Chapter 97 - the end

Heather

With Mara gone, the estate felt peace and calm, like the storm had passed. Some funny thing is no one grieved over Mara's death, even though she was once the Luna.

Even her son, Archer.

Lucas never loved her in the first place. He softened to me and more wary of letting fear rule him. Our bond emerged stronger for enduring the trial.

Together Lucas and I slowly mended torn relationships throughout the pack, reassuring all of our peaceful intentions. Keegan’s wisdom and discretion proved invaluable in maintaining stability through the transition. And Alex’s calm strength gave me courage when threats of fresh dissent arose. He would make a fine leader someday, if we could break the bleak cycle of suspicion and isolation.

Archer remained more inscrutable, keeping his own counsel for a time. But Alex's tireless faith seemed to gently erode his walls.

And seeing Lucas choose unity over vengeance clearly gave him much to ponder internally. I hoped in time the seeds of healing