Chapter 79
Ella's POV
After the war ended, Silver Moon Pack swiftly entered the reconstruction phase under Julian's leadership. Alpha Walter and Luna Jenna had completely stepped back from the front lines, transferring power to the new generation. Now, everyone addressed Julian as Alpha—a title that was no longer a mere formality but a recognition that came from the heart.
Julian erected a monument for the warriors who had fallen in battle, establishing a solemn and dignified cemetery. The remains of Stella, Black Claw Matthew, and White Claw Brandon also rested here. Stella's headstone bore an inscription: "Forever the Silver Fang War Maiden, the Most Beautiful Battle Mother of Silver Moon Pack." Even though she had ultimately strayed down the wrong path, Alpha Walter still granted her the honor and respect she deserved.
On the day the monument was completed, the entire pack gathered before the cemetery. Amidst the collective mourning, Julian delivered a speech. He stood at the podium, his golden hair gleaming in the sunlight, his voice steady and powerful. He mourned the fallen, outlined the reconstruction efforts, spoke of the importance of fortifying defenses against Blood River Pack, and emphasized the necessity of training a new generation of warriors.
I stood among the crowd, watching Julian at the podium. That confidence, that Alpha bearing of one who leads his people and shoulders responsibility—it reminded me of what my father had once been like. Though my memories of him had faded to scattered fragments, that quality was similar: the way a true leader should be.
"You're blushing," Ignis teased from the depths of my consciousness, her tone carrying obvious wild excitement. "See? I told you Sage is attractive."
I rolled my eyes internally. Ever since recognizing Sage as our destined mate, Ignis had become exceptionally active, constantly wanting to pin Sage beneath her—her words, not mine.
"Stop it," I murmured inwardly.
"I'm not doing anything," Ignis laughed like a fox who'd gotten into the henhouse. "You like him. Just admit it, Ella."
I didn't respond to her, only continued watching Julian at the podium. His speech was drawing to a close, his final words striking with force: "We will protect this land, protect our home, protect everyone who fights for it."
Thunderous applause erupted.
After the speech ended, Julian descended from the platform and walked straight toward me. The crowd automatically parted for him, everyone watching him with reverent gazes. He stopped before me, his blue eyes looking at me gently.
"There's a bonfire gathering tonight," he said. "All pack members will attend. You should come too."
This wasn't a command but an invitation. I hesitated for a moment, remembering Ruby once telling me that integrating into the pack was the only way to survive here. So I nodded. "Yes, Alpha."
Julian seemed satisfied with my answer, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. He said nothing more, only patted my shoulder lightly before turning to leave and attend to other matters.
I returned to my room—that luxurious chamber on the top floor of the East Hall. Julian had specially arranged this for me after the war. The room was spacious and bright, elegantly decorated, with a private bathroom and balcony. But somehow, every time I returned here, I felt it was empty, filled only with coldness.
Perhaps it was too quiet. Perhaps I hadn't yet grown accustomed to having such space. Or perhaps it was because I knew deep down that none of this belonged to me—it was only temporary, like a dream.
I walked to the bed and pulled out a small pack from underneath. I'd been secretly preparing it over the past few days. It contained a few changes of clothes, some dried food and a water flask, and the little fox doll Ruby had given me. I didn't know where I would go, but I felt I should be ready to leave at any moment.
Just as I was checking the pack, a knock sounded at the door.
I quickly shoved the pack back under the bed, took a deep breath, and went to open the door. Brian stood outside. His left arm was still wrapped in bandages, but he looked to be in good spirits. He smiled warmly when he saw me.
"Ella, may I come in?" he asked.
"Of course." I stepped aside to let him enter the room.
Brian looked around, his gaze quickly falling on the corner of the pack visible beside the bed. His expression grew complicated as he turned to look at me. "Where are you planning to go?"
I was silent for a moment, then finally chose honesty. "I don't know," I said quietly. "But I feel like I don't belong here. Ever since my father was branded a heretic by Blood River, I've had no homeland, not even a reason to fight for anything."
Brian walked to the window, gazing out at the pack territory being rebuilt. After a while, he spoke. "I understand how you feel, Ella. I really do." He turned around, looking at me seriously. "If you truly decide to leave, I'm willing to follow you. But I want to ask you one question—what about your destined mate?"
I froze.
"Do you have no feelings for Julian?" Brian looked directly into my eyes.
"I..." I opened my mouth but found I couldn't speak.
"Don't ignore what's in your heart," Brian said. "Ella, the mate bond has already connected you. The Moon Goddess's arrangement cannot be defied. You can deceive others, but you can't deceive yourself or your wolf."
I lowered my head, not knowing how to argue. He was right. Ever since confirming the mate bond on the battlefield, I could feel Julian's presence—an indescribable connection, as if an invisible thread bound us tightly together. Even when he wasn't near me, I could sense his emotional fluctuations.
And Ignis... her desire for Sage nearly overwhelmed me.
"I just..." I bit my lip. "I'm just not sure if this is what I want."
Brian came over and patted my shoulder gently. "Take your time, Ella. You have time to think it through. But if you really want to leave..." He paused. "At least wait until after the bonfire gathering. Say a proper goodbye."
"Goodbye?" I looked up at him.
"Yes." Brian's expression grew somewhat sorrowful. "I once faced a similar choice. When I discovered Nicholas was going to betray the Crimson Flame Warlord, I tried to convince Black Claw, White Claw, and Red Claw to leave Blood River with me. But things were too urgent. I didn't have time to explain properly. They had their doubts and hesitated... and in the end, Nicholas killed them."
His voice choked slightly. "If I had taken a little more time then, explained things properly to them, maybe the outcome would have been different. So Ella, the people who matter deserve a proper farewell. Don't leave yourself with regrets."
Looking at the pain in Brian's eyes, a wave of sadness washed over me. He was right. Whatever choice I ultimately made, I owed everyone who cared about me an explanation.
"I understand," I said softly. "I'll attend the bonfire gathering."
Brian smiled with relief. "Good." He turned to leave, then looked back at the door. "Ella, you actually already have a sense of belonging. You just haven't realized it yet."
With that, he pushed the door open and left, leaving me alone in the room, lost in thought.
Outside the window, the sun was setting, dusk deepening. In the distance came the sounds of the pack preparing for the bonfire gathering, along with children's laughter. This land was slowly healing, just like the wounds in my heart.
Maybe Brian was right. Maybe I did already have a sense of belonging, only I wasn't ready to admit it yet.
I took a deep breath and retrieved a clean dress from the wardrobe, preparing to attend the gathering. Whatever the future held, at least tonight I would enjoy this rare moment of peace.