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"I am glad to know my brother's troubled spirit can rest now," he says quietly. "All I wanted was to lead our people into the light. Perhaps at last, that dream can be fulfilled."
I step forward, meeting his gaze. "The packs have been too long in shadow. With Fern guarding the wellspring, and you at peace, we can begin again."
Eli's stern features soften. "Then I go to my rest with hope in my heart. Guard your packs well, Rina." He turns to Thale and Lucian. "And you as well, alphas. Lead them wisely."
The two gods bow their heads in grave promise. Fern reaches out as if to embrace Eli's spirit. Their forms blur, fading into wisps of light that drift away on the night breeze.
I bow my head, mourning their loss even as I celebrate Fern finally finding peace. A large hand engulfs mine. I look up into Adar's amber eyes, full of purpose.
"They've played their parts, little flame. Now it's our turn to shape the future." His thumb brushes over my knuckles. "Starting with ending Teller for good."
The others murmur agreement, resolve etched on their handsome faces. The rogue general's days are numbered. With my mates freed from the wellspring, we will finally fulfill our destiny.
Everett draws me close with one massive arm. "You've been so brave through all this, Rina. But the hardest battles are still to come."
"We'll face them together," Thale rumbles. Lucian and Adar step up on either side, presenting a united front.
Hope and determination rise within me, eclipsing the lingering ache of loss. I have everything I need right here.
Lucian tilts my chin up, pale eyes burning with passion. "No matter what comes, we will never leave your side."
His mouth claims mine fiercely. I yield, welcoming the distraction of his kiss. For tonight, we've earned this victory. Tomorrow the war continues, but Teller doesn't stand a chance against us now.
Adar sweeps me into his strong embrace next, his smoky scent enveloping me. "My fierce little flame," he murmurs. "The packs will sing stories of your courage for generations to come."
I smile up at him impishly. "They'd better get my good side."
Adar's rich laughter warms me like sunlight after winter's chill. He whirls me in an impromptu dance under the waxing moon. For now, the circle is simply ancient stones again, its power dormant.
But tomorrow it will thrum with new life, binding my mates and I together as the first true pack in centuries. The end of one journey, and the beginning of another.
There is much work yet ahead. But tonight, we celebrate this victory and the bright future opening before us. Together, we will bring light back to the packs, and forge a new path into tomorrow.
ChapterThirteen
Our small group gathers in the candlelit basement of the witch's coven house. The room is cool and damp, with stone walls lined with shelves full of mysterious ingredients—jars of dried herbs, vials of viscous liquids, boxes of powdered minerals and animal bones. A large wooden table dominates the center of the room, its scarred surface stained from years of magical experiments.
At the table stands Rhea Storm, the leader of the coven. Her hair is pulled back in a tight bun, and her wrinkled hands work steadily as she measures and mixes ingredients. A small cauldron bubbles over a low flame, filling the shadowy chamber with tendrils of fragrant steam.
Rhea lifts her head as we file down the narrow staircase. Her sharp eyes assess each of us in turn before she nods in satisfaction.
"Come. We have prepared what you will need for tonight's work." Her voice resonates with quiet authority.
She beckons us over to examine the items laid out on the worktable. I run my fingers over the spell components, marveling at the variety. Dried leaves and flower petals, animal bones, vials of oils and essences, powders ground from minerals. Each ingredient pulses with latent magic.
Rhea lifts a small glass vial filled with shimmering silver liquid. "This will make you invisible for fifteen seconds. A few drops on your skin or clothing are enough." She passes the vial to Lucian. "Use it to slip past enemies unnoticed."
Constance Moon steps forward next, handing me a soft leather pouch. "Crush a pinch of this powdered bone and blow it out to create a shadow double of yourself, as a distraction."
Finally, Cassandra Moon approaches us. She holds out several smooth black stones etched with glowing runes. "Speak your message into these stones, and it will be carried to any in the pack who hold its twin." Her voice rasps like wind over stone. "Call on us if you get in a tough spot.”
I accept the precious gifts, warmed by the support of these gifted women. With their magic to help us, I know we could win against Teller tonight.
"Thank you all,” I tell them sincerely. “We wouldn’t be able to do this without you.”
Rhea clasps my shoulder, her shrewd gaze searching my face. "Trust in your pack and in each other. The spirits of those who came before lend you their strength."
Her solemn words resonate through me. Tonight we fight not just for ourselves, but for all the generations of werewolves who came before us. With our entire lineage standing behind us, Teller will fall.
