Chapter 195: The reception

Kaden’s gaze remained fixed on Yuki’s hands for another moment. He understood Killian’s reasoning. Killian would probably claim that he had only helped her because she carried the Ravencourt name and her injuries could reflect badly on the family. Yet something about that explanation left Kaden uncomfortable.

"Kaden."

He didn’t respond.

"Kaden."

Still nothing.

Eloise finally nudged his arm.

"Kaden."

He blinked and turned towards her, one brow lifting.

"Yeah?"

She frowned slightly.

"Were you spacing out?" she asked, concern entering her voice. "If this wedding is bothering you, we don’t have to stay until the end. We can leave later."

Kaden sighed and shook his head.

"I’m fine," he assured her. "Just tired."

Kieran glanced at him from the corner of his eye. Through their bond, he could sense the restless emotions rolling beneath Kaden’s calm exterior, but he couldn’t figure out what had caused them.

"Okay," Eloise said, still looking sceptical. "Just don’t push yourself."

"I won’t."

Kaden shifted in his seat before deliberately changing the subject.

"What were you talking about earlier?"

Eloise’s expression brightened immediately.

"The decorations," she answered, looking around the dome. "The Alpha really went all out. Just the flowers alone must have cost millions." Her gaze settled on the crystal moon lilies. "It must be a dream to have a wedding decorated with moon lilies."

"It sure is," Kaden replied. His voice was flatter than intended.

Eloise noticed the change and quickly moved on before the subject could sour his mood. Not long afterwards, the doors of the dome opened again. Killian entered with Xavier. The two men exchanged a brief glance before parting at the entrance. Xavier headed towards the section where several nobles were gathered, while Killian walked directly towards the Ravencourt table. His gaze swept over the empty chair beside Yuki. Without hesitation, he pulled it out and sat down. Yuki glanced sideways at him. Their eyes met for a brief second. Neither said a word.

Before the silence could become awkward, the lights suddenly dimmed. The conversations throughout the dome gradually faded. A spotlight illuminated the raised stage at the far end of the room as the Master of Ceremonies stepped forward.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, his warm voice carrying throughout the hall, "may I have your attention?"

The remaining conversations died away. He smiled before spreading one hand towards the grand entrance.

"Please rise and welcome the newly wedded Alpha King and Luna of Ravencourt."

The grand doors opened. Alexander appeared first, his hand intertwined with Aevia’s. The room erupted into applause. Aevia’s gown shimmered beneath the lights, sapphire detailing running through the fabric and complementing the colour scheme of the dome. Alexander walked beside her with the confidence of a man accustomed to having an entire room turn towards him. Together, they looked as though they had stepped into the centre of the world. Every guest rose. Even the nobles who had opposed the union lowered their heads respectfully. Yuki watched silently as Alexander and Aevia made their way towards the centre of the room. Despite everything that had happened, Aevia was now Luna of Ravencourt. At least until one of the triplets eventually ascended the throne.

The couple stopped beneath the spotlight. Alexander turned towards Aevia before beckoning to a nearby servant.

"Bring it forward," he instructed.

The servant hurried onto the stage carrying a velvet cushion. Resting upon it was a sapphire-and-gold heirloom crown alongside a matching ring designed to complement the Alpha ring already on Alexander’s hand. Alexander picked up the ring and reached for Aevia’s hand. His fingers closed around hers as he turned towards the gathered pack.

"Before the pack and beneath the watchful gaze of Nyxoria," he announced, his deep voice carrying clearly across the dome, "I recognise Aevia as my Luna, my wife and the Queen of Ravencourt. From this night forward, she shall stand beside me and share my crown."

Aevia’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Alexander slowly slid the sapphire ring onto her wedding finger.

"I promise to remain by your side," Aevia vowed softly, her voice trembling with emotion. "Through whatever awaits us, I will stand with you."

Alexander’s lips curved into a smile.

"I know," he replied gently.

He reached for the crown. The room fell silent. With deliberate care, Alexander lowered the sapphire-and-gold crown onto Aevia’s head. The moment it settled against her hair, every person in the dome bowed. Not only the members of Ravencourt, but the visiting Alphas as well. Yuki’s breath caught. The gesture carried more weight than any applause. From that moment forward, Aevia wasn’t merely Alexander’s wife. She was the Luna Queen of Ravencourt. The only person whose authority stood above hers was Alexander himself. Aevia slowly lifted her chin, the crown gleaming beneath the crystal lights.

"You may rise," she announced.

The entire hall straightened. Yuki stared at her sister for several seconds, a strange warmth spreading through her chest. Only days ago, people had whispered cruel names about Aevia. Now those same people had bowed before her.

A small smile touched Yuki’s lips. Whatever else she thought about the night, she couldn’t deny the pride she felt. Her sister had walked into this room as a controversial bride. Now she stood before everyone as their Luna Queen.

The Master of Ceremonies stepped forward once more, his warm voice carrying easily across the quiet dome.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if our newly wedded Alpha King and Luna Queen would please take their seats, we may begin the evening’s formalities."

Alexander’s hand found Aevia’s. His fingers closed around hers with quiet certainty as he guided her from the centre of the floor towards their table. The soft rustle of her gown followed them, the sapphire details catching the light with every measured step.

Aevia’s crown remained perfectly settled against her hair, and the faint silver rope still bound around her wrist gleamed whenever she moved. They reached the elevated table reserved for them. Alexander held her chair until she was seated, then took his place beside her. Only then did the rest of the hall settle.

The Master of Ceremonies returned to the microphone, a polite smile already in place.

"Thank you. With our Alpha King and Luna Queen now seated, we shall proceed with the evening’s speeches. First, may I invite the chief bridesmaid, Miss Miyuki Donovan, to the stage."

A round of applause rose through the dome. Yuki’s fingers tightened briefly around the edge of the table before she rose. The soft scrape of her chair was almost lost beneath the clapping. Declan offered her a small, encouraging nod. She returned it with a brief smile, then smoothed the front of her gown and walked towards the raised platform at the front of the hall.

Every gaze followed her. The soft click of her heels against the polished floor marked each step. Crystal light from the chandeliers caught the subtle sheen of her blue dress, and the faint scent of moon lilies drifted past as she moved between the tables. She climbed the short steps to the stage, accepted the microphone from the Master of Ceremonies, and turned to face the room.

Her fingers curled around the cool metal of the microphone. She drew a quiet breath, steadying herself, and opened her mouth to speak.

Then her eyes caught a figure walking into the dome. It was the silver-haired man. The moment he stepped inside, Aevia’s expression changed.

What was he doing here?