Chapter 138 — New beginnings

“ I didn't expect to find you here of all places,” The cat kept purring as Elara vigorously scratched its head, “ And now, back to work! Let the mercy of the Goddess reign supreme!” Elara said, her voice filled with excitement as she tossed the cat into the air.

David and Ester watched in awe, their jaws almost dropping. The cat twisted and morphed midair, transforming into a radiant orb of light, exactly mimicking the moon in the heavens.

“ The Moon Goddess in her feline state! No way! This is insane! ”David exclaimed, eyes wide with amazement.

The orb shimmered and burst, releasing a cascade of moon dust that floated gently down, covering Aria’s bed in a soft, silvery glow. As the last speck of dust settled, Bastet let out a loud, echoing meow before disappearing. David and Ester held their breath. The room was silent for a moment, then Aria stirred. The monitors beeped frantically, and David’s heart leaped.

"She moved!" David shouted, his voice quivering with glee. "Did you see that?"

Ester nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I saw it. She's waking up. A miracle in the true sense.”

David rushed to Aria's side, grabbing her hand and kissing her fingers fervently. "Baby girl, our little one is here. Wake up. Damn! I thought I lost you for real this time."

Aria's eyelids slightly fluttered, and she made a faint sound, her fingers twitched. The monitors settled back into their normal rhythm, and a wave of relief washed over David.

“ Never imagined I would be saying this but all thanks to the Goddess for giving me back my family," he whispered, tears glistening in his eyes. "Thank the heavens you're coming back to us." He was kneeling, hands closed around Aria’s fingers, eyes closed, chest heaving.

Elara stepped forward, her expression calm and reassuring. "Don’t sweat it, guys. Aria’s gonna be just fine.”

David looked up at her, his gratitude evident. "Thank you, Elara. I don’t know how to repay you."

Elara smirked. "Just remember that when it’s time to return the favor.” She let out a little laugh, “ Just kidding, doing what I can. But hey, David, I need a word with you.” She turned towards Ester who held the baby, “ In private if you don't mind! It will only take a minute.”

David looked back at Ester, who nodded. "Go on. I'll stay with her.”

As they stepped out of the room, Elara pulled David to the side and smacked her lips on his so suddenly that David couldn't even move. She kissed him with all she had, eyes closed, tears streaming and then as suddenly as she had begun, she ended the kiss, shoving him back.

“ That's it then, David. I will be taking my leave. Now that you have your family back, I pray with all my heart that you never ever need to search me out or call me for help. I hope you get all the happiness you truly deserve. But, David… ” She paused before looking back at him, “ Your daughter is very special. She inherited a lot more than just your and Aria's powers. Keep an eye out for her. There will be forces that will covet her power. It won't be an easy journey! ”

“ I will, ” David patted Elara's back as she turned around to leave. She was just about to turn around the corner when David called out, “ Elara… ”

She turned around, surprised.

“ Yes, David! ”

“ Don't forget to take care of yourself as well. You really saved my life more than once… including today!I hope someday you will find someone who loves you back just like I love my wife. ”

Elara's lips reciprocated a sad smile, “ Thank you, David. But I doubt that! ”

***

The much-awaited wedding...

Sebastian nudged Ester with his elbow. "Are you still mad at me?" he asked, his voice full of worry and sadness. Ester stood there, her niece cradled in her arms, glaring at him.

"Obviously," she muttered, her eyes fixed ahead, avoiding his gaze. He sighed and then, to her shock, dropped to one knee. "Ester, I was a jerk. I was rude and arrogant, I hurt you because of the walls I had created around me. Meaningless walls. And I finally realized that even Arabella would want me to move on with my life. I'm so sorry."

He looked up at her, eyes pleading. "Will you forgive me?”

Ester's cheeks turned pink, but she kept her lips pressed together, not saying a word.

Before she could respond, the crowd around them erupted into cheers and applause.

It was the wedding of the decade. The lycan king was finally getting married to his mate. The entire kingdom was abuzz and the who's who of the supernatural world was present.

David and Aria were walking down the aisle together, looking like a dream. Ester and Sebastian couldn't help but admire them, momentarily forgetting the tension brewing between them.

"They look so happy," Ester whispered, a soft smile playing on her lips.

“Yeah, they do," Sebastian agreed, still on his knee, eyes now shining with hope. "And we can be happy too if you give me a chance.”Sebastian continued, his voice breaking. "I've been a fool, but I can't imagine my life without you. I need you. We can start fresh, build a life together. What do you say?”

Ester looked down at him, her expression softening. She took a deep breath. "Alright, Sebastian! Now, get up. Don't create a scene!”

Sebastian's face lit up with pure joy. He sprang to his feet and pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Careful! Don't squish the baby!” Ester immediately stepped back, blocking him but he didn't care. He was smiling like crazy.

“You won't regret this, Ester. I promise I'll make it up to you every single day.And we will make our own babies and squish them. Deal? ”

Ester rolled her eyes but the next announcement caught her attention. She carefully made her way forward, Sebastian close behind her.

It was time for the ring ceremony.

“You are the fire in my veins and the calm in my heart. Today, I give you all of me.”

“ Awwww! ” Murmurs erupted as David proclaimed his love for Aria, while she melted, blushing like a big red tomato, in his arms.

“ May I, baby girl? ” David asked, his head tilted to take a peek at Aria from under her wedding veil, making Aria's toe curl with the sheer intensity of his gaze.

All she could do was nod her head and grab onto him tighter for better stability.

Just as David was about to slip the ring onto her finger, a loud voice erupted, "I object!"

The crowd gasped, turning to see Alpha Lucas striding forward.

David's face hardened as the guards and he himself moved to intercept Lucas, but Lucas raised his hands, holding out a sword.

“Aria, you can't move on and marry without forgiving me first," Lucas said, his voice breaking. "I banished Seraphina and her father. I mourn my child every day. I was wrong, and I deserve whatever punishment you see fit. I plead guilty.I hurt you really bad. "

He fell to his knees, holding the sword out to her, tears glistening in his eyes. The entire assembly watched in stunned silence.

Aria stepped forward and then gently bent down, lifting Lucas up. She took the sword from his hands and looked into his eyes. "Lucas, I forgive you. Holding onto this anger won't bring back the past. We were both naive but we emerged as a better version of ourselves through all the turmoil.That's what counts. That's what matters. I hope the lycans and werewolves can live in harmony and build a better future together. If you can facilitate that, it would be a sufficient wedding gift for me. "

Lucas nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude but there was no denying the sadness and the pain that overpowered his gaze. "I promise,I will and thank you, Aria, forever. Every moment I spent with you is a treasure. I wish you a happy married life."

He stepped back, leaving the sword in her hands.

David took her hand in his. The pride he felt for Aria's grace and strength was evident in the way he smiled. He focused only on her, his love for her growing deeper. "You ready to finish this, love?"

"More than ever." Aria smiled back, her eyes shining.” But we are forgetting someone very important. We probably cannot do this without her. ”

Aria ran towards Ester leaving David puzzled and confused but before long she was back with her daughter.

David smirked, scratching the back of his ear.

As soon as David placed the ring on her finger,

the world faded into nothingness.It was just her, always her. He leaned in slowly, savoring, his lips brushing against hers with a gentleness that belies the storm raging within him.

He poured everything into that kiss,their past,present and future. It was a kiss that spoke of forever, leaving them both breathless.

The crowd erupted in applause, celebrating not just their union, but the hope for a peaceful future.