Chapter 41
AUTHOR’S POV
The pack was buzzing with excitement. Everyone was in high spirits, and people could be heard talking at the same time as they went about their tasks to ensure the night was memorable.
Their Alpha had just announced that there would be a festival to celebrate the full moon. The news had caused the pack to erupt in cheers. The whole pack was busy making preparations for the full moon festival. It was much calmer than that of the new moon festival. There was no belying tension and Kaida didn't even have to convince her packmates to help her. Everyone moved as a united front.
The Alpha pairs had left for their own celebration with a promise to return before they dispersed for the battle. However, those representing their packs, in place of their Alpha and Luna, had stayed back to assist the Stormhowl pack and join them to celebrate the full moon festival.
As everyone busied themselves, doing one thing or the other, Thoran went looking for his mate, Kaida. He found her giving some young boys directions while they set up the decorations. The boys were listening very attentively. Too attentive for Thoran. They practically had heart eyes. Thoran snarled mockingly at them while Kaida chuckled lightly as she sensed her mate's thoughts. She approached him and wrapped her arms around his neck before pulling him for a kiss. Kaida melted into his arms when Thoran deepened the kiss.
Suddenly, someone cleared their throat. Rather than jolting away from Thoran abruptly, as she used to do, Kaida simply broke the kiss and turned to gaze at the person. She laughed when she realized that it was Zeph. The third-in-command rolled her eyes before pulling her away from her mate. “I'm gonna borrow your mate for a couple minutes, Thoran. Try not to miss her too much.” Zeph said. She was already pulling Kaida away before he could reply.”
“Where are we going?” Kaida asked curiously.
“To grill Auri.” She answered with a lopsided smile. “I know we agreed to give her and her mate some time but it's been a while.” She added grumpily.
“Ok, grumpy pants.” They went in search of Auri. After a few minutes of futile search, they found her and her mate locked in an embrace and making out in the kitchen. The rare sight stunned Zeph while Kaida burst into laughter. Auri pulled away from her mate and buried her face into his neck. “Aww, she's shy. So adorable