Chapter 217 THE FUTURE
EPILOGUE
Coban’s POV. FIVE YEARS LATER
The palace yard had never known quiet since that day. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The sun poured golden light over the grounds, reflecting off the polished stones and manicured hedges, bathing everything in warmth. I leaned against the balcony railing beside Caden, letting my eyes sweep over the chaos below. My family, my bloodline, my legacy. They were alive, and they were thriving.
Cassian launched himself across the training field, knocking Atlas to the grass in a dramatic tumble. Atlas rolled, springing right back up with a wide grin, his hair sticking to his forehead in damp strands of sweat.
“You cheated!” Atlas shouted, glaring at his brother.
Cassian smirked, puffing his chest. “Did not.”
“You used powers!” Atlas insisted, pointing at the faint golden glow that sometimes shimmered along Cassian’s hands when he pushed himself.
Cassian shrugged innocently. “That’s not cheating. That’s evolution.”
Evander, ran forward swinging a practice sword far too large for him. “I’m helping!” he shouted, determination written across his face.
Cassian blocked the swing easily, stepping aside with the effortless grace of a warrior already seasoned beyond his years. “You missed,” he said lightly, just stating fact.
Evander tried again. And missed again.
Caden chuckled beside me, shaking his head. “Future Beta might need a bit more training.”
“Or longer arms,” I muttered, observing the scene. Evander pouted slightly, but he wasn’t discouraged. He simply adjusted his stance and tried again.
Not far away, Alaric stood with arms folded behind his back, watching. No sudden moves. No dramatic leaps. Just sharp, calculating eyes taking in every detail. I could see the gears turning inside his head. The future gamma already learning patience and observation over brute force.
“Smart one,” Caden said quietly.
I nodded. “He’ll keep them alive.”
My gaze drifted to Brianna, tiny but bold, her bright eyes reflecting every movement. She darted across the grass, legs pumping like she was running an army into battle, her small fists clenched in determination.
“WAIT FOR ME!” she shrieked, making the twins pause mid-action.
Cassian immediately stopped, a grin tugging at his face. Atlas groaned dramatically, but even he couldn’t resist her energy.
Brianna’s little arms shot toward Cassian’s extended hand. She grabbed it proudly, and he bent down just enough to let her pull herself up beside him.
“I play too,” she said, tilting her chin with the natural arrogance of a tiny princess.
Evander didn’t hesitate. “I’m protecting the princess!” he announced, charging forward with determination .
Atlas groaned, hands on his hips. “You always protect the princess!”
Evander puffed up with pride. “Because I’m the Beta!”
Alaric rolled his eyes. “You’re five,” he said dryly, though his small smirk betrayed amusement.
I couldn’t help smiling, the sound caught somewhere between a laugh and a sigh.
Cassian and Atlas sparred again, dodging each other with ease, golden energy flaring faintly across their skin. Evander tried to join in, keeping up as best he could, while Alaric observed, already strategizing the angles and weaknesses in their movements.
Brianna’s giggles rose above the noise as she jumped into their minor collisions, waving her tiny hands and squealing with delight. Cassian momentarily froze, unsure how to dodge a five-year-old, and Atlas fell over laughing.
Caden and I exchanged a glance, both of us leaning heavily against the balcony railing. We had survived wars, threats, and countless attempts on our lives. We had secured the throne. But watching this scene, our children, our legacy, it reminded us that the fight had always been for this. For them.
Trixie stepped out onto the balcony beside us, her hand sliding into mine. The warmth of her touch was grounding. “They’re loud,” she murmured.
“Very,” I agreed, smiling down at the chaos below.
Cassian shouted something about Atlas cheating, and Atlas retaliated with a dramatic tumble into the grass, golden sparks dancing faintly in the sunlight. Evander and Alaric immediately took their positions, ready to intervene or observe.
Brianna squealed again, diving into the mess like she belonged there, a tiny whirlwind of energy. Cassian and Atlas stopped mid-action to scoop her up briefly, laughing despite themselves. Evander stood proudly, glaring at the twins, determined to protect her.
Caden rested a hand on my shoulder. “They’ll rule one day,” he said quietly.
Trixie rested her head lightly against my arm. “I know,” she whispered.
Watching them, Cassian and Atlas, Evander and Alaric, and Brianna, my heart swelled. The royal line was alive. It was strong and ready. And none of it would have been possible without the battles we had fought, the blood we had spilled, and the love we had held for one another through every storm.
The sun hung high in the sky, golden and unwavering, casting light on a scene that could have been mistaken for chaos but was, in reality, perfection.
These children were the future. And the future looked unstoppable.