—- Chapter17 Isla’s POV “Yes,” My answer stunned everyone in the room. “Isla?” Ethan looked at me, a question in his eyes. “Tf you want to come, you can come,” I said to Damien. “But only to watch.” A flicker of light appeared in Damien’s eyes. “Thank you. The next morning, the doctor cleared Damien to leave the hospital for a few hours. “But not for long,” he warned. “The silver poison isn’t completely gone.”‘ Ethan sent over a formal invitation and a ceremonial moonstone pin.
It was the highest courtesy shown to a guest. At three o’clock, the ceremony began. The location was the edge of the oldest Moon Spring —- in Switzerland. We were surrounded by the Alps, their snowy peaks glittering in the sun. The water of the spring was clear as a mirror, glowing with a soft, silver light. I wore a traditional white ceremonial gown and a crown of laurel flowers. Ethan was in a deep blue Alpha’s suit, the golden crest of the Sunstone Pack pinned to his chest.
The Head Elder of the Guild officiated. “In the witness of the Moon Goddess, we gather here today to see the joining of two souls.” The guests stood quietly. My parents, Chloe, my colleagues from the Guild, and representatives from several European packs. “Isla, do you accept Ethan as your chosen mate?” “I do,” I said, looking into Ethan’s warm, steady eyes.
“T choose him, as he has chosen me.” “Ethan, do you promise to respect Isla’s gifts, to support her dreams, and to walk beside her for all —- your days?” “I do,” Ethan said, his hand tightening on mine. “I promise to love all of her, including her strength and her independence.” We exchanged the moonstone bracelets. The very same ones that had been stolen and returned. Silver light shimmered on our wrists.
“By the power of the Moon Goddess, I now pronounce you Mated.” Ethan leaned in and gave me a soft, tender kiss. Applause and blessings erupted around us. “Congratulations!” “So beautiful!” “May you have a lifetime of happiness!” In that moment, my eyes drifted to a hill in the distance. A familiar figure was standing there alone. Damien.
