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54. Hallucinating effects

Everyone stands up as Luke gets up from one knee, a golden crown glistering atop his dark hair. He stands erect, hands clasped behind his back, looking every inch the King they just declared him to be.

My hands sting from clapping too hard.

So I decide to put my fingers in my mouth and whistle.

Through the crowd, his eyes snap to mine, dark hues of stormy blue and I cant help the pride that flows through me.

The glass roof of the chapel displays the starry sky and the full moon almost at its peak. Luke had the ceremony started before the moon could rise fully, it didn't make much difference in the procedure, but it did stop him for eating the guests.

All the Alphas that attended the ceremony and the participant Alphas surround him, shaking hands, congratulating, inviting him for dinners.

"Your mate just got famous," Casper says to me, hands in his pockets

"He's always been," I say with a smile

"Aren't you jealous?" He raises an eyebrow, glancing at where a very bored Luke is flanked by female Alphas and betas

Just as I look his way, he seems to sense my gaze. His eyes gravitate to mine, irritated itched on them.

"Nah," I wave my hand dismissively "They have no chance."

Casper laughs "You should talk to Gloria soon."

I raise my brows at him "And who's that?"

"My possessive little mate,"

I gape at him "You have a mate?!"

"Of course, Luna," Casper gives me a bemused look "You think I travelled the world with Luke and never found my mate?"

"Then why isn't she with you?"

"I met her last year, but we were still travelling then." Casper shrugs "Gloria was a warrior in training at that time. I'd rather stay away from her than have her give up on all she's worked for."

"Aww, Cas, that's so adorable." I nudge him with my elbow

"Firstly, thanks for acknowledging my good heart and secondly," he gives me a look "Cas? It sounds like a girl's nickname!"

"You do love drama."

"You wound me, Luna."

"And me too," A familiar deep voice says

Luke takes my hand in his, away from preying eyes. I feel the scorching warmth of his skin. Maybe to anyone else, he would look perfectly fine, but I can see the tension in his shoulders, the way he's rubbing his temple every now and then.

He's having a hard time keeping it under control, I give his hand a squeeze, hoping to be of some comfort.

Luke couldn't dose himself with wolfsbane because it would tamper with the ceremony. Goddess, we've managed this on a thin margin.

"You've never given me a nickname." Luke says

I grin "What about all those during the Hunt? Like bastard, idiot, asshole-

His finger presses against my lips "Maybe you need to reconsider, Hazel."

Before I could reply, Casper coughs distinctively.

"There are praying eyes everywhere," he coughs again "Get a hold."

Which is, unfortunately, true. Luke and I sigh at the same time, he pulls his hands away from me, but stands too close for it to e casual.

But if I'm being totally honest, everyone in this hall- every Alpha from the continent- seems at ease with each other. The tension and bloodlust I'd witnessed during the Hunt is no where around.

"Everyone seems so..." I look back at Luke "Peaceful. Like no one wants to murder each other. What's with that?"

"That might have something to do with having our wolves back."

My head snaps in the direction of that familiar voice.

Ethan walks up to us, hands tucked in his pockets, the thumbs peeking out. He offers me a smile, then turns his attention to Luke, who has gone slightly tense beside me.

"Alpha Supreme," Ethan offers him a nod "Congratulations. On everything."

"Thank you, Parks," Luke says in a clipped tone, his hand brushing against mine

The slight movement doesn't go unnoticed by Ethan. Or Casper, who's looking between the three of us uncertainly.

"Honored to know you feel threatened by me, Alpha." Ethan's voice is dripping with sarcasm

Luke's eyes narrow to slits "Irritated would describe it better."

"Let it go already, will you?" Ethan blows out a sigh "Humans get over this sort of thing all the time."

Lightening flashes in Luke's eyes "You would know."

Ethan raises his brows "Can't say it's a disadvantage."

"He's right, Alpha."

