The Beast And The Blessed

Sixty: Natalie

Natalie's P.O.V.

Killian stood, keeping his chest to my back with his arms around my waist as the priestess approached us from the shadows, having waited patiently for our bonding ceremony before she could lead the coronation.

It was still unreal to me that this was even happening. I had been running away from my abusive pack only a few months ago, ready to live among the humans and hide from the horrors of wolves. Now, I was mated to the strongest shifter of all. More than that, I was in love with him and about to be crowned his queen.

I leaned back further into Killian's embrace as he kissed the side of my neck one last time before taking my hand and moving to stand next to me.

The priestess stood tall in a floor-length black gown. Her blonde hair was pinned back into a neat bun, and she smiled warmly at me before she extended a greeting to our spectators.

Her soft voice was soothing as she dove into prayer. The long-winded blessing was inaudible to me as my heart pounded violently in my chest. Had it not been for Killian's continued hold on one hand, I was positive that I would have been shaking like a leaf in the wind.

It felt like hours that she spoke when, in reality, it had only been a few minutes. Her lips pressed together as she nodded to me slightly, signaling that it was time for me to push aside my nerves and focus.

Killian dropped my hand but remained at my side. The crown on his head caught my attention every so often as he stood tall.

I bit my lip nervously, suddenly regretting having a conversation with the priestess without talking to Killian about it first, but it felt right.

"Natalie Amery," She addressed. From the corner of my eye, I watched as a large, blinding smile stretched across Killian's face. I refused to look at him as I nodded once for her to continue. It had only seemed right when she had talked to me about this part of the ceremony yesterday.

mated and now bonded before the Goddess. We may not have been married as human tradition required for taking the last name of a partner. That ritual seemed ridiculous compared to sharing a soul and being chosen by a deity for the other

and customs?" The priestess's voice called out louder than during her blessing. I blinked once

promise

my own. It was strong and confident. Two things that I had never felt further away from than at

Justice, in mercy, to be executed in

Mercy.

I felt like my mother was with us... that my parents were watching over me in this momentous moment and were proud of

’I will."

of your power, maintain the Laws of the Goddess? Will you, to the utmost of your power, put your people above all?" The priestess spoke slowly, calmly, and I answered faster than I should have in excitement that the ceremony was

promise to do

lifted the dagger from the altar, handing it to

this offering, I share with you as my mate and queen, my strength and power." Killian slid the dagger over the meaty part

his cut for a moment before tucking the blood-soaked fabric

cup filled with an inch of crimson liquid. I swallowed hard as I tried to push

strong leader, and I had to prove that I could give them what they needed. They didn't want or need a weak woman who lost her stomach in

be warm. But only the liquid inside was as I lifted the cold chalice to my lips and let the

stomach lurched as it rejected the copper-tasting drink, but I closed my eyes and forced it down. Killian smiled proudly as I resisted the urge to grimace, handing the priestess back the now-empty

I felt, the more I could see, and

table, and the priestess lifted the lid. The gold crown was covered in diamonds and gems, catching the light as she turned to me and