Chapter 694 The Grand Coronation
This was the first coronation ceremony in over a decade.
The Grimroot pack had never hosted so many guests since its existence. Alphas and their Lunas. Betas and Gammas. Elders who had not left their own territories in years. Pack members from every alliance, every friendship, every tenuous connection forged over centuries of werewolf politics.
And it was all because of one thing. The Blood Moon Festival tomorrow.
Usually, only Alphas attended events like this. The powerful, the elite. But due to the festival, pack members, leaders, and older leaders were all in attendance, their presence adding a buzzing energy to the already charged atmosphere.
Unlike other packs who hosted events like these under canopies in the pack grounds or even at the gym, the Grimroot pack seemed to be the only one with a huge event hall dedicated to such occasions.
The grandeur was splendid, breathtaking, making everyone wonder why the Alpha King and Queen’s coronation hadn’t been hosted here.
The chandeliers were massive, sparkling like captured constellations. Crystal prisms caught the light and scattered it across the polished floor in shimmering patterns. The walls were draped in rich fabrics, deep crimson and gold, the colors of royalty and power.
It didn’t take long for the hall to fill the moment the doors opened.
Everyone had been waiting. And they were not disappointed.
They took their seats elegantly, the rustle of silk and the soft murmur of voices filling the air. The elders arrived first, then Vladimir, Oriana, and the shaman, their presence commanding respect without a single word spoken.
A throne had been erected for the King and Queen.
They took their seats with grace, wearing their crowns and mythical stone necklaces. The ancient relics pulsed with a soft, otherworldly light, casting a gentle glow throughout the hall. It was as if the very air had come alive, thrumming with power and presence.
“King Voren and Queen Seraphine were born for this.”
Nicole’s voice bubbled with excitement, her eyes shining as she took in the scene. Emery could not agree more.
“Indeed.” A note of regret crept into Emery’s voice. “I regret not staying in the pack when we got the chance. It’s as if I’ve missed a lot.” She shook her head, marveling. “Beta Corvine is now an Alpha. And Princess Athaliah the Luna?”
Their conversations died at the sound of a voice.
Augustine stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. Today, he was representing the council. He bowed respectfully to Voren and Seraphine, his posture perfect, his expression reverent.
“King and Queen Voren and Seraphine.” His voice rang through the hall, clear and strong. “It’s a great honor to be the MC of this wonderful occasion. If I have your permission, I’d like to call upon those who have registered to join the Grimroot pack.”
Voren inclined his head, granting permission without a word.
Desmond and Nessa made their way to the front, their faces bright with pride. Madison and Einstein, Emery, Tallulah, Nicole, Callum, Zane, and other new pack members followed, their footsteps echoing against the marble floor. They had not yet undergone the pack bonding ritual.
“I’m one of them.” Augustine’s words drew gasps from the crowd. Even the elders exchanged glances of surprise. But there was no time for questions. Oriana and the Shaman walked over and took them through the vows, their voices steady and ceremonial.
The blood oath required them to step outside to the pack grounds. When they returned, Voren’s voice boomed through the hall.
“Everyone, welcome our new pack members.”
Applause erupted, thunderous and warm. Augustine took over the microphone again, his movements efficient.
“Without wasting time, I call upon the Gammas and new Beta.”
The same procedure followed. The vows. The blood oath. The return. Then Voren’s voice echoed again.
“Grimroot pack, congratulate our Gammas. Gamma Sloane. Gamma Jasmine.”
Applause echoed once more. Most people were amazed that the gamma positions were occupied by she-wolves. It was unheard of in most packs. But this was Grimroot, and things were done differently here.
“We have a relief gamma.” Voren’s voice sounded again, carrying across the hall. “She will be standing in when any of the leaders are too busy. Everyone, relief Gamma, Faye.”
The girl at the back went still.
Her face drained of color, then flushed bright red. She had not been prepared for this arrangement. Corvine had informed her she would be a backup, but he had never mentioned a formal introduction. Her hands trembled at her sides, her eyes darting around the room like a trapped animal.
But the applause that followed was warm, welcoming. She managed a shaky smile, her shoulders relaxing just slightly.