I almost jump in surprise when Joseph suddenly appears behind us. He flashes me that fox's smile, leisurely walking into our circle, a glass of red wine in his hand.

"Besides, no one is dumb enough to tamper with fates already bound." He says, swirling the wine in his glass

"Hold on," Casper puts his hands up "Am I missing out on something?"

"I'll fill you in later," I give him a sheepish smile "But you can say that these two share our secret."

Casper nodded, looking slightly concerned.

Luke and I excuse ourselves and go around the Chapel, interacting and talking. It's strange, really, how all these Alphas and Betas are talking to me, respecting me. It feels good, to be considered an equal.

Well, most of the time.

"Alpha Winters!"

"Alpha Xavier," Luke nods towards a man

My eyes fly in his direction. He seems to be in his mid-twenties, maybe a year or so older than Luke. Dressed in a neat tux, with chestnut curls down to his shoulders, he looks pretty handsome.

"My man," he shakes Luke's hand heartily "Congrats! I cant wait for you to take charge. It's about damn time young men told hold of authority."

"Thank you, Xavier," Luke says formally "I'm sure you're happy about this."

His brown eyes fly to me and he offers me a crooked grin "Didn't know you brought along a date, Winters."

Luke raises an eyebrow "You didn't recognize her?"

Xavier looks surprised "Should I?"

Luke glances at me, I give him a smile before turning my eyes to the Alpha standing in front of us.

"Elise Attwood," I offer him a professional smile

His eyes widen and his jaw drops "You accompanied him on the Hunt?!"

I cant help the laugh that escapes me "What were you expecting, Alpha?"

"Some old battle-axe," He says, looking pretty serious "At least not a bathing beauty."

"I'm flattered," I roll my eyes with a smile

"Allow me to introduce myself," he sweeps my hand in his and presses a kiss to my knuckles "Alpha Xavier Pines, Alpha Supreme of Europe."

"Pleased to meet you." I nod

"Feel free to be pleased by me anytime, little lady." He winks

Luke's arm around my waist tightens just slightly. I offer Alpha Xavier a small smile, praying to the Goddess he does not get his nose broken.

"Say, I have a vacancy for my secretary," Xavier says, not at all bothering to be subtle "Ever thought of visiting Europe, Elise?"

Before I can reply, a hard voice does it for me.

"Elise will be staying here, Alpha Pines," Luke's voice reverberates with a low growl "With me."

Alpha Xavier looks at him, then looks at me and holds his hands up in mock surrender, a little smirk playing on his lips.

"I was merely joking, Alpha Winters." He says "I should get going."

I let out a sigh and turn to my favorite brooding granite statue "Did you have to do that?"

Luke's eyes meet mine, the obsidian almost taken over the blue "Yes."

"It's not like I was going," I tell him

"I didn't like the way he was looking at you," Luke says, pulling me closer to himself. His eyes go over the room once "I don't like how any of the men are looking at you, like its some mating ball."

I grin at him and wiggle my brows "Are you insecure, my love?"

Luke narrows his eyes a fraction "Bothered would be a better word, Hazel."

"Then pick up a few things from me," I say cheekily "Like not being irritated by people flanking your mate."

He frowns a little as I say that "So you wouldn't be bothered by any woman flirting with me?"

"Nope." I shake my head

"Why?"

"Because I trust you," I smile, touching my fingers to his cheek "And if any dumbass goes as far as to kiss you, I'll have to get her executed."

"That would take some explaining, Hazel." Luke says, a faint smile on his face

"Don't worry," I wink "I'm pretty good at convincing people."

"You two just cannot stop that, can you?" Casper says, walking over to us, a frown on his face

"Stop what?" I ask, dropping my hand from Luke's face

"This," he makes a discrete gesture towards us "In a setting like this, someone is always watching."

With a sigh, I turn my eyes to the glass roof over our heads, the moon still high.

It's a long time before this party is anywhere near an end.

...

