They were soon announced as husband and wife in the tradition of a human union, but not yet in the eyes of their world, for the marking ceremony was what truly mattered and what made it real among werewolves.
Viola could barely keep track of anything else that followed after that first ceremony, her thoughts consumed entirely by what was coming next. The marking.
The mating mark, as she understood it, was known to be painful, many dreaded the sharp, consuming pain that traditionally gave way to pleasure. But since hers would not be a permanent one, she found herself wondering quietly whether it would hurt just as badly regardless.
As all the guests made their way out to the paradise garden, glittering and silver beneath the light of the full moon, the bride was taken aside to change into a simpler dress, one that left her back and neck fully exposed, where her groom would have access to choose where to mark her.
