Chapter 27 A Welcome Ceremony

"No, Anne, the banners should be hung from this tree to the next."

"Has the fifth batch of bread finished baking?"

"Oh, I sure hope—look!"

At the far cry, people quickly raised their heads from what they were initially doing. Everyone's eyes widened as they saw the enormous lines after lines of men approaching their village gates.

"It's Alpha Killorn! He has returned from the ceremony with our Luna!"

Loud cheering filled the crowd. People dropped whatever they were doing and rushed forward. They were eager to greet their leader who hadn't returned for weeks. Supposedly, he was going to return sooner, but was caught up by something.

Now that the Alpha and his men were back, they were a sight to behold.

A proud and powerful man sat high on his horse. His black cape fluttered wildly behind him, an ominous shadow crossing over his face. The sun dangled high above the glorious army whose presence in the war caused a landslide victory.

None had ever seen an army as terrifying as the Mavez's. They were not human. Hundreds of knights sat on their horses, the Mavez's crest flying against the strong breeze. The symbol of the roaring wolf—House Mavez was home.

"Alpha!"

Ophelia's ears perked at the word, her head swiveling around. She turned and all she saw was Killorn's squared body. He was huge and blocked her line of sight. Suddenly, he urged Eggshell forward.

"Look at them, not me."

Ophelia quickly lowered her gaze. Her thighs tightened uncomfortably on the saddle, feeling as if he had just scolded her in front of a crowd. But he said it quietly, only she heard it.

"Welcome home, Beta Gerald!"

"Alpha, we've been awaiting your return!"

"Hurry, get on standby!"

Ophelia could feel her head begin to spin. This was an overwhelming crowd that she never expected. She gasped when colorful things flew over their heads, as cheering resounded from the crowd. Petals one after the other were thrown at them, festive music echoed all around.

"Alpha, we have been preparing a welcome ceremony for your return home!" one of the children eagerly shouted whilst dashing forwards.

Ophelia's eyes lit up when she glanced ahead. There were banners with tiny flags bearing the colors of the Mavez symbol slung from tree to window. Houses hung large cloths of the Mavez's regal colors. No one could use a family's crest without permission, but the regal purple and yellow caught her attention. How lovely…

Ophelia was blown away by the beauty of the Mavez Dukedom. The village was enormous and despite the Winter, was festive and welcoming. There were well-built houses, shops with frosty windows, taverns, inns, bakeries, marketplaces in the distance, and everything one could possibly need.

The scent in the air was filled with freshly baked bread and cookies. Liveliness filled the air with townsfolk crowding the well-paved roads and plazas. As Ophelia admired everything around her with eagerness, she didn't realize the excitement was suddenly dying down.

"Is that—"

"Oh my…"

"A human girl is with the Alpha. What does that mean?"

Ophelia tensed. Her happiness was short-lived. She was too busy admiring the lavish townhouses. Everyone was looking at her. Even the children. She saw a few large dogs here and there, but her throat tightened. No. They were not dogs. Her heart quickened. They were wolf cubs.

"Look at her hair and eyes…"

"What even is this…"

Ophelia was frozen stiff with horror. She hoped it didn't show on her face, because it certainly did on the townsfolk. Everyone was shocked at the sight of her, their mouths slack, and their hands frozen. No one was throwing petals anymore.

"I'm so confused," someone whispered to the person closest to them.

Ophelia blinked and felt her eyes water. Not from their scrutinizing stares, but from how beautiful Mavez Dukedom was. It was its own little winter paradise. The trees were barren, but the banners made it colorful. Their sincerity to welcome Killorn home made her heartache.

"Is she even human?"

Now, Ophelia was hurt. She had always been self-conscious of her appearance. Seeing their grand greeting was put to a halt, she let out a shaky breath, not realizing her husband had mistaken it for her being tearful.

"My wife," Killorn suddenly announced. It was the first thing he said before waving his hand to acknowledge the welcoming crowd.

"The Duchess Mavez," Killorn commanded. "Your Madam and soon-to-be Luna."

Killorn's voice was rough and cold, leaving no room for an argument. His words were absolute. No matter what the people thought of Ophelia, she was their Luna whether or not they liked it—and it better be the latter.

L-Luna?

Ophelia gawked in disbelief. She froze in fear, for she wasn't ready for this new position yet. Not to mention, she hadn't been properly educated on etiquette.

The townsfolk glanced at each other. There was a sudden silence in the air, but a few took a curious sniff. They tilted their head and Ophelia saw a few of the men lick their lips. She swallowed hard. What was it?

"Welcome home, Duchess Mavez!" A bright boy shouted from the crowd, his eyes wide with awe.

His tiny voice earned a cascade of chants.

"Yes, welcome Madam!"

Killorn nodded his head in agreement, but his face held all sorts of irritation. He narrowed his eyes upon the men leering in the crowd. Killorn would have to do something about Ophelia's scent.

Ophelia timidly waved with a tiny smile. The boy's eyes lit up in awe as he stepped forward.

Killorn was quick to intervene. "We appreciate the welcome back. There are things to address in the castle, but I hope everyone enjoys themselves with the festivities."

Then, Killorn urged Eggshell forward. Immediately, the horses trotted faster, but people continued to throw wildflowers at their feet. The cheers and chants continued down the streets lined with his townspeople.

Killorn didn't even need to look at Ophelia to see her expression. He could hear it. Her heart was beating faster than Eggshell who had been running all this time. If he listened carefully, he could hear her quiet gasp for air. She was on the verge of tears—and was ready to break.