Ayla’s Pov

The ceremony had already started when I walked into the great hall. Drums beat slowly, and every head turned. I wore a dark red dress that hugged my body and left my back bare. The spot on my neck where the bite mark should be stayed deliberately empty. I wanted every Alpha to see that I belonged to no one. Rowan stood on the raised platform, the council seated behind him. His eyes found me the moment I stepped through the doors. I felt the air change.

I took my place with the other ascended Omegas, five of us in a line. All strong, all unmated. The elders...