced her to be brave.
"Wait, before I know my mate, how about you stay with me for the time being?"
Freya cried, "You can't leave me here alone."
Her arm was around Raina.
Raina taunted, "I have to look for my mate too,'miss shy.'"
Raina was freed from Faisa's hold. Before walking away, Raina gave her a "thumbs up" and patted her shoulder.
Faisa felt hollow as she peered around. Since it was the mating ceremony, the entire pack appeared to be happy.
She rarely exposed herself outside, which is why she was feeling so alone.
Her introverted and quiet personality made her want to spend more time indoors. She didn't think it would happen this quickly, despite her longing to be matched to someone who would be her second half forever.
She didn't want to hear people calling her a "late bloomer" since it was strange that, at twenty, she still hadn't found a partner.
She let out a breath and looked up. Her eyes widened with fear, and she noticed the full moon shining brightly right away.
She turned to see men and women moving in distinct ways. A few of them clutched each other while giving each other passionate kisses.
All she could do was gaze in amazement. She stood, staring off into space.
She regained consciousness when she heard a man's voice. A young man in his "late twenties" drew the pack members' attention by standing in the center of the group.
"The mating ritual, for which we are here, has already started. However, there is another reason we are here."
He stopped to watch people's reactions. Some whispers were audible. The folks wanted to know what the alternative reason could be.
"A new Alpha was appointed, as you may have heard. Finding his mate, who would become his Luna, is one of the purposes of this event."
He went on, "The first female to transform is the one who will become the Alpha's Luna as we continue the ceremony."
He said, "Enjoy yourself and make this mating ceremony one to remember," before leaving the event.
"The first female to turn?" Faisa wondered at herself.
She noticed a few women were agitated and eager already. Who wouldn't want to be a "Luna," of course?
Since there was no guy nearby to awaken her wolf, she started to worry that she would not change. Worried, she bowed her head. She started to feel remorseful for attending the mating ceremony.
If Raina had left her alone, at the very least, she wouldn't be feeling this way. Her gaze swept over the group, looking for Raina. When she looked at someone, she felt a spark appear out of nowhere.
She shook her head, attempting to concentrate on finding Raina. It took place once more. She gave the figure a quick glance.
A scary figure towered above them. He had his hair pulled back in a "ponytail." His dark blue eyes were fixed on her.
He couldn't seem to take his eyes off of her position.
They were being restrained by an outside force. "Could he be my mate?" Faisa let out a mental scream.
Her legs felt suddenly low. Furs grew on her skin, and her bones cracked. It was beyond her control. She let out a loud cry while sitting in a wolf's posture.
She was surprised to realize that she had turned when she glanced at her body. The man was standing where she'd last seen him.
He fixed his intense gaze on her, attempting to process what had just transpired. She took a timid step backward.
The pack members noticed what was going on at this point and moved forward to take a look.
After persevering, Raina discovered her friend in a wolf state. She gazed at her pal, wide-open. It happened more quickly than she anticipated.
Faisa continued to sit shyly in a corner. "What is the meaning of this nonsense!"
The man who'd been observing Faisa let out a shout!
"What do you mean, Aiden? Is something wrong?"
The man who had announced the ceremony ran over to him. He was perplexed! "I ask again, what is the meaning of this rubbish, Silas!"
His words shook across the assembly. His previously dull blue eyes brightened.