246

246
Dravina POV
The sun was already climbing high when the first cars rolled up the gravel drive, tires crunching in a familiar rhythm that stirred something in my chest. I stood at the front steps, Seraphina balanced against my hip while Lucian clung to Malrik’s hand, his small steps determined but wobbly.
From the yard came a low hum of voices and laughter, drifting through the warm air where balloons swayed gently and long tables gleamed with platters of food, chilled drinks, and gifts wrapped in every color imaginable.
One by one, our guests emerged from their cars and with each arrival, my heart swelled until it felt too big for my chest. Gratitude, maybe. Or just that overwhelming warmth that comes from seeing the people you love gathered in one place, safe and smiling.
Cassian appeared first, looking more at ease than I’d ever known him. Indira walked at his side, radiant in a flowing dress that barely hid the curve of her growing belly. His hand rested protectively against her back, the other lugging a stuffed bear nearly the size of Lucian himself.
“Don’t start,” Cassian warned, catching the smirk tugging at my lips.
“I wasn’t going to say a thing,” I replied, unable to stop my grin. “But… the bear? Really?”
Indira laughed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “It was this one or nothing. You know how dramatic he is.”
Malrik arched a brow. “You two are perfectly matched, then.”
“Exactly why it works,” Cassian said, dropping the bear at Lucian’s feet.
Lucian squealed, hurling himself onto it in delight.
Next came Quillan and Solene, arms stacked with boxes and bottles. Solene glowed in a deep sapphire wrap dress, her touch constantly tethered to him her hand on his arm, fingers linked with his, brushing his back. Subtle, steady, unshakable.
“You clean up well, Vitale,” I teased, pulling them into hugs.
“Don’t I always?” he fired back with a smirk. “Besides, someone has to keep Cassian humble.”
“You wish,” Cassian called from across the lawn.
Laughter rippled through the air, light and unrestrained, just as the rest began to arrive.
Andariel left Maelor’s side to hug me tightly, whispering how proud she was of what we’d built. Their little boy, Dorian, clung shyly to her skirts, the spitting image of his father.
Ansel swooped in next, immediately plucking Seraphina from my arms and smothering her cheeks with kisses. “She’s grown so much! And she’s all you, Dravina.”
“Except she already rules this house like her father,” I replied, trading a knowing glance with Malrik.
Ansel chuckled. “That’s what happens when Alphas have children the entire household bends to toddler law.”
Twila arrived with Vladan, busy overseeing last-minute details, her presence as grounding as ever. I couldn’t help but feel grateful for her steady hand.
The yard filled quickly glasses clinking, children’s shrieks echoing beneath the trees, the scent of grilled meats and fresh bread mixing with sweet fruits and desserts that vanished almost as soon as they touched the tables. Music floated over it all, bright and carefree.
And then the biggest surprise of the day: Uncle Tavrix and Dashira arriving hand in hand, followed by Uncle Drethos and Ysolde.
I still didn’t know what I loved more the way Tavrix kept pulling Dashira close every time someone tried to claim her attention, or the softened, unguarded smile on Uncle Drethos’s face as Ysolde slipped her hand into his, bold and unapologetic.
“You’re finally acting like a man in love,” I teased Drethos as I embraced them.
“Took me long enough,” he admitted, eyes warm with a joy I hadn’t seen in years. “Ysolde’s been patient.”
“She really has,” Ysolde said with a wink.
Tavrix hugged me next, his voice low. “You’ve done well, Luna. This… it’s beautiful.”
I looked around at the children darting through the grass, at the couples laughing, at plates passed between old friends who had once bled together. The pack that had been fractured, scarred, was whole again.
“It wasn’t just me,” I said softly. “It was all of us.”
By mid-afternoon, the twins had been celebrated half a dozen times over. Gifts piled high, torn wrapping scattered like confetti, two tiny crowns sitting crookedly on their heads.
Malrik and I stood side by side as everyone gathered for the cake. Seraphina rested in his arms, eyes wide at the single glowing candle, while Lucian clapped excitedly, his joy infectious.
I looked up at Malrik. His gaze was already locked on me.
“No regrets,” I whispered.
“None,” he murmured, kissing my temple.
The song was loud and off-key, but the twins’ laughter rang through it, sweeter than any melody. Together, we helped them blow out the candle and just like that, our babies were one.
Later, I wandered through the crowd, memorizing every sound and smile. These weren’t just pack members. They were family. Each of them had survived, lost, fought and now here they stood, thriving, ready to look forward instead of back.
No tension. No fear. Only life. And love. The kind we had clawed our way toward. The kind built from ashes.
As the sun dipped, painting the trees gold, I stood at the edge of the lawn, letting the scene sink into my bones. Malrik tossed Lucian into the air, Seraphina babbled in Indira’s arms, Quillan and Maelor argued with Vladan over drinks, Dashira danced barefoot in the grass with Twila, while Ysolde leaned against Drethos’s shoulder as Tavrix snapped a photo with an old camera.
This wasn’t just our happy ending.
No this was our beginning.
The End.