When the applause died, Augustine continued. “Everyone, let’s welcome Beta Damon.”
Damon stepped forward, his posture straight, his expression composed. After he was taken through the ritual, Voren allowed Kael to welcome him.
“Grimroot.” Kael’s voice rang through the hall, warm and genuine. “It’s good to have someone capable to manage this pack with. I am honored to work with Beta Damon.”
He turned to Damon, his hand extended. “Beta Damon. Congratulations. And welcome once again to the Grimroot pack.”
The two embraced, a bond of understanding passing between them. The crowd applauded, their approval evident.
Then Augustine’s voice sounded again. “Everyone, with a standing ovation, let’s welcome Alpha Corvine and Luna Thaliah.”
Everyone rose to their feet, including the King and Queen.
The proud smiles on their faces could not be missed. Oriana led them through the ritual, her voice steady and ceremonial. The vows were spoken. The blood was offered. The bond was sealed.
And as everyone expected Voren to announce them, two beautiful creatures appeared on the stage.
Their voices rang through the microphone, small but clear, carrying across the hall with surprising strength.
“Everyone, welcome and congratulate the Alpha and Luna! Uncle Corvine and Aunty Thaliah!”
The hall burst into applause and giggles.
Both Corvine and Liah lifted Bryan and Espe into their arms, their faces split wide with joy. The children were dressed in royal clothes, their tiny forms swallowed by velvet and silk. A tiara sat on Espe’s head, a coronet on Bryan’s.
At the sight of Espe, Ravyn was in tears.
He stood at the back of the hall, hidden in the shadows, his chest heaving with silent sobs. He recalled everything that happened last night. The tears. The fear. The hatred in his daughter’s eyes. And now, seeing her here, radiant and happy, surrounded by love and celebration, the weight of his failures crushed him.
Liah was given the microphone for the acceptance speech.
“I, Thaliah Stone, accept the position of Luna of the Grimroot pack.” Her voice was steady, strong. “I look forward to your support to move this pack forward.”
She paused, her smile softening. “And I also have the honor to introduce the princess of the Grimroot pack. Princess Esperanza Ashkael.”
Esperanza was excited like no other.
She squirmed in Liah’s arms, her small body vibrating with energy. The moment she was set down, she ran, her tiny feet carrying her across the stage and into her parents’ arms.
Seraphine caught her, pulling her close, pressing kisses to her hair. Voren wrapped his arms around them both, his eyes glistening with emotion.
Corvine gave his acceptance speech.
“Being the Alpha of the Grimroot pack is both an honor and a great responsibility.” His voice carried across the hall, steady and sure. “I accept both.”
He and Liah wore matching clothes, deep midnight blue with silver embroidery. They looked regal. Powerful. Worthy of the titles they now bore.
“I also have the honor of introducing the prince of the Grimroot pack. Prince Bryan.”
Hands slammed together, excitement filling the air. Bryan puffed out his chest, his small face beaming with pride.
Both the Alpha and Luna walked to the King and Queen.
Without a word, their knees touched the floor in unison. A gesture of submission, respect, and fealty.
“Rise, Alpha Corvine and Luna Thaliah.”
Voren’s voice rang through the hall, commanding and warm.
“From this moment on, the Grimroot pack is your responsibility.”
The two rose, their movements synchronized. “We shall do well to make you proud.”
Instantly, leaders swarmed around them, congratulations pouring in from every direction. The ceremony was simple and short. As they stepped out and took pictures, waiters and omegas swiftly rearranged the hall for refreshment.
Varieties of expensive wine were served. Most people ate and drank, their laughter filling the air.
Madison came for Espe and Bryan right before the chaos began, ushering them away to safety.
“King Voren.” The voice cut through the celebration like a blade.
Alpha Flex emerged from the crowd, his one eye burning with barely contained fury. The black mask covering his hollow socket made him look menacing, dangerous.
“You forgot something important. And I’m here to remind you.” The hall went quiet, conversations died, and heads turned.
“You defied the Alpha Code.” His voice rose, carrying across the room like thunder.
“And now, we Alphas have agreed that you pay with your life.”