Elian's POV
*****
An hour later.
"The moonlight well is ready now, your majesty." Elder Gaius, the leader of the empire's spiritual leaders, announced to Lucian as they descended the palace through an Ascension platform.
The lift moved slowly, with Lucian, Elian, Elowen and the elder within. The Elder wore a serene white robe, his beard so long it reached his waist. He clutched a wooden staff adorned with a moon stone at the top.
"Moonlight well?" Elian repeated, hoping he'd get some kind of explanation from the old man.
Instead, the latter glanced over his shoulder at him, giving him a brief once-over before turning back to Lucian. "Forgive me, Alpha Prince. But... Your mate—"
"Will be one of the witnesses for the baptism alongside my mother." Lucian brushed his fingers across Elian's hand. "Is there a tradition against that?"
"N–No. But it's just—"
