157. The final

157. The final
ALICE
The grand hall was heavy with tension, as if every breath might shatter the fragile harmony we were trying to build. The representatives of the races, Lycans, Aladians, Fae, and Vampires, stood aligned, their gazes shifting between distrust and cautious hope. My eight–month belly felt like it weighed a ton, the twins kicking wildly inside me. Aemon was at my side, his hand steady against my back, giving me support, while Alaester stepped forward, his Alpha King posture as imposing as the throne he occupied.
“Lords and ladies of the allied races,” Alaester began, his voice resonating with authority, echoing against the stone walls of the hall. “Today, we seal the end of eras of conflict and the beginning of a true union among our peoples. This treaty is proof of our combined strength, it is the path to our future. Here we swear to forget the quarrels of the past and pledge to safeguard peace among us. Please, step forward so we may sign.” He gestured to the alphas, calling them to the table where the document awaited.
Draven Northwest, the Aladian Alpha King, was the first. His skin glimmered as if it captured the torchlight itself, his eyes burning with an almost supernatural intensity. Long silver wings wrapped around him like armor, making him look as dangerous and lethal as the stories told about him. He signed with a golden quill, his handwriting fluid and elegant. “For the Aladians, we seal this peace. After so long, it is good not to be your enemy, Your Majesty,” he said, lifting his eyes to me, his voice steady and serene before a faint smile curved his lips.
Beren, the Fae King, came next, moving with a grace that seemed to defy gravity. His translucent wings shimmered briefly as he signed, the ink glowing with a magical gleam for a heartbeat. “The Fae pledge to the harmony of these lands. It is good to see you again, Queen Alice,” he declared, an enigmatic smile playing at his lips.
Finally, Lorcan, the Vampire Alpha King, advanced with steps so silent he seemed to glide across the floor. His ruby–red eyes fixed on the treaty, then on us. Aemon, Alaester, and me. Before he signed his name in sharp, refined strokes. “The vampires seal this peace with blood and honor. May Pamyel never forget our benevolence toward yours,” he stated, his deep voice sending a chill down my spine.
Alaester was the last, signing with a confident flourish in the name of the Lycans. The hall erupted in restrained applause, but here, the “greater good” was survival, and peace was as fragile as crystal. I forced a smile as the twins stirred inside me, as if they approved, or protested, the moment.
“Everyone, celebrate!” Aemon called, and applause and howls echoed throughout the hall. I turned to my mate and smiled, kissing him softly while Alaester pressed his lips against my neck. I loved them both, and loved even more the fact that we had, at last, united our peoples.
As the murmur died down, I saw Devon and Matt approaching from the far end of the hall. Devon looked relieved, while Matt carried the air of a worried physician, probably thinking about my blood pressure. But my attention was drawn to a young woman beside Devon: wavy brown hair, bright eyes, and a timid smile that contrasted with the imposing men around her. She wore elegant clothes and bore a striking resemblance to Devon’s mother.
Aemon and Alaester noticed her at the same moment, their faces lighting up with a joy they rarely showed in public.
“Margot!” Aemon exclaimed, pulling her into a warm embrace. Alaester followed, giving Devon a friendly slap on the back before wrapping the young woman in his arms. “You’re back, girl! About time!”
They brought her to me as though presenting a lost jewel to a jeweler.
“Alice, my dear mate, this is Margot, Devon’s younger sister,” Alaester said, pride clear in his voice. “Margot, meet our mate, the queen who holds all this together.”
I reached out my hand, smiling despite the weight I carried. “Pleasure, Margot. I’ve heard about you, but it’s wonderful to finally meet you.”
It was true. Devon had spoken fondly of his little sister these past four months. She shook my hand gently, her eyes widening as they fell on my belly.
“The pleasure is mine, Alice. Forgive me for showing up out of nowhere, and for missing Devon’s wedding. I was… away, working. Far from Pamyel.” Her voice was sweet and cheerful, warming my heart. “It was a mistake, but now I’m here.”
“Don’t worry,” I said, waving my hand. “Life’s a whirlwind. What matters is that you’re here now, in the middle of this diplomatic circus.”
“May I touch your belly?” she asked.
“Of course,” I replied with a smile, guiding her hand to rest on it.
We laughed, the lighthearted moment easing the tension in the hall. But suddenly, the air shifted. Margot’s eyes glowed silver, and Lorcan, the Vampire Alpha, appeared beside her, moving with a predatory grace that made my skin prickle. His ruby eyes locked on her with an intensity that left no room for doubt, and he placed a hand on her waist, spinning her to face him. Margot blushed, startled for a heartbeat, but she didn’t pull away, and the air between them vibrated with a nearly tangible energy.
He tilted his head, his eyes never leaving hers as he inhaled the scent of her neck.
“Mate.”
“Mate.”

Hello, dear readers. This will be the end of this story. Margot and Lorcan’s journey will continue in another book, coming soon.
The next two chapters are bonus chapters featuring Aemon, Alice, and Alaester.