#Chapter 147: The Ceremony of Ruin

Lauren The sacred grounds shimmered like something out of memory—untouched, timeless, holy. It was time, and I wasn’t sure I was ready for it, even if I was swelling with pride. Lanterns swung gently from the low-hanging branches, their golden light dancing through the leaves like stars caught in a slow waltz. The air was thick with the scent of crushed herbs, wildflowers, and the faint smoke of moon-blessed incense that curled in lazy spirals toward the night sky. The Moon herself hung full above us, round and watching, her pale glow bathing every leaf, every stone, every soul that had gathered to witness what should’ve been a perfect beginning. Owen stood at the heart of it all, calm in a way I could hardly believe. His ceremonial robes—soft silver over charcoal, lined with symbols of our bloodline—clung to his broadening shoulders like they’d always belonged there. His hood was down, his hair brushed back, the flicker of firelight reflected in eyes that looked far older th