I woke up to the gentle light of the Key of Harmony, which was still on my bedside table. Its soft glow quietly reminded me of all the recent changes. Sunlight came through the window, warming the room and shining on the map of Moonstone Hollow that was pinned to my wall. The map was covered with notes and small markers, showing how busy and complicated things had become.I rubbed my eyes sitting up, then looked at the time. I had slept for a long time, my body finally gave in to the exhaustion accumulated this past week; Creating the council, holding the ceremony to protect the borders between the worlds, and attending all those meetings and planning-it was very exhausting.A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, expecting Xander.Xander entered, carrying a tray with breakfast. The sight and smell of food made my stomach growl, I couldn't remember the last time I ate a good meal.“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Xander greeted, with a warm smile. “Or shou
I woke up to the sound of laughter and happy talking coming through my open window. For a moment, I stayed still, enjoying the calm feeling that had become usual in Moonstone Hollow. It was very different from the worry and fear that had affected here a few weeks ago.As I walked outside, I saw all kinds of magical creatures working together, making our small place even better. Werewolves and fairies were side by side, building new houses. Witches and vampires were happily talking as they took care of a shared garden. It was everything I had wished for and even more.“Aurora!” Xander called, and I turned to see him running towards me with some papers under his arm. He looked really excited. “I have something to show you.”We went to the town hall, where Xander spread out the papers on a big table. It was a detailed infrastructure plan for Moonstone Hollow's expansion.“Look,” Xander said, pointing to different areas on the map. “We've designated spaces for each supernatural community.
I woke up excited. Today my pack will be coming. “Time to gather the family,” I said quietly to myself as I added a touch of magic to each invitation. These weren't ordinary invitations; they were magical and would find their way to every member of my pack, no matter where they were.As I watched the invitations fly out the window like magical butterflies, I felt a mix of old memories and pride. A lot had changed, and now I could show them the amazing world we'd created here in Moonstone Hollow.Xander found me looking out the window, deep in thought. His warm hands on my shoulders brought me back to the moment.“Ready for the big day?” he asked, his eyes shining with excitement.I nodded, leaning into his hug. “More than ready. Let's make this a welcome they'll never forget.”The next few hours were a blur of activity. Xander and I rushed through town, working with everyone to prepare a huge feast. Supernatural beings of all kinds pitched in, their enthusiasm infectious. Werewolves
The early morning light barely peeked through my curtains when I woke up, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Today was special—it was my first day as a teacher at Moonstone Hollow's brand-new Academy for young supernatural beings. I, Aurora, the one who had brought peace to our world, was starting a new adventure: guiding the next generation.As I got ready, Xander's steady presence beside me was a comfort. He'd been up late helping me prepare a syllabus, a perfect blend of traditional supernatural knowledge and our new harmony-focused approach.“You can do it, Aurora,” Xander said, giving my hand a comforting squeeze. “If anyone can help these kids learn to get along, it's you.”I took a deep breath, feeling more confident because of his support. “Thanks, Xander. I just hope I can meet their expectations.”The walk to the Academy was not long, but with each step, I felt my responsibilities weighing heavier. The great building that now housed our special school took my breat
A year has gone by since everything changed. And today is the day Xander and I renew our vows.I lay in bed for a moment, amazed by the peace that now filled Moonstone Hollow. The sounds of various supernatural beings going about their day drifted through the open window – a harmony I once thought impossible.My daydream was broken by the wonderful smell of fresh coffee and something sweet. I sat up and saw Xander coming into our room with a tray full of breakfast.“Good morning, beautiful,” Xander said, his eyes shining with love and a bit of fun. “I thought you might want to start this special day with some energy.”As we ate, we couldn't help but remember our journey. From the first time we met to the challenges we faced, and the life we've built together.“Remember when you first told me I was your mate?” I asked, laughing at the memory. “I thought you were crazy.”Xander chuckled, taking my hand. “And look at us now, about to renew our vows in front of the entire supernatural com
I woke up, suddenly feeling really sick. I rushed to the bathroom as fast as I could, Xander was quick to enter and hold my hair, rubbing my back.“Aurora, are you alright?” Xander asked in a very worried tone.I nodded very slowly. “I'm fine,” I whispered. “I must have eaten something bad.”But when I stood up and smelled Xander's cologne — which I usually liked — I felt sick again. I turned back to the toilet, feeling my stomach twist.Xander looked very concerned. “This isn't normal, Aurora. Maybe we should see the pack healer.”I wanted to argue, to insist I was fine, but the worry in Xander's eyes made me reconsider. “Okay,” I agreed. “We'll go after breakfast.”But breakfast was another challenge. As soon as I went into the kitchen, the smell of the coffee-one that usually is my favorite morning smell made me nauseous. I couldn't even finish a piece of dry toast before having to push my plate away.Xander watched me with more and more worry. “That's it,” he said strongly. “We're
I woke up with a sigh, my very pregnant body making even getting out of bed difficult. As I tried to sit up, Xander was right there, his face showing worry.“Let me help you, Aurora,” he whispered, his soft hands supporting my back as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed.I smiled up at him gratefully, yet couldn't help but feel annoyed at my weakness. I was accustomed to being strong, able to tackle anything life threw at me. This feeling of needing help was new and not very pleasant.We sat down to breakfast, still in high spirits, but in my mind at least getting back to normal. Then an urgent message came in-something was happening, vampires and werewolves were battling it out. Duty screamed at me to rush there right away, while another part of me tried to say, “Wait,” the part of me conscious of a growing baby inside me.Xander saw my internal struggle. “Aurora, you don't have to go. Someone else can handle it.”I shook my head. “No, I should be there. I'm still the leader of
I sat up, jolting wide awake, a sharp ache ripping through my middle. For a second, I lay there, wondering if this was another false alarm. Then another wave of pain hit, even stronger, and I knew. It was happening.“Xander,” I panted, waking my husband. “It's time.”Xander's eyes flew open in a mix of terror and excitement. He launched himself out of bed, scurrying around the room to get dressed and to retrieve our hospital bag.“Are you sure?” he asked in a somewhat shaky voice.I nodded, teeth gritted as another wave hit. “Positive.”It seemed as though the drive to the hospital happened instantly. Xander's hands were firm on the steering wheel, but I noticed the tension in his jaw, the fast, worried glances he cast my way. When we drew closer to the entrance of the hospital, I could see someone was waiting for us.Zara, our healer and midwife, beamed at us with a reassuring smile. “Right on time,” she said, helping me out of the car. “I've set up a special room for you, ready for