NOVPUB
Chapter 326: Chapter 326 Pre-sunrise ritual
The next day, Kyra didn’t wake up early. All the males had to attend the pre-sunrise rituals, which were specifically for mated or soon-to-be-mated males. It wasn’t necessary for Kyra to be involved in this part of the ceremony, so they let her sleep peacefully.
Vincent, Lucas, Damon, and Oceanus quietly prepared themselves, ensuring they didn’t disturb Kyra as they left. Since the ceremony required only mated males, Simon, being single, decided to stay back. He had seen the rituals before and took it upon himself to keep watch over Kyra, ensuring her safety in their absence.
At the sapphire river, all the males were gathered for the ritual. An old priest, white-bearded elder with long flowing hair surveyed them with satisfaction. Each of the males was dressed in the traditional brown skirts that reached their knees, belts adorned with the mark of soaring eagles.
Lucas stood among them, looking handsome in his attire. His long silver hair was tied in a bun, revealing his striking facial features. The blue crystal necklace given to him by Vincent hung around his neck, and his six-pack abs and toned body were on full display. He looked breathtaking.
Vincent, dressed the same, exuded a different kind of energy. His intense red eyes scanned the river in the dark, His toned, muscular body was impossible to ignore, and he fought the urge to confront the eagle males who dared to stare at him with wary glares.
Oceanus was similarly attired, wearing a shell necklace that added to his regal aura. His broad shoulders and chiseled body looked powerful and muscular, he looked effortlessly charming.
Damon, with his long blue hair tied in a bun, looked sharp and serious. His silver eyes pierced through the crowd, and his eight-pack abs made him stand out among the males.
"As males, we have the responsibility to protect our Females, and for generations, we’ve followed this sacred ritual to give thanks to the Sun God for his blessings. Today, we also seek more strength to continue safeguarding our females. Now, we will offer a brief prayer while dipping into the river, with our heads raised in reverence. I will lead the prayer, and as I do, you all must close your eyes, fold your hands, and join in. This is a moment for us all, so all males, please enter the river now."
As soon as the words left the priest’s lips, the Males began stepping into the cool, flowing waters. The priest glanced at them, signaling them to maintain distance, and soon, the group stood in the river, heads tilted upwards, eyes closed, hands clasped in prayer.
And Oceanus, looking solemn and focused on the ritual, waded into the river. As the water enveloped him, his body transformed, revealing his true form: a long, sleek siren tail with sharp black and gray scales. His presence, though powerful, seemed familiar to the priest, who merely nodded in recognition.
The priest began the prayer, his voice soft yet firm, but suddenly, the air around them shifted. An intense, almost primal energy pulsed through the atmosphere, and everyone could feel it—a powerful presence nearby.
"Do not open your eyes," the priest warned. "He is our king."
Though none dared to look, the energy was undeniable. Vincent’s brows furrowed, while Lucas, brimming with curiosity, fought the urge to peek. But a low murmur from Oceanus beside him stilled his thoughts. "Don’t open your eyes," Oceanus whispered. "It’s considered a bad omen."
No one dared to open their eyes as the ceremony began. Silas, however, cast a dark, scrutinizing gaze at Vincent, Lucas, Damon, and Oceanus. His eyes lingered for a moment before he made his way toward them, stopping beside Damon. Damon furrowed his brows in confusion. The males were standing according to their family lines, with those who shared the same mate standing close together. There was always a respectful distance between each group. So why was this powerful male—one whose aura hinted at a rank close to nine and a half—standing so near them? His presence felt out of place, raising questions without words.
Despite the tension, Damon didn’t focus on Silas for long. His attention shifted as the priest began the prayer. The words flowed, soothing and calming, carrying a sense of peace that spread through the gathering. As the prayer went on, the first light of dawn began to spill over the horizon, illuminating the faces of all the males with its soft, golden glow.
