I felt a smirk tug at the corner of my mouth. Leave it to Chris to reduce something like this down to its most simplistic form. “More or less, I suppose,” I conceded with a slightly bashful laugh. “Although personally, I subscribe to the idea that maybe all versions of a given deity are equally real
ChrisThe scent of disinfectant and herbal remedies stung my nostrils as Leonard and I made our way down the narrow infirmary corridor. My boots echoed off of the walls, my steps short and clipped.“Are you sure you want to see her?” Leonard asked. “After what she did, no one would blame you.”“She
I leaned in closer until I could see the tiniest flicker of uncertainty flickering behind Olivia’s impassive mask. “But you would do well to remember that she has also been known to unleash her unforgiving wrath when the circumstances demand it.”As I spoke, I thought back to that warehouse in the w
Ava The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air as I kneaded the dough, my fingers coated in a light dusting of flour. It was a simple task, one that normally brought me peace and allowed my mind to wander. As I worked, however, Olivia’s words echoed in my head—that cruel taunt about
I pinched the bridge of my nose, smiled, and shook my head. “I’m not complaining. It’s just… you’re both laying it on so thick.” There was a brief silence before Chris spoke up again. “Alright, alright; we have good news. But let’s save it for later. I’m hungry.” “Very well.” With that, the th
Ava I stared at Chris, my heart pounding in my chest as his words settled in. If he was staying here in Moonstone as Alpha, then… “Chris,” I began slowly, trying to keep my voice steady despite myself, “we’ve been over this. I—” “I know, I know,” he interrupted with a wave of his wine glass. “
“I always knew,” he continued softly. “Deep down, I always knew that no matter how much time passed, no matter how far apart we were… we would find our way back to each other eventually. It was fate—destiny. A gift from the Moon Goddess, if you will.” I blinked rapidly, trying in vain to stave off
Ava I fidgeted nervously in my seat at the long council table, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the lines in the wood. Across from me, the five vacant chairs meant for the Elders seemed to loom larger and more imposing with each passing second. Chris sat beside me, tapping his foot on the floor w
Chris shook his head, rolling his eyes. “Unbelievable,” he hissed as I smirked with satisfaction.The trip to the clinic went by a lot faster on wheels than on foot. Chris remained glued to my side, his hair falling into his eyes as he repeatedly checked on me. I simply smiled in the backseat, and w
Epilogue — Part IIAvaAs the balloon hit me square in the face, I stumbled back, nearly losing my balance. Chris’s strong arm caught me, steadying me as a chorus of “Surprise!” filled the air.Our living room had been transformed, covered with balloons and streamers in shades of blue and silver. A
Her imprisonment in New Moon was coming to an end, and soon she would be returning to Moonstone on parole. The thought filled me with a mixture of apprehension and hope, as it did all of us.But that was not coming for another month.As the Elders filed out, I leaned back in my chair, unable to keep
Before I could comment, the Elders finally filed in, their usual robes swishing around them as they moved. Fatima was now the Eldest since Elise was gone, and so she took the end of the table opposite Chris.Claire hobbled in after her; she had been leaning on a cane lately due to a sudden onset of
Epilogue — Part IAvaMy hand rested on my belly as I waddled through the doors, half-ignoring Chris’s presence. He sighed, letting the door fall shut behind me.“What’s wrong?” he asked, following me to the circular council table in the center of the room.“Nothing.”That was a lie.It was my 40th
For a moment, Chris was silent, his gaze intense as he searched my face. Then, without warning, he dropped to his knees, burying his face in my skirt. His arms wrapped around my waist, holding me close.“Goddess, I can’t wait to marry you,” he murmured, his voice muffled by the fabric.I smiled, run
AvaI found Chris on a balcony overlooking the golden sunset of New Moon mountain. The sky was ablaze with vibrant oranges and pinks, casting a warm glow over the snow-capped peaks. The crisp mountain air carried the scent of pine and distant earth from far below, the scent of autumn.Back in Moonst
“As you should, Alpha Edward,” Chris said, clasping the Alpha’s forearm. “As you should.”It was heartwarming to see how everyone seemed to be thriving. The bonds between the packs were stronger than ever, and there was a palpable sense of hope in the air.Finally, it was time for the meeting to beg
AvaGolden sunlight streamed through the enormous windows, shafts of warmth spreading across the large meeting hall. A fire crackled merrily in the hearth, and a long oak table had been placed at the center of the room. Soft piano music played from a human-made record player in the corner, and counc