Chapter 230

Chapter 230
Stella's POV

The first pangs of labor hit as the morning sun paints the Ice Lake in shimmering gold. I'd insisted on giving birth in the newly built lodge beside the lake—away from Glacier's ancestral grounds, away from any clan's shadow. This place, with its neutral snow and ancient ice, feels right for our cub's arrival—the future leader of a united federation, not just one clan's heir.

Kai paces outside the lodge, his boots crunching on the frozen ground. I can hear his anxious muttering through the thick wooden walls, a low growl that rises and falls with each contraction. Inside, Kaya fusses over the furs spread on the birthing bed, her hands steady despite the worry in her eyes.

"Breathe, Stella," she says, pressing a cool cloth to my forehead. "The healers are here, and the Goddess is with us."

The lodge is warm from the fire, but I'm drenched in sweat, my wedding armor—now too tight—traded for a loose fur tunic. The cub is strong, their movements fierce even now, as if eager to enter the world. Each contraction feels like a storm raging inside me, tearing through my body with the force of a hurricane. I clench my teeth, grabbing fistfuls of the fur blanket.

"Easy, Luna," says Marla, the eldest healer, her voice calm. "Your body knows what to do. Just let go and push when the time comes."

But the cub is stubborn, just like their father. Hours pass, and the sun climbs higher in the sky. My energy flags, but Kaya keeps me hydrated with sips of spruce tea laced with honey, and Marla massages my lower back, easing some of the pain. I can hear Kai outside, arguing with someone—probably Ataq, trying to keep him from bursting in.

"Come on, little storm," I gasp between contractions, pressing a hand to my belly. "You've been kicking me for months; now it's time to come out and meet the world."

Kaya smiles, brushing my damp hair from my face. "I can see the head, Stella! Just a bit more. You're doing amazing."

I grit my teeth and push, channeling every ounce of strength. The pain is blinding, a white-hot surge that threatens to consume me. But then, through the haze, I hear Kaya's voice, filled with joy: "It's a boy! A strong, healthy cub!"

A cry pierces the air—a loud, angry howl that echoes off the ice. Relief floods through me, and I collapse back onto the furs, panting. Marla wraps the tiny bundle in a soft white fur and places him in my arms. He's perfect, with a tuft of black hair like Kai's and tiny hands that grip my finger tightly.

"Hello, little one," I whisper, tears streaming down my face. "Welcome to the world."

Kai's voice booms from outside, frantic: "Is he here? Is Stella alright?"

"Not yet, Kai," Kaya calls back. "We need to clean up. Just a few more minutes."

I laugh weakly, nuzzling the cub's soft cheek. He smells of snow and something sweet, entirely new. I can't believe he's finally here, that he's real.

But before I can fully savor the moment, the ground beneath us shudders. A low, rumbling roar fills the air, growing louder by the second. The lodge walls shake, and snow falls from the roof.

"What was that?" Marla asks, her face paling.

Kaya rushes to the window, pulling back the fur curtain. "Gods above..." she breathes.

I strain to see, still weak from the birth. Outside, the sky is filled with smoke, rising from the direction of the Ice Lake's far shore. Another explosion rocks the ground, louder than the first, sending a wave of snow across the ice.

Kai's voice rings out, sharp and commanding: "To arms! Protect the lodge!"

I hear the clash of weapons and the growls of wolves shifting into their animal forms. My heart pounds. Who could be attacking now?

"Stella, we need to get you and the cub to safety," Kaya says, her voice tight but steady. She grabs a thick fur and wraps it around me, careful of the cub. "Marla, help me."

The cub starts to cry, sensing my fear. I hold him close, rocking him gently. "Shh, little one, Mama's here." But my hands are shaking.

Another explosion, even closer. The lodge door bursts open, and Kai stands there, sword in hand, his face covered in ash. "Stella!" he shouts, rushing to my side. "Are you alright? The cub?"

"We're fine," I say, my voice trembling. "What's happening? Who is it?"

Kai's jaw is set, his eyes dark with anger. "It's Damon," he growls. "He's alive, and he's brought an army."

My blood runs cold. Damon. I should have known he wouldn't stay dead. The explosions, the attack—all his doing. And he's chosen this moment, when we're at our most vulnerable, to strike.

"Where is he?" I demand, struggling to sit up.

"On the far shore," Kai says, helping me to my feet. "He's using some kind of Council weapons—they're tearing through our defenses."

I look down at the cub in my arms, his tiny face scrunched up in sleep, unaware of the chaos around him. Anger flares inside me, hot and fierce. Damon dares to attack on the day my child is born? To threaten the peace we've fought so hard for?

"No," I whisper, my voice hardening. "Not today. Not ever."

Kai looks at me, surprise in his eyes. "Stella, you just gave birth—"

"I know," I interrupt, handing the cub to Kaya. "But I'm still the Luna. And no one threatens my family."

I take a deep breath, feeling the storm blood in my veins stir for the first time since the cub's birth. It's weaker, but it's there. The edelweiss shards in my discarded armor glow faintly, as if calling to me.

"Kaya, keep the cub safe," I say, meeting her gaze. "Marla, help her. Kai, get me my armor."

Kai stares at me for a moment, then nods, determination replacing the worry in his eyes. "Yes, Luna."

As he rushes to retrieve my armor, I look out the window at the smoke-filled sky. Damon may have caught us by surprise, but he hasn't won yet. Not as long as I have breath in my body and storm blood in my veins.

The cub gives a tiny yawn, and I lean down to press a kiss to his forehead. "Don't worry, little storm," I murmur. "Mama and Papa will keep you safe. This world may be dangerous, but we'll make it safe for you. I promise."