The clearing outside the packhouse was alive with sunlight, the kind that made every leat sparkle and every shadow dance. Birds called from the treetops, the wind carried the smell of fresh earth and pine, and the lake glimmered like a sheet of silver. For the first time in what felt like forever, everything was calm.
I leaned against Asher as we walked through the fields behind the packhouse, feeling his steady presence beside me. The bond between us was quiet now, not pulsing with danger or energy, just a comforting rhythm that matched my own heartbeat.
“I still can’t believe it’s finally over? I said softly. “The Eclipse, the shadows… everything.”
Asher’s gray eyes softened, his lips twitching into a small smile. “For now” He said, “We’ve earned this peace. You’ve earned it.”
I nudged him playfully, “You didn’t do too badly yourself.”
He chuckled, brushing his hand against mine. “We did it together. That’s what matters.”
Kaelen and Kaelric walked just ahead of us, their relaxed energy almost contagious. Even Gage moved with a lightness I hadn’t seen in months, his golden mark dim and steady instead of bright and tense. Arlo lagged a little behind, scribbling notes about energy flows from the Eclipse, but his shoulders weren’t hunched with fear anymore.
The packhouse itself was alive with quiet joy. Wolves moved between rooms, talking softly, laughing sometimes. Everyone were coming out of their houses knowing that we had done it. Knowing that we had won and everyone was safe. Younger members played near the lake and the air smelled of wood smoke, herbs, and fresh bread baking. It was ordinary, but ordinary felt extraordinary after everything we had survived.
Later that morning, Dennis appeared in the living room, his expression calm but carrying that weight he always carried when something important was about to happen. Petra was beside him, her hand on his arm, glowing with quiet strength.
“Trinity, Asher.” Dennis began, voice steady, “Petra and I have something to discuss with you both.”
I glanced at Asher, who squeezed my hand, curious but relaxed. “What is it?” I asked. Petra smiled, eyes shining. “It’s time. Time for you two to take over the pack.”
My heart skipped a beat. I had known it was coming eventually, but hearing it aloud made it real. I swallowed hard, feeling the bond pulse around me as Asher squeezed my hand again.
1/4
< CHAPTER 158
Dennis nodded. “You’ve proven yourselves, both in battle ar shown strength, wisdom, and compassion. Trinity, your bond and your courage make you a perfect Luna.”
+25 Points
pack, your bloodline,
I could feel Asher stiffen slightly beside me, a flush rising to his cheeks. “I… I don’t know what to say.” He admitted.
“Don’t say anything yet.” Petra said gently. “We’re not leaving today. But we want to arrange the ceremony, the proper way to hand over the titles. You’ll have the pack’s support, the tradition, and our blessing before we go on our travels.”
I exhaled slowly, letting relief and pride settle in my chest. “I guess it’s official then. We’re… leaders.”
Dennis smiled faintly. “Official in everyone’s eyes, yes. But leadership isn’t just a title. It’s responsibility, and it’s support. You have both. We’ll be here until the ceremony, to help, to guide, and to answer any questions.”
Kaelen and Kaelric appeared at the doorway, leaning against the frame casually. “Sounds like you two are going to be busy.” Kaelen said. “Lucky for you, you’ve got a strong pack behind you.”
Gage stepped forward, hand brushing mine. “And you’ve got us too.” He said softly, golden eyes steady. “I’ll follow you anywhere.”
Arlo, who had been silently taking notes, finally looked up and smiled faintly. “As long as you let me organize and plan, we’ll be fine.”
For a moment, we all stood in the hall together, the bond of the pack surrounding us, strong and unbreakable. The past battles, the horrors we had faced, and the Eclipse itself felt like distant memories here, in the quiet warmth of this moment.
That afternoon, Asher and I walked through the forest, alone for the first time in what felt like forever. We didn’t talk about battles, threats or relics. We didn’t even mention the Eclipse. We were just present, letting the sunlight filter through the trees, letting the forest breathe around
We stopped near the lake, where the water was clear and still. Asher took my hand, looking into my eyes. “We deserve this.” He whispered.
I nodded, smiling softly. “We do.”
We sat on a large rock at the edge of the water, watching the sunlight dance across the surface. No energy thrumming in the air, no tension, just quiet and warmth. For a while, we didn’t say a word, simply letting the bond between us pulse gently.
< CHAPTER 158
After a while, we leaned into each other, lips meeting in a qu
tension, fear, and relief. It wasn’t hurried or frantic. We didn’t didn’t worry about what could happen next. For once, there was no nothing to fight, nothing to fear.
d months of
The packhouse,
ng to prepare for,
The forest around us seemed to agree, the birds singing, the leaves rustling softly. The world felt alive, safe, and still.
Evening came, and we returned to the packhouse to find Dennis and Petra moving through the hallways, speaking quietly with pack members. The atmosphere was light, celebratory even, though no one said anything aloud. The pack seemed to understand that something had shifted, that leadership would soon pass into new hands.
Dinner was simple but warm. Everyone gathered, chatting quietly, smiling. There was no tension, no underlying fear. For once, I didn’t have to be on guard, didn’t have to worry about energy spikes or relics or unknown threats.
Asher, Kaelen, Kaelric, Gage, and I shared glances, each silently acknowledging the bond we had formed and the family we had chosen in this pack. Even Arlo smiled softly from across the table, looking almost human in his relief.
Petra cleared her throat gently. “We’ve decided.” She began, “That the ceremony will be tomorrow. We want it simple but meaningful, a chance for the pack to officially acknowledge you both as their Alpha and Luna.”
Dennis added, “We’ll remain here until then, to answer questions, give guidance, and make sure the transition goes smoothly.”
I felt a wave of pride wash over me. “Thank you.” I whispered. “For everything.”
Petra smiled softly. “No, thank you. For showing what the bloodline and the bond can truly do.”
Later that night, the packhouse quieted. I sat by the fire with Asher, Kaelen and Kaelric nearby, Gage leaning back against a wall with a contented grin. Arlo scribbled in his notebook, but even he looked relaxed for the first time.
I let my head rest against Asher’s shoulder, feeling the bond pulse steadily. “It’s almost normal.” I whispered.
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