81 - The Night Before
81 - The Night Before
Aria's POV
The clearing was alive with movement, the occasional waft of food in the air.
Excitement buzzed around them—the celebration would mark a turning point for the packs. It wasn’t often that peace felt tangible.
Aria moved through the crowd, watching groups from both packs set up tables, string lights, and decorations to make the event magical. Barrels of wine rolled in, and from the laughter and chatter, most warriors clearly looked forward to the feast. After all, it had been a long road.
Every eye would be on her and Kael —not just from Moonfang and Nightclaw, but from younger wolves looking for guidance, from elders still unsure of the bond that had formed. This celebration wasn’t just symbolic. It was a test, a reckoning, a hope pinned on her shoulders as much as Kael’s.
Her former and current pack would be here—Lyra by her side, Finn with his easy smiles and teasing jokes. Kael moved in and out of the crowd, checking in and giving commands. They were all working toward the same goal, but a tension lingered—an unspoken doubt she sensed from Kael whenever their eyes met. It wasn’t distrust, but concern for the future. For their future.
As she approached a corner where healing supplies were being gathered, she noticed Finn leaning against a tree, arms crossed, smiling.
"Everything okay?" she asked, voice light but searching.
He pushed off the tree and took her hand. “Everything’s fine, but you’re thinking too much.”
Aria gave a wry smile. “You know me well.”
“You’re trying to make sure everything goes perfectly, right?" His voice softened. "It’s not all on your shoulders. You have Kael, me, Lyra. The whole pack’s behind you. It’s going to be fine. You’re the Luna now—people look to you for strength. But right now? Enjoy this celebration. Let others handle the rest.”
Aria’s smile softened. Finn always knew how to ease her anxieties. “You’re right,” she said quietly. “I just want the packs to leave feeling united.”
“They will,” Finn assured her, grinning. “This celebration? It’s peace and progress. Let the joy fill the air, Aria. That’s what people will remember.”
She breathed deeply and let herself relax, if only a little. “Thank you.”
He winked. “Anytime. But someone’s looking for you.” He tilted his head toward Kael, who watched them from a distance, eyes intense yet soft.
Her heart skipped. She gave Finn’s hand a grateful squeeze before heading toward Kael. Every step toward him felt heavier and lighter all at once. Her wolf stirred at the sight of him, an ever-present hum of longing that never quite settled. Even in a crowd, her focus narrowed to him—her mate, her partner.
Kael stood near the bonfire area, his presence commanding yet warm. When his eyes met hers, the air thickened, everything else fading.
“Everything’s coming together,” Aria said lightly.
He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. He took her hand, pulling her close. “How are you feeling? Really.”
She softened. He always saw through her. She took a breath.
“Honestly? Nervous. I want tomorrow to feel that we’re united, that we’re strong.”
“I know,” he said quietly, pressing his forehead to hers. “But you’re not alone. You never will be.”
Her heart swelled. She squeezed his hand. “I know.”
Their connection pulsed like a live thread. Kael gently caressed her hand, his eyes steady on hers.
“I’ve been thinking,” he said, voice low, “about after tonight. The rogues... the peace. I want to keep this unity with Moonfang going.”
“Kael,” she said, touching his face, “we will and we’ll make it work with them. Together.”
He nodded and kissed her forehead. “I needed to hear that.”
Before she could reply, Lyra appeared, her presence commanding, her smile playful.
“Kael, Aria,” Lyra said, her tone catching Aria’s attention. “Can I steal Aria for a moment?”
Kael nodded. “Of course. I’ll be here.”
Aria sensed a shift in the air, a tension she couldn’t name. She glanced once more at Kael before following Lyra.
As they walked, Lyra’s steps slowed.
“Aria,” Lyra said, glancing around. “I know how much you’ve carried. I see it.”
Aria nodded, swallowing the knot in her throat.
“You stepped into this Luna position with strength—even strength you didn’t know you had. But more than that, what you’ve done for Kael? It matters.” Her voice softened. “He’s steadier. Stronger. The way he looks at you… you’ve given him something no title ever could. You’ve given him peace.”
Aria blinked, surprised. “You don’t have to say that,” she murmured, smiling. “But thank you.”
Lyra squeezed her hand. “I’m not done.”
Her eyes glowed, bright with something Aria couldn’t name.
“There’s something else I wanted to tell you before the celebration. I’ve only told Theron and father.” Lyra paused, then said with quiet joy, “I’m pregnant.”
Aria’s eyes widened, tears already forming. “Wait—what?”
A flood of memories surged from childhood to this moment, with her older sister. And now here she was, carrying life. Aria felt overwhelmed with emotion for her.
Lyra smiled. “A pup. Theron and I are going to have a child.”
Tears pricked Aria’s eyes. She pulled her sister into a hug before the words could form.
“You’re going to be a mother,” she whispered. “That’s… incredible.”
Lyra held her, then pulled back. “We want to announce it at the celebration tomorrow.”
Aria laughed through the emotion, wiping at her cheeks. “That’s perfect. The future Alpha of Moonfang.”
Lyra nodded, her hand resting gently on her abdomen. “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m excited. Nervous as hell—but excited. I wanted you to know.”
Aria swallowed hard. “Thank you. I’m honored, Lyra. Truly.”
Lyra’s familiar confidence returned. “You’ve always had my back. I just want you to remember—tomorrow isn’t just about the past. It’s about what we’re building.”
Aria gave her a grateful smile before they turned back toward the celebration preparations.
As she reached for Kael’s hand, feeling his warmth, she realized that what they were building—these fragile threads of peace, love, and family—might just hold.
And with Lyra beside her, eyes shining, Aria knew that no matter what came next, they’d face it together.