SWNOVELS Chapter 12
12. The Moon Goddess Festival
YILEYNA
The Night of The Moon Goddess’ Festival arrived and, like every year, the skies were clear, the full moon gracing us with its
presence, and the sheer ambience of the night was warm and welcoming. The merry music drifted in through the open windows,
making you want to get up and join.
I was getting ready with Charlene. She had been adamant that I spend the afternoon getting ready with her, although this was
usually a time one spent with their families, and every year before this one, she and her mother got ready together just as I did
with mine. “Those curlers look ready to be removed.” Charlene said to the human woman who was helping us. “Yes, princess.”
Belinda replied, bowing her head before she came over to me and began to remove the curlers from my hair. I stared in the
mirror at my face. My make-up was done, having been told my skin was perfect without a base. She said she’d do subtle touch-
ups... but I looked entirely different... I looked older, more mature... My cheeks were accentuated, a shimmer dusting my
cheekbones, with a vibrant deep pink lipstick coating my lips. My eyelashes were layered with mascara, making my long lashes
stand out even more with a touch of shimmer on my lids.
When she began to open my hair, letting my now curly hair frame my face, Mom came to mind and her promise to curl my hair
on my birthday. I felt a little emotional, but before I could delve into those thoughts, the door to Charlene’s room opened and her
mother, Luna Soleil, stepped inside.
She was an inch taller than Charlene, with features that were very similar to her daughters. Her red hair was braided and twisted
into an updo, woven with sprigs of fresh flowers. Wearing a gorgeous pale blue dress with coloured embroidery along the entire
skirt, it fell to
the ground spreading around her stunningly.
I stood up and lowered my head to the Luna.
“I thought I’d come to check how you girls were getting on. My, you look breath-taking Charlene.” Luna Soleil complimented,
looking over at Charlene who was wearing an off shoulder ivory dress with a green leafy pattern along the sleeves and bodice. It
reached just below her knees and she had accessorised it with a deep green that only enhanced the green in her eyes. 2 “We
are almost done, I’m ready.” Charlene replied, smiling over at me. “Perfect, we need to leave.” Luna Soleil reminded her. The
royal family would walk down the main street before taking their place in one of the marquees. The Luna wasn’t often seen out.
Being the true mate of the Alpha, if she was killed, it would kill the Alpha too, and so she was always kept inside. Even for this
festival, she would spend the majority of the time inside and under heavy security, away from the public. Even Charlene would
not be able to enjoy the festival as I would. “You look lovely as well, Yileyna.” Luna Soleil remarked, looking me over. I didn’t miss
the
way her eyebrow shot up as she looked at the dress that I was wearing. “Interesting choice. Now come along, Charlene.” 2 I
smiled politely, although I don’t think it was exactly a compliment. Was it the fabric? “Ah, I got to go! I will see you for the
banquet.” Charlene whispered, giving me a tight hug. She smiled, her red-coloured lips only complimenting her snowy skin. I
nodded. “See you later.”
I watched her until she disappeared from the room before I looked back in the mirror. The lace dress I was wearing was fitted to
the waist, with thin straps and a bow on each shoulder. The skirt was four layers of tulle with a matching belt tied around my
waist. The fabric had tiny sparkling stones sewn to it, giving the dress a stunning sparkle every time I moved. 1 Belinda finished
doing a braid along the crown of my head, adding a few sprigs of flowers and leaving the rest open. I reached up, tugging a few
strands out and letting them frame my face.
“Thank you, Belinda.”
I bent down and pulled my matching heels on, tying the ribbon that went around my ankle in a bow before I put in the drop
earrings that I had selected from Mom’s collection.
I stood up and smiled at my reflection, trying to imagine what Mom and Dad would say to me. Dad would compliment me and
joke that he needed to hide me away from all the lads. Mom would get emotional and say I’ve grown so much. The first round of
fireworks that signalled the Alpha and his family had stepped out made me turn.
“Have fun tonight!” I called out to Belinda, knowing that once her chores were completed, she’d be able to enjoy the festival if
she wanted.
Humans would join in too. Although they didn’t worship the same deity as us, the festival was still a place of fun for all. The food
alone was enough to get anyone to step out of the confines of their homes. “Thank you Miss!” She called as I left the room,
clutching onto my little pouch that hung from my wrist. I was going to make sure I won some toys so I could donate them to the
kids at the city orphanage. I rushed from the castle, my excitement growing with every step...
“I win!” I jumped up, punching the air as the man behind the counter chuckled.
“Finally, but well done, now which one would you like?”
“Finally? I used seven gold coins there! It is not easy to hit three targets when they are moving.” I pouted. “Oh, that white bunny!”
