Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby

Chapter 9 - Bloodawakening

"Welcome, Clan Head." An old man with long, silver-white hair greeted Fiona with a bow, following the traditions of the werewolf clan. He was dressed in a flowing white robe, resembling a scholar from Greek mythology... a sight that immediately reminded Eleanor of characters she had seen in movies.

Fiona returned the bow and said, "Greetings, Elder Bedivere. I hope you are well."

Bedivere smiled warmly. "I sensed the ripple at the gate and came to see our guest. I was secretly hoping you had brought a young talent for this year's Ancestral Moon." His gaze shifted to Eleanor, studying her intently, as if evaluating her worth.

Fiona turned to Eleanor and introduced him. "Eleanor, this is Elder Bedivere. He is the steward of the ancestral land. I may be the Clan Head, but here, he is the true authority."

Eleanor, still caught off guard by the old man's uncanny resemblance to an aged knight from Arthurian legends, snapped out of her daze. She quickly placed her palm over her heart and bowed. "Greetings, Elder Bedivere."

Bedivere chuckled. "Welcome to Rayndell, Eleanor. Fiona brought you here on the eve of the Ancestral Moon; that alone speaks volumes about your potential. May our ancestors bless you."

He turned back to Fiona. "Follow me. Some of the elders have come out of seclusion. They are in the courtyard."

Eleanor followed Fiona and Bedivere through the winding paths of the ancestral land until they reached a vast courtyard, surrounded by wooden houses. Seated around a round table were three old women and two old men, sipping tea. As the trio approached, the elders turned their attention toward them, their gazes unreadable.

Fiona bowed deeply. "Greetings, Elders. May the gods bless you with wisdom, strength, and clarity." Eleanor followed her example.

The elders placed their palms over their hearts and responded, "Greetings, Clan Head." Though they acknowledged her presence, they remained seated, a sign of their high status.

One of the elderly women, her pale skin almost translucent against the backdrop of her long, white hair, studied Eleanor carefully. "Fiona, is she an Elizabeth candidate?"

eyes are as

evident in their hushed voices. After a few moments, the elderly woman asked, "What is her

met her gaze. "Eighty-nine

woman, seemingly unfazed moments ago, stood up and approached Eleanor. She

passed before she retracted her hand and murmured, "I see. You have fully accepted your

her for the ritual. I will handle

modest wooden hut. "This will be your temporary residence during your stay here," she explained. "Tonight is the Ancestral Moon, a sacred time when werewolves connect with their lineage, receiving wisdom or visions from those who came before us. At midnight, you will undergo an uncontrollable transformation. Do not resist it;

Eleanor nodded, listening intently.

will oversee the ritual. The runes inscribed at the altar will confine you, preventing you from harming yourself or others. You may see visions, hear voices from past werewolves, or even experience

Fiona offered a reassuring smile. "At the beginning of the ritual, we offer our blood to our ancestor, Elizabeth Raynor. Her spirit will protect you from harm. If you're fortunate, she might even teach you something valuable. And

more you resist, the greater the pain. Many members of our pack do not even qualify for this ritual. You

deep breath and, after a pause, asked hesitantly, "Is

ancestor deems your child worthy, she may bless it,

Eleanor's features. She nodded and, following Fiona's instructions, cleansed herself before

***

stood a grand altar, covered in ancient runes that Eleanor could not decipher. Behind it, a colossal stone wolf stood tall, an eternal sentinel watching over the sacred ground. Carved from obsidian-black granite, its surface shimmered under the soft light, as if the night sky itself had been woven into its form. Majestic yet

weigh on her as

before the altar. Her piercing gaze met Eleanor's. "I will be in charge of your ritual. Follow my instructions carefully. No matter what appears before you, do not

understand. Thank you." Though fear lingered