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 sharp as ever. She is newly

in their hushed voices. After a few moments, the elderly woman asked,

her gaze.

up and approached Eleanor. She raised her index finger and pressed it gently against the center of Eleanor's

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

"Go and prepare her for the ritual. I will handle the

a sacred time when werewolves connect with their lineage, receiving wisdom or visions from those who

Eleanor nodded, listening intently.

anything in sight," Fiona warned. "But don't worry. My grandmother 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

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 if the gods favor you, you might meet our patron deity, Geri,

you resist, the greater

took a deep breath and, after a pause, asked hesitantly, "Is there any risk

deems your child

She nodded and, following Fiona's instructions, cleansed herself before donning the

***

Behind it, a colossal stone wolf stood tall, an eternal sentinel watching over the sacred ground. Carved from

weigh on her as she

met Eleanor's. "I will be in charge of your ritual. Follow my instructions carefully. No matter what appears before you, do

but nodded. "I understand. Thank you." Though fear lingered in