Near dawn, people finally start retiring to their rooms in a settlement built near the royal chapel.

I try and fail to stifle a yawn as I enter my room, Luke still busy with a few more guests.

My eyes swim to the windows, the stars winking out. I free my hair and cross my arms over the window sill.

Only a few hours later, I'd be back at the packhouse while Luke and Casper would stay here for another night as some tradition.

The thought of leaving alone makes my heart oddly heavy, more so than I imagined.

The sound of the door clicking open snaps me out of my thoughts. I look over my shoulder, and smile as my eyes meet stormy blue ones.

But Luke doesn't come inside, instead, he motions for me to come out. Raising my brows, I silently cross the door and step out.

"What-

"Shhh," Luke presses a finger to my lips "I've barely managed to escape the chapel attendants. They want me to start on the 'inner reflection' immediately."

A quiet giggle escapes me as he pulls his hand back "You have to do yoga?"

He narrows his eyes at me playfully "Something like that."

"Then I suppose I shouldn't keep you from it, Luke." I grin at him "I am notorious for being distracting afterall."

"Here I thought you'd be up for one more surprise before you go, Hazel." Luke says casually, but the gleam in his eyes, damn he knows he's got me there

"Now that you've mentioned it," I say "Maybe a few minutes' delay wouldn't count."

He smiles, interlocking his fingers with mine before we start down the hallway. I barely reign in my giddy excitement from making me bounce in my steps. What surprise could he possibly have for me here?

Luke seems to know where to go, walking through the building with unrelenting speed.

We reach a corridor, only for Luke to whirl back around, hissing a few colourful curses under his breath.

"What?" I mouth

Before he has the chance to reply, an old voice reaches me "The Alpha Supreme is not in his quarters? Goddess, children these days. Look around, he has to be here somewhere."

I put a hand over my mouth, shoulders shaking with withheld laughter. Whoever can call Luke a child must be worth meeting. Luke gives me a look, warning me not to lose control, making my shoulders shake further.

This feels oddly familiar to running from detention.

My mate hurries back to where we came from, turning to another direction. Once we're far enough, I burst out laughing.

"Luke, are you sure you're not getting in trouble for this?" I ask between my laughter

"Glad to know you find my torment amusing, Hazel," He says, glancing at me from the corner of his eyes "But I can take it. If it means I get to spend just a little more time with you."

My eyes crinkle with my smile, my hold tightens on his hand. How does this man always manage to make my heart beat faster?

We reach a spiraling staircase, the slanted windows in the walls, showing the now brightening sky.

Luke stops in front of a door, giving my hand a squeeze "Ready?"

"Like I said before, Luke," I step forward, giving the door a push to open it "I'm always ready."

But maybe I wasn't. Not for this.

Because in front of me is a place floating on the top of the world, with no boundary that obscures the view of the sky, a canvas painted in hues of indigo, violet and blues, outlined by gold of the rising sun.

The first rays of light spread over the flower beds made over the roof of the settlement, the dark marble floor swept with petals of every kind and colour.

"How is," I look back at Luke, eyes wide "When did- how do you know this was here?"

He laughs, the deep sound settling warmly in my bones. Luke brushes my hair behind my ear, the cool morning breeze lifting it.

"I thought you'd like it." He says, then cocks his head to a side "Did you?"

I nod, smiling widely. I turn my eyes to the rising sun again "Its amazing."

Bunching my skirts in my hands, I walk over to the flowerbeds at the margins of the roof, marveling at the dew drops that sparkle like crystals in the sunlight. I crane my neck to look down at the earth. I had no idea we were so high up.

I almost tip forward before two familiar arms wrap around my waist, tugging me back to a warm chest.

"Careful," Luke's voice caresses my ears "I'd hate for you to fall off and immobilize yourself."

"Sounds familiar." I huff out a laugh

I put my hands over his arms, leaning back against him "All of that seems a life time ago, doesn't it? When both of us couldn't stand each other."

