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.

as human tradition required for taking the last name of a partner.

and swear to govern and lead the creations of the Goddess, according to the respective laws and customs?" The priestess's voice called out louder than during her blessing. I blinked once while lifting

solemnly promise so

voice didn't sound like my own. It was strong and confident. Two things that I had never felt further away from than at that

and Justice, in mercy, to be executed in all

Mercy.

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

’I will."

your people above all?" The priestess spoke slowly, calmly, and I answered

to do

to hide my flinch as she lifted the dagger from the altar, handing it to Killian with a

you as my mate and queen, my strength and power." Killian slid the dagger over the meaty part of his palm, slicing the skin open and holding it over

from his pocket, pressing it down on his cut for a moment

liquid. I swallowed hard as I tried to push

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 the middle of her coronation, especially since it was a huge

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

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 chalice. My tongue darted out to lick my lips. The air hitting my tongue made the blood in my mouth taste

longer it sat in my stomach, the stronger I felt, the more I could see, and the louder the arena became. I tilted my head to the side slightly as the glorious sound of my mate's

priestess lifted the lid. The gold crown was covered in diamonds and gems, catching the light