On the fifth day of Catriona's arrival at the snowy mountains, she and Roderick held the werewolf pack's bonding ceremony.
Considering the mysterious nature of the werewolf pack, Catriona had expected the bonding ritual to involve things beyond scientific explanation, or perhaps events that only appeared in myths and legends...
In reality, she had overthought it.
Hundreds of werewolves had gathered to witness their bonding ceremony. They stood on either side of the path, holding beautiful flowers that Catriona had never seen before.
Early in the morning, the female werewolves from the snowy mountains had called Catriona to get her ready.
She wore a pink-and-white ceremonial gown, the delicate pink resembling a freshly bloomed lotus, vibrant and tender. The fabric was both comfortable and elegant, with the hem trailing long behind her. It was not like modern attire; rather, it resembled a royal gown from an ancient court.
The werewolf's wedding attire resembled that of royal gown. She had heard that many years ago, werewolves would come down to the human world and learn many things.
Her face was adorned with makeup, crafted from natural plants of the werewolf clan. For example, the lipstick on her lips was made from the juice of a red fruit, all of it edible.
Her hair was styled up, secured with a transparent snowstone hairpin.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Catriona gently lifted her hands. The pink-and-white sleeves fluttered softly, and the reflection before her revealed a complexion as smooth as fair ice, with bright eyes and pearly teeth—just like the beautiful figures in paintings.
Catriona felt a sense of wonder; she had never worn a gown before. From what she could remember, she had always worn modern outfits.
"Caddy."
A familiar voice came from the door.
Catriona turned to look, her eyes widening slightly.
The man at the door wore the same pink and white royal suit, though his was simpler, on his head rested a crown, with two large upright ears visible on his head.
He stood in the doorway, his fair skin and sharp, deep-set features complemented by a straight nose. This was the first time Catriona had seen him in such bright clothing, and he looked... so handsome.
She was deeply struck.
Roderick walked toward her step by step, the wide hem of his robes swaying, like a prince from an ancient royal court. He extended his hand toward Catriona.
Catriona, momentarily stunned, extended her hand and grasped his.
"Caddy." Roderick's eyes sparkled with joy. "I've finally waited for this day."
He gazed at Catriona, his eyes full of admiration, softly saying, "The beauty of snow rainbow in comparison to yours."
This was the highest compliment from a werewolf.
Hand in hand, they walked along a path flanked by werewolves, fragrant blossoms showering down upon them.
This path of blessings led to the snow mountain.
As they reached the foot of the snow mountain, Catriona felt as if she were enveloped in the scent of flowers.
At the foot of the mountain stood a giant wolf statue; Catriona strained her neck but couldn't see the top.
Beneath the snow mountain, surrounded by wolves, the giant wolf statue, and a shower of petals, the couple shared a kiss.
The wolf pack began to howl.
This was the simple yet warm bonding ceremony of the werewolf pack.
After the bonding ceremony, werewolves would spend half a month in the mountain's cave.
It was somewhat like a honeymoon for humans.
But in the werewolf, it was all about creating offspring—simple and straightforward.
At first, Catriona didn't quite understand. Hundreds of werewolves noisily escorted them up the mountain, and before long, Roderick had scooped her up in his arms.
She asked softly, "Where... where are we going?"
Roderick gave a slight, satisfied smile, the expression in his eyes full of pleasure. "Each werewolf has their own wolf den in the snow-capped mountain's sanctuary."
"So we're going to our den," Catriona said, not thinking too much. She nodded, "I'm quite curious to see what it looks like."
They walked and walked for a long time, and Catriona felt herself getting drowsy in Roderick's arms. "How much longer until we arrive?"
Roderick carried her up the hill effortlessly, his face unflushed, breath steady as he held her securely.
Hearing her, he looked down and gently asked, "Are you tired? We're almost there."
Catriona thought to herself that she wasn't tired at all.
Being carried, what was there to be tired about?
Catriona turned to see the swarm of wolves behind her, spotting her son being held by Brigham.
Cedric was dressed in a pink-and-white royal gown, just a smaller version, looking incredibly adorable.
Finally, the procession came to a stop.
The wolves began howling toward the mountainside, and Brigham carried Cedric to the front, in front of a stone door.
"Cub, come here and open the door."
Cedric stretched out his little hand and tugged at the door, which seemed to respond like a switch, slowly creaking open.
Seeing this, Roderick smiled and said to Catriona, "Let's go inside."
Cedric watched as his parents stepped through the door, eager to follow them inside. But Brigham, quick as a flash, grabbed him and lifted him up. "Hey, little cub, you don't need to go in there."
Catriona turned back to see the door slowly closing and froze. "They... just stopped like that?"
All the werewolves, her son, were outside.
Upon entering the door, they found themselves on a snowy bridge.
At the end of the bridge was a white stone door.
On either side of the bridge were carved wolf cubs, very small, resembling those just a few months old, some still born and yet to open their eyes.
In the middle of the snow bridge stood a female werewolf, her large ears and bushy tail visible. She wore her long hair flowing, cradling a cub in her arms, her gaze soft and divine, full of tenderness.
Catriona looked around, feeling an indescribable sensation in this place.
Also, why was Roderick's hand around her growing warmer?
As they opened the stone door, she heard Roderick's deep, husky voice.
"Caddy, I... I've started my heat."