"What makes you think I can stand you now?"

I elbow him in the gut, Luke only chuckles, before pressing a kiss to my hair, his arms tightening around me.

I look back at him when he lets go, confused at the glint of anxiousness in his stormy gaze.

Then he takes my hand in his own.

And gets down on one knee.

For a moment, I cant believe this could be what it appears to be. My eyes flicker to the flower beds. Some of these plants definitely have hallucinating scents.

"No, Hazel, this is not a hallucination." Luke smiles at me

I would've kicked him in the shins if I could, but my legs feel slightly unsteady "Then what is it?"

"A hopeless attempt," he says, and though its impossible, his smile turns nervous "Perhaps the first of many."

The sunlight feels like a warm caresses against my skin, the breeze still cool with the night's dampness. My eyes go from my hand to Luke's gaze, bright and intense as the sun.

"I've been an idiot at romance most of my life."

The unexpected comment pulls a breathless laugh out of me, easing the tension in my shoulders slightly.

"And I was dead sure I'd never have any reason to be better at it," Luke says "At love, or emotions, or compassion. All of it seemed worthless back then and it didn't matter if I was horrible at it."

His hold on my hand tightens "But you make me want to be better. Not only at this but at so much more. I want to be better at everything I do, everything I am. All for you, always for you. The world seems worth more than just a passing glance with you by my side."

"Elise," Luke says, slightly breathless "Be my Hazel forever?"

Words seem wedged in my throat, not letting me breathe. And if it could, my heart would possibly rip its way out of my chest.

I sit down on my knees in front of him, my smile a little shaky with the enormity of emotions in my head.

"No."

Luke blinks, his lips parting slightly and he's looking at me as if trying to decipher what I just said.

I laugh, squeezing his hand "I'm just kidding, Luke."

And then next moment, my laugh is cut short when two arms wrap around me and pull me into his lap, his lips warm against my own. The kiss doesn't help with my already breathless lungs, already shaky hands.

"Why would you do that woman?" Luke pulls away, panting for breath "You almost gave me a heart attack."

"Sorry," I breathe out, grinning "I just had to, I'd pass out from the heaviness of my emotions otherwise."

I put my hands on his face, my cold fingers warming against his tan skin.

"But yes," I smile softly "Yes, I'd like that. I'd like to be your Hazel forever."

I pull him down to kiss him again, softly, tenderly. Pressing him close enough for him to be able to hear my racing heartbeat, know just how much he affects me. Letting him know how this heart would never belong to anyone else.

We pull away, both grinning like idiots. Then Luke pulls something out of his jacket.

He holds out the little box to me. I take it in both my hands, holding it more carefully than I've held anything in my life.

The ring is simply beautiful. An elegant band of platinum with a single diamond encrusted at its center. I pull it out, and my eyes catch the words engraved on the inner side.

E & L

Luke gently takes it from me, and slips it in my finger. A perfect fit.

"Just so you know," I poke a finger at his cheek "This doesn't finalize when we're getting married."

He smiles "Of course."

"It might be years from now."

"Whatever you say, Elise."

I make the mistake of looking at him, finding those stormy blue eyes already trained on me. And I cant help but imagine what it might be like. To actually be married. It wouldn't be much different from how mates live, but these days, few go far enough to have a document saying they legally belong together.

I gasp, catching my train of thoughts "Hey, stop trying to persuade me!"

Luke raises an eyebrow, grinning at me "I didn't say anything."

"Its your face," I turn it sideways "Its making me wonder about stupid things."

Luke promptly turns his face back at me, leaning down so his nose grazes mine "What sort of things, Hazel?"

"Not the sort you're thinking," I narrow my eyes playfully

"Oh?" A gleam in those stormy eyes "Do you know what I'm thinking, Regia Mea?"

As a matter of fact, I do. And I suppose there's no harm in it anyways.

...

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