The sacred oasis named "Lunar Mirror" was located right outside their dwelling. It was covered on the three sides with tall heaven-bound date palms. They provided shade and a natural leafy barrier. Nestled between them was a special bush which only bloomed every twenty years.
Beyond it lay the lands with saffron fields and the water from the oasis was used for irrigation purposes.
Desert marigolds interspersed with lilies lined the front side with contrasting hues of yellow and white against the backdrop of green, totem poles and magic crystals.
A circular pool of crystal-clear blue water lay in the centre. So transparent that the bottom with small rocks was visible which shimmered in the sunlight like tiny desert fairies were dancing on it.
The water was still, almost mirror-like, reflecting the deep blue sky above. The sound of gently lapping water added to the peaceful atmosphere of this natural paradise.
Siroos and Cassandra were to be bonded right beside this oasis which was sacrosanct for the tribe. All preparations were complete. The sun was already dipping down the horizon and it was time for their ceremony.
Siroos had returned from his moody flight and had worn his crown. A similar crown but with gold leaves and flowers had been prepared for Cassandra’s coronation as his Alpha Queen.
Siroos walked out with Faris and Ranon on his left and right while Ames stayed outside Cassandra’s door as her personal bodyguard.
He was donning a broad gold belt that went around his waist and covered his privates and hip area. A comfortable loincloth had been sewn underneath it to give him ease. The symbol of his pack, which had been burnt in his arm as well, had been embossed in the centre of his belt.
A gold cloak, also called chlamys, was fastened to his broad bare shoulders with golden clasps. It effortlessly flowed behind him. Giving him the aura of the Alpha King that he was.
His hair has been bound behind him in a man bun today while a few locks were left open that wandered his forehead freely.
Faris and Ranon were dressed in their best loincloths, both having to have chosen the colour of their spirit animals.
"Another one bites the dust. Good luck brother dear." Faris patted his brother’s shoulder with a clicking sound.
"Hmm!"
Taking his position right over the small wooden landing that had been temporarily placed, Siroos glanced around. His whole pack had gathered. Men, women, old, young and very few children they had. Everyone seemed to have a smile on their face, and they chatted among themselves while being dressed in gaudy costumes. Women wore fancy bangles, men had oiled their torsos.
Mate bonds were scarce in his pack, sincere mates even less. Most of them made do with the options they had, and quite a lot cheated. But the lowest number was of the children being born.
Fertility and love were missing from his pack, and he believed Cassandra was the key to that.
The ceremonial drums sounded in the distance and everyone became alert. Their eyes drifted to the entrance of their dwellings, waiting for Cassandra to appear.
Siroos erected his spine, appearing taller than he already was. His needy eyes were anchored to the point from where she would emerge.
She did, followed by Ames and led by Lana, her golden costume and hair accessories made of gold leaves glistened in the evening light. A thin gold veil covered her face and tiny bells hanging from the bottom of it jingled in the gentle breeze that swept past them.
She appeared so beautiful, so ethereal like some goddess wrapped in auerate.
Her earthly saffron scent, mingled with the smell of some flower which he had never smelled before, was carried to him, and he couldn’t help but inhale like a greedy man.
But she seemed tense, his sharp eyes could observe her face under the veil. No trace of a smile he detected there and his heart jerked in the worst possible way.
’What could have gone wrong? We left her happy,’ the dragon worriedly sounded from inside him and he grunted.
The crowd murmured happily. Kela was standing on the side with two other females, her rich lips curved in a snicker.
Lana brought Cassandra on the wooden platform as well and helped her stand opposite Siroos. She adjusted her gown and stood behind Cassandra with the essentials required for the ceremony.
Lana glanced towards her mate and caught Ranon’s eyes. He saw a worried look pass over her face and mindlinked her.
’What’s wrong Lana?’ He inquired.
’Nissa knows, and she is angered beyond words,’ Lana informed him, and panic washed over him. Knowing that their Alpha was going to have a rough start. He could only pray that they would work it out.
Elder Walan was present to commemorate the ceremony with all his required gear.
Siroos cast a wary glance at his mate, but she had her hands clasped in front and her eyes downcast; he couldn’t read her properly but knew something was off.
"We have gathered here today to bind two souls. Our Alpha has claimed his mate, and today, he will mark her and complete all the rituals to make her our Luna and Queen. All hail the Alpha King!" Walan’s raised voice sounded clear and everyone chroused behind him.
"All hail the King!" The words gonged all around them like a whirlwind of voices.
"Let’s begin with, Blessings From Land Ritual."
Picking up a closed circular container made from copper and coated with gold. Walan removed the lid.
Inside was a fine powder made from dry powdered flowers of the desert including saffron and the finest particles of the sand of their land. It sparkled and exuded a sweet aroma.
He sprinkled some on Cassandra and then on Siroos. This ritual was performed to protect them against the evil eye and bind them to these very lands, especially Cassandra as she was a foreigner. Sprinkling her with products of the ground of Dusartine produced, it was meant for her to become one with them.
"Qad tabarak watusbih wahdan mae al’ard. (May you be blessed and become one with the land.)
Cassandra didn’t make a sound nor did she lift her eyes to even glance in Siroos’s direction. It bothered him, it bothered him too much. If only he could mind-link her and ask what was bothering her.
"Amen!" The crowd followed.
"Next, is our ’Fertility Ritual.’ Let’s give back what we take and may we return more than we have accepted."
Water-filled golden goblets from the oasis pond were handed over to Siroos and Cassandra. They turned towards the oasis and poured the water back together and slowly. It sloshed and dripped, catching the last light of the dying sun. The oasis water rippled from the effect.
This ritual was meant to return fertility and long-lasting love to these lands. Something that had dried up like most water did in the desert. This sacred act also meant that their bond, just like this oasis, would be sustaining and would bring prosperity to their people.
Cassandra was still unaware of how deep the meaning of this specific ritual ran. She was still reeling from the truths that had been revealed to her and they were only half. Rest would completely butcher her already bleeding heart with which she poured that water back along with a tiny tear that rolled out and dropped into the crystal water, taking her essence with it.