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Lucian embraces me next, spinning me in an impromptu dance. "No more looking over our shoulders, darling. You're free." His words loosen a tight knot inside my chest. Free, and safe, with my mates beside me.
Adar lifts me effortlessly, his fiery scent and heat surrounding me. "No one will ever threaten you again, my little flame," he vows fiercely. I cling to my ferocious guardian, finally allowing myself to feel protected.
Everett's strong arms engulf us both. He presses a kiss to my hair. "The packs will heal, and we'll guide them into a new era." One massive hand splays over my still-flat belly. "And now that we've broken our bond with the wellspring, we can finally have pups. Our children will grow up in light, not shadow."
Hope and joy well up within me, eclipsing the lingering darkness. We've passed through the crucible into a new day for all our people. Tonight we celebrate, and tomorrow, we begin building the future we've dreamed of.
That evening, the witches prepare a great bonfire in the sanctuary grove beyond the Mating Circle. Musicians play lively tunes, and the air fills with laughter and merriment. My people are ready to leave the shadows of the past behind.
I dance until I'm breathless, passed between the arms of my grinning mates. Adar whirls me so fast my feet barely touch the ground. Everett's steady hands support me as we spin. Lucian dips me dramatically at the crescendo of the music, his ice blue eyes warm with joy.
Watching my pack revel together, bonds of family and friendship glowing bright, I'm overwhelmed by a surge of love for these people, my kin. Thale's arm settles around my shoulders, squeezing gently.
"Thanks to you, dear one, our people will thrive," he rumbles. "Tonight we celebrate, and tomorrow, we begin anew."
I lean into his sturdy frame, blinking back tears of joy. The future lies ahead of us, bright with promise.
ChapterSixteen
The clearing in the heart of Mountain Pack territory buzzes with celebration. Long wooden tables groan under the weight of roasted meats, baskets of fresh bread, platters of cheese, and barrels of beer and wine. Lanterns hang from the trees, bathing the festive gathering in warm light as the sun sinks below the horizon.
Elders and warriors from all the major regional packs are here, mingling together with easy camaraderie. For the first time in too long, our people stand united, the threat of Teller's violence no longer looming over us. Tonight we feast together and look forward to brighter days ahead.
My mates and I move through the lively crowd, greeting friends old and new. I cling to Thale's steady strength as eager hands clasp my shoulders in heartfelt congratulations. My people are in high spirits, their joy at being free of Teller's menace palpable.
We come upon a small group of wolves I don't recognize. Their lean, rangy builds and scarred skin mark them unmistakably as former members of the rogue pack Teller dissolved. Their alpha gives Thale a wary nod.
"Well met, wind god. We owe you and yours a great debt for removing that rabid beast."
Thale returns his grave nod. "You owe us nothing, friend. All wolves deserve to be free, including lone wolves, especially now that you've turned to the packs. Tonight we celebrate our shared victory."
The former rogues relax, relief flashing across their weathered faces. With Teller gone, they'll be able to build new lives in the sanctuary of the Mountain Pack. My heart swells at this proof of our growth, and I use my powers to reach for their bonds, weaving their shining pack threads together.
At last we reach the head table. As we take our seats, a hush falls over the gathering. All eyes turn expectantly toward Thale.
My steady mate rises gracefully, commanding the attention of the crowd with his innate presence. His angular features are somber, but satisfaction glints in his icy blue eyes.
"Elders, warriors, witches," Thale begins, his deep voice carrying effortlessly across the hushed clearing. "Tonight we come together in celebration. But it was not so very long ago that we lost those we loved to reach this victory."
Murmurs of solemn agreement ripple through the assembly. We can all think of those we lost, including the pack's former alpha, Morgan.
Thale continues, "General Teller wanted to divide wolf from wolf, pack from pack. They sought to poison our bonds and turn us against one another." His pale eyes flash with remembered rage. "They were going to destroy our people entirely and plunge us into chaos.
"And they very nearly succeeded. But when the threat loomed, we came together. The Destiny Packs rose to strength once more. And united, we prevailed."
A smattering of cheers and applause greet this statement. Thale allows it to continue for a moment before raising his hands for silence.
"What we accomplished together seems little short of miraculous. The packs have been separate for generations, arguing over territory and fighting lone wolves." His piercing gaze sweeps the crowd. "But no longer. We stand today not as Mountain, River, Sky, or Fury. We stand as one people, one pack."
The applause this time is deafening, the gathered wolves howling their agreement. I find myself blinking back proud tears. Tonight we are reforged.
Thale waits again for quiet before continuing solemnly. "Our unity came at great cost. Brave warriors fell so that we might have this peace. Without their sacrifice, today would not have been possible."
His expression turns grave, chin lifting in defiance. "So tonight, my brothers, my sisters—tonight we honor our dead. Let their names and deeds live on in memory and pack history, so they are never forgotten."
Howls ring out once more, but this time in mourning. The eerie, beautiful chorus raises the hairs on my nape, resonating through my very bones. I join my voice to the tribute, letting my grief and gratitude flow out.
We came so far, through so much darkness and pain. But we persevered, and will not squander this chance to begin anew.