"Alright!" the priest’s voice rang out, signaling the end of the prayer. "The prayer has been completed for all males. Take note: any unmated males should not see their females until after the mating ceremony begins. Mated males are free to meet with their partners."
Damon finally opened his eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun on his face. He glanced to his side, where Silas stood. The sight that greeted him was striking—gorgeous golden eyes that seemed to glow in the sunlight, set against a tan face that almost shimmered in the soft morning light. The Male presence, strong and dangerous, left Damon momentarily taken aback.
His chocolate-brown hair was short and messy, tousled as if untouched by any attempt to tame it. As Damon looked at him, the unease he felt only deepened. There was something about this male—something wierd.
However, Damon’s thoughts were abruptly interrupted as Lucas began to speak to Oceanus, who was chuckling at whatever Lucas had said. Vincent, standing nearby, shot a glare in their direction, clearly unimpressed.
"Oh my god! Ky-ky, all the males have scales, and I’m the only furry baby in the family! Hahaha! That’s why I’m going to be pampered rotten!" Lucas exclaimed, his laughter ringing out as they walked toward the shore.
"Hah! What a joke! Kyra might like scales—after all, isn’t that why we all have them except you? She might be compromising just for you, Wolfie," Vincent shot back, rolling his eyes, a hint of amusement creeping into his tone despite irritation.
The playful banter lightened the atmosphere, momentarily pushing aside the tension Damon felt from Silas.
The sun continued to rise, casting a warm glow over the shore as Lucas continued his teasing to them, leaving Damon to observe quietly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
***
Kyra woke up to the gentle sunlight filtering through her window, stretching her arms as she yawned. She looked around and found Simon already in the kitchen, busy preparing breakfast for her and other females who came here. The delicious smell of food filled the air, making her stomach rumble with anticipation.
Some other females had come to help as well, chatting and laughing as they worked together, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Lara hadn’t brought Meeko with her; he was still at home, curled up and sleeping soundly. Her mom and mates had come by to take care of her cub, giving her the freedom to focus on the day ahead.
After Kyra finished her bath, she felt refreshed and ready for the day. Lara eagerly introduced her to the other eagle females, who were her best friends. There were three of them: the first was Anie, who had brown eyes and black hair. She was of average appearance but had a kind smile that made her instantly likable.
The second female was Kira, with striking black eyes and hair that framed her face. She had an air of confidence about her. The third was Riya, a bit plumper but undeniably cute, with button-like golden eyes and long red hair that fell in soft waves around her shoulders. Kyra couldn’t resist her chubby cheeks, which looked so pinchable.
"Kyra, stop touching Riya’s cheeks!" Lara laughed, watching as Kyra playfully pulled at Riya’s cheeks and hugged her tightly. "We have to get ready!"
Kyra pouted, feeling a rush of affection she couldn’t quite control. Riya was just too cute, and her warm presence made Kyra want to hug her even more. Riya was taken by surprise at first but soon melted into the embrace, enjoying the affection. Kyra smelled amazing, like fresh flowers and sunshine, which made Riya feel even happier.
Meanwhile, Lara and Kira exchanged amused glances, knowing they had no choice but to hold onto their house head, trying to keep her from getting too carried away. Anie stood by, laughing at the sight.
"You’re so soft, Riya," Kyra muttered as she hugged her even tighter, feeling a strange comfort in the embrace. Maybe it was her pregnancy hormones playing tricks on her, but she couldn’t stop herself from clinging to Riya like a cozy pillow.
Riya blushed, her cheeks turning a shade darker as she shyly responded, "You smell really good."
Kyra, still pouting, playfully added, "If you were male, I would’ve mated with you without a second thought." Riya’s eyes widened in shock, and her blush deepened, turning her whole face a rosy pink.
Unbeknownst to them, Simon had overheard the entire conversation thanks to his sharp hearing. His eyes flew open in disbelief as he processed what Kyra had just said. "No way... I have to tell the boss that his female has taken an interest in females," Simon whispered to himself, biting his lip in nervous anticipation.
