Chapter 263
The evening at was thirk with umpoken words as my brothers and 1 gathered under the old oak in the courtyard, the moonlight casting silver
reales at miss their familiar faces. For a moment, we were just siblings again, laughing over old stories, teasing each other with reckless affection. snork, Seth’s (part strength. Jed’s booming laugh, all pieces of a home Dd cherished, now fleeting, the triplets great leadership and Cade’s
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this.” I admitted softly, my voi
“We’ll always come back, Sonia” Seth and Cade said with a promised, their hund resting firmly on my shoulder.
flærld onto that, even as the night began to lireak us apart again.
The sun rose slowly casting golden light on the grounds where life carried on after the war. Yet, there was a quiet undercurrent of change rippling through the aur. This was not the ulence of peace, but the pause before the next chapter, a reminder that life moves forward, even after it’s been irrevocably altered.
I stood by the window in the nursery, rocking Cael gently in my arms while Liana dozed peacefully in her crib. The soft weight of my son against my chest was both grounding and bittersweet. Every time I looked at them, I felt the ache of knowing they would grow up in a world still bruised
Kamon entered the room, his footsteps quiet but purposeful. He came to stand beside me, his dark eyes fixed on Cael “They’ll have a better future because of what we’ve done,” he said softly, as if reading my thoughts.
I glanced at him, my lips curving into a small smile. “I hope so.”
He rested a hand on my shoulder, his warmth a steady
eady reassurance. “They will. And they’ll have us. That’s more than either of us had growing up.”
The weight of his words settled over me, a reminder of everything we’d fought for–and everything we’d lost along the way
Later that morning, the courtyard was bustling with activity. Cade stood near the gates, giving orders to his warriors as they prepared to return to Silverpaw. His calm, measured tone was a stark contrast to the chaos we’d endured together on the battlefield.
Tapproached him, Liana bundled in a sling against my chest. Cade turned at the sound of my footsteps, his expression softening when he saw me.
“You’re leaving soon,” I said, more a statement than a question.
He nodded. “Silverpaw needs its Alpha. There’s a lot to rebuild.”
“You’ve always been good at that,” I said, my voice tinged with affection.
He chuckled softly. “Rebuilding, fighting seems like all I’ve ever known. But this time, it feels different. Like there’s finally something worth protecting”
I reached nut, squeezing his hand. “There always was, Cade. You just didn’t let yourself see it before.”
His eyes für kered with something unspoken, laut he simply nodded. “Take care of yourself. Sonia. And those little ones,
Nearby. Wolf good brude Jackie, their voices low bat animated as they discussed the future of Moonray. Seeing them together brought a warmth to my chest. Jackie, with her sharp edges and unwavering strength, had been a force to reckon with during the war. And Wolf, my ever–stubbor brother, had finally found someone who could meet him head–on.
As I approached, Jackie glanced at me and smirked. “Sonia, tell your brother that being Alpha means more than just looking intimidating.”
Wolf rolled his eyes but grinned. “I think I’ve got the intimidating part down.”
Laughed, der sound surprising ever “You’ll do great, Wolf Moonray couldn’t ask for a better Alpha, or a better Luna.” Jackie’s smork softened into a smile, and she sealed. “He’ll be fine.
I’ll make sure
The day unfolded in moments like their goolleyes laced with hope and the weight of change.
Jed was next sta perched on his shoulders as his princess stood by his side. The reunion between them had been as chaotic and heartfelt as I’d imagined Jed had always been larger than life, but seeing him with his family brought out a side of him I hadn’t seen in years.
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Chapter 263
They’ve got your stubbornness, I teased, nodding toward his son, who was currently attempting to climb his father’s head.
Jed grinued. “Takes after his aunt, I think”
“Don’t blame me for your wild child.” I said, laughing.
His expression sobered for a moment, and he placed a hand on my y shoulder. “Take care of yourself, Sonia. And don’t let Ramon take all the credit for those jups.”
Twon’t, I promised, tears threatening to spill.
Seth’s departure was quieter but no less impactful. He stood at the edge of the courtyard, his pack slung over one shoulder, his stance steady but contemplative.
“I wish you’d reconsider,” I said, my voice breaking slightly as I approached him.
He turned to me, his face unreadable. “I’m not running. Sonia. I’m finding my way. We all have to, in our own time.”
I nodded, though my heart clenched. “You’ll write!”
“Of course,” he said, his lips curving into a rare smile. “Someone has to keep you updated on the state of the world”
I pulled him into a hug, holding on tightly. “Be safe, Seth.”
“I will,” he murmured, his voice steady.
The triplets, as always, brought a whirlwind of energy to the courtyard. Castiel, Craig, and Caleb were preparing to leave on their mission to turn the lives of rogues around, their enthusiasm as infectious as ever.
“Are you sure about this?” I asked, worry lacing my tone.
Craig
g grinned. “Sure as I’ve ever been about anything
“We we
ve got this, little sister, Castiel added, his confidence unwavering
Caleb nudged me playfully. “Besides, if we get into trouble, we know you’ll come save us.”
I sighed, shaking my head. “Just don’t make me regret letting you go.”
“You won’t,” Castiel promised, his expression uncharacteristically serious. “We’ll make you proud.”
I held in the tears that wanted to embarrass me.
By the end of the day, the courtyard was quieter, the departures leaving behind an ache that settled deep in my chest. The Bloodmoon estate felt larger and emptier without them, though I knew they carried pieces of it with them wherever they went.
I stood by the gates, watching the horizon as the last of them disappeared from view. Ramon came to stand beside me, his hand slipping into mine. “They’ll be back,” he said, his voice steady.
“I know.” I replied, though my heart felt heavy.
That night, as I settled the twins into their cribs, I couldn’t shake the feeling that our war wasn’t over. We had fought for peace, but peace was a fragile thing, easily broken and hard to rebuild.
I ran a hand over Carl’s tiny chest, his soft breathing a soothing rhythm against my palm. “We’ll protect you,” I whispered. “No matter what.”
frar.
As I turned to Liana, her small hand twitched, and her lips parted in a soft sigh. My heart swelled, the weight of my love for them overpowering any
“They’ll grow up in a better world,” I said aloud, as much to convince myself as to reassure them
Hamon entered the nursery, his expression soft he thoughtful. He came to stand beside me, his gaze resting on the twins.
They will,” he said quietly. “Because we’ll make it so.