“Yes, yes, but can’t have it too easy now can I, lass?”
“I guess not.” I smiled, taking the bunny teddy and walking along the bustling streets.
Couples, families, and groups made their way around the vendors or simply enjoyed the treats they held in their hands. Laughing
and joking, some newly mated couples were obvious to
point out, staring with starry eyes into their mates’ eyes. That, or making out with one another, like they only existed in each
other’s worlds.
Mates, it wasn’t very often that we actually found our fated mates, they say one in five people will find their true mates. It’s rare
considering they could be anywhere in the world.
Since I had stepped out, I had received a lot of attention, and a lot of it was from young men.
I stopped outside a food stall, the smell of the fried steak fries filling my nose, and I waited patiently for my turn to purchase
them. I tried to ignore the two young girls in front of me who were staring at me very openly. “Hey...” I waved, hoping they
realised they were staring. “You look like a princess.” One of them exclaimed.
“Yes, you only need a tiara.” The second added.
Both looked cute themselves, they were no older than ten and were dressed in stunning organza dresses with floral embroidery
on them.
“Well, I believe that we don’t need a crown to be a princess.” I replied with a smile. “Just like the two princesses before me.”
They giggled, turning away when it was their turn to order, just as two adults came hurrying over. “Thanks, aunty!” One of the
girls said, smiling at the woman who had paid for them. I turned my gaze to the sky above, glancing at the full glowing moon,
enjoying the soft wind whispering past me. They say when we die, we go to the realm of the moon goddess... Were Mom and
Dad there
now?
“Next!”
“One cone of fries please.” I spoke, stepping forward and taking out the money to pay for it.
“My! You look stunning!” The woman behind the counter complimented me, as she tossed salt and pepper over the square of
paper containing my fries, before giving them a good shake and holding it out to me.
“Thank you!”
“Next!” She called, giving me a nod as I moved away and a group of five stepped forward.
I picked up the little wooden fork and began eating, balancing my bunny under my arm. The sound of upbeat folk music reached
my ears and I followed it until I saw a large crowd of young adults clearly seeming to have some sort of dancing show going on.
A large group had gathered around to watch the twelve young women in the middle dance to the current song. All dressed in
vibrant colours. The crowd sang along, clapping and cheering them on. I munched on my chips, pushing my way through the
crowd until I got to the front. “Oi, stop pushing!” A woman growled.
“I’m short!” I protested apologetically.
Well, short in werewolf standard anyway.
I moved my hips to the music, eating my chips, enjoying the show. I had just about finished my chips when one of the stunning
women dancing grabbed my wrist. “Join us!”
I blinked, as the crowd cheered. I looked around, scanning the crowd, wondering if there were any of the high ranking wolves
here. Seeing none, I tossed my bunny to the ground behind us and started watching the other women’s footwork. I placed my
hands on my hips, copying them as we danced to the music. I swayed my body sensually as I twirled, hoping my dress didn’t
ride up.
“Go Yileyna!”
My eyes widened as I spun around, scanning the crowd, when a head full of black hair caught my attention. Raiden stood there;
looking handsome in a navy shirt, tucked into a pair of black pants and a belt around his waist. Arms folded as he watched me,
giving me a wink. Confidently he strode towards us and fell in step by my side as he began dancing alongside us. The crowd
only seemed to get more excited.
“Seriously, Raiden?”
“Only way to get a dance with you.” He replied, smirking as he took my hand and spun me out. His eyes dipped to my breasts as
his hand went to my waist, his eyes flashing before locking with mine. “You’ve always been the most beautiful girl in Astalion...
but tonight I don’t think there’s even one woman on this planet who can match up to your beauty.”
“How poetic.” I smiled, raising my eyebrow. “But thank you, it’s a pretty dress, isn’t it?”
He spun me around, his hands on my hips as he danced behind me. “Not as pretty as the girl in it.”
“Don’t make me your next pursuit, Raiden, it won’t work. I am not interested.” I said lightly, pulling away and dancing by his side
once more. “You can never be just another one of my escapades, Yileyna. I genuinely...” He trailed off, spinning me back into his
arms and pressing me against his firm chest. I could feel his entire body against mine, blushing in embarrassment as I tried to
pull away. “Don’t look now, but I think many are jealous of me right now.” He chuckled.
I was confused, wondering what he had been about to say when I felt a chill run down my spine as the song came to an end.
Through the cheers and clapping, I looked in the direction Raiden was now staring, my heart thundering when I saw Theon
standing there. His arms crossed, his eyes shimmering a dazzling gold, the hostility in them clear as he glared at Raiden.