Page 88 of Luna's New Reign
I let out a shaky laugh, brushing my fingers through my tangled hair as Darius helps me to my feet. My body protests with every movement, sore and tired, but I cradle Celeste against my chest and everything else fades.
The moment I hold her, the magic surges again, stronger this time, and I realize it’s not just the land—it’s her. She’s tied to this place, to us, in a way that feels bigger than anything I can comprehend.
“Neph,” Darius says gently, his hands steadying me as I wobble. “Are you sure you’re ready?”
I nod, my voice firm even though my legs feel like jelly. “I have to be. They’re here.”
The packlands are alive with movement, wolves gathering at the edge of the crystal forest as if drawn by an unseen force. The Sapphire wolves approach from the other side, their coats glinting in the soft light and it’s like the magic itself has called us all together.
I can see them—my mates—just beyond the trees, their forms silhouetted against the morning light. My heart clenches as I take a shaky step forward, Darius at my side, steady as always.
Celeste coos softly against my chest, her tiny face peeking out from the swaddle of blankets. I adjust her carefully, murmuring words of comfort as we make our way toward the gathering.
The cold bites at my skin, but I barely feel it with the warmth of the bond pulsing through me. Every step feels like it’s guided by something greater, something ancient, and I can’t help but marvel at the way the forest seems to glow around us.
As we break through the treeline, the air shifts. The wolves who fought to protect the packlands—Nightshades, Sapphirewolves, even some of the pack of the Forbidden—turn to us, their eyes wide with awe.
Mateo’s wolf steps forward, his eyes locking onto mine, and my breath catches in my throat. He’s battered and bruised from the fight, but he’s alive. He’s here. He shifts mid-step as he closes the distance between us. The moment he reaches me, his hands cradle my face, his lips crashing against mine in a kiss that steals the air from my lungs.
“You brought me back,” he murmurs against my lips, his voice thick with emotion.
Tears well in my eyes as I pull back just enough to look at him. “You promised me you’d stay,” I whisper, my voice trembling.
“I’ll always stay,” he vows, his forehead pressing against mine. The world seems to pause around us as he looks down at Celeste, his eyes softening in a way that makes my heart ache. “She’s beautiful,” he whispers, his hand brushing over her tiny head.
Each of my mates gathers around us, their eyes wide with wonder as they take in the tiny bundle in my arms. Remi is the first to reach out, his hand trembling as he gently touches her fingers.
Asani chuckles softly, his hand brushing against mine. “Celeste,” I say finally, my voice steady despite the tears streaming down my face. “Her name is Celeste. It means heavenly.”
Mateo takes her from me, his hands cradling her with a gentleness that brings fresh tears to my eyes. He turns to face the gathering wolves, his voice strong and commanding as he lifts her into the air.
“This is Celeste,” he declares. “The child ofThe Luna, the light that will guide us into a new era. Today, we leave behind the darkness. Today, we rise stronger, together.”
The sound of joy echoes through the packlands like a wave, swelling and crashing around us. Howls of celebration rise intothe air, the energy so thick it feels like the very land is humming. The wolves—ours and the Sapphire pack alike—are rejoicing. It's a moment of peace, of unity, of triumph after what feels like an eternity of darkness.
Mateo steps forward, his eyes scanning the crowd before landing on Victoria, Lawrence, Kehlani, and Ilara. With a slow, deliberate movement, he inclines his head, a nod of respect and faith that makes my chest tighten.
The Sapphire wolves have been with us through every step of this journey, their loyalty tested and proven in ways that words can’t describe. Victoria catches his gaze, her expression softening as she returns the gesture, a silent promise that they will continue to stand by us.
Mateo turns back to me, handing me our daughter before kissing my forehead. The tension in his shoulders eases as he steps to the side to address my brother. For a long moment, I think he’s going to reject Locke but he doesn’t. Instead, Mateo bows his head as a sign of respect for another pack Alpha.
“Welcome to the pack,” Mateo says, his voice steady, but there’s a warmth there, a sincerity that makes Locke’s ears flick back.
Locke dips his massive head and my chest tightens. This moment—this connection—feels like a bridge between the past and the future. The air shifts, a strange stillness settling over the clearing as the celebrations continue around us.
At first, it’s just flickers of light, almost like fireflies dancing in the breeze. But as I watch, the shapes become clearer, more defined, and my breath catches in my throat.
“Neph,” Darius whispers, his hand brushing against mine as he follows my gaze.
They’re here.
My father, Casimir, stands tall and proud, his eyes shining with a warmth I haven’t felt since I was a child. Beside him areIlsa and Gael, Mateo’s fathers, their expressions filled with pride and love as they look at us—at Mateo, at me, at Celeste.
The wind carries their presence, their spirits shimmering like sunlight breaking through the clouds. My heart feels impossibly full, a mix of joy and sorrow swirling within me as I take in the sight of them.
They’re proud of us.
They’re proud ofme.