Chapter 17
372words
The morning sun painted the kingdom in golden light. From the palace balcony, I watched the bustling capital—markets thriving, children playing, wolves from every Pack living in harmony.
This was peace.
"Mama!"
Two small voices called from behind me. My twins—two years old, golden eyes sparkling with life.
Damon appeared, scooping up our son while I lifted our daughter. These children would never know betrayal, never doubt their worth. They would grow up in a world where love was certain, where protection was absolute.
"The Council meeting?" I asked, settling our daughter on my hip.
"Postponed," Damon smiled. "Elder Whitehawk insists you shouldn't work so hard in your condition."
My hand moved to my stomach, where our third child grew. Another blessing, another promise of the future.
"Any regrets?" Damon asked quietly, his hand finding mine.
The question he asked sometimes, checking the price I'd paid for this peace.
I looked at my family, at Fenrir materializing beside us with his ancient wisdom, at the kingdom we'd built from ashes.
"No," I said. "Not a single one."
Every scar had led me here. Every moment of darkness had taught me to treasure the light.
Fenrir's golden eyes met mine. "You have found what you truly sought, my Alpha."
"What was that?" I asked, though I already knew.
"Home."
Maya arrived with Elder Whitehawk, bringing news of successful harvests, peaceful borders, thriving schools. The elder mentioned songs being written about the "Warrior Queen."
"They say you're the greatest ruler in Pack history," he reported with pride.
I smiled, feeling the gentle kick of the child within me.
"Perhaps. But I prefer another title."
"Which is?"
I looked at my children—my son reaching for Fenrir's golden fur, my daughter giggling at the morning light. At Damon, whose love had anchored me through every storm. At the kingdom spread below us, finally at peace.
"Mother," I said simply.
The girl who died on a blood moon night was gone forever. The woman who sought revenge had served her purpose.
Now there was only this: life, love, family, and the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.
I was home.
And for the first time in two lifetimes, that was enough.
(THE END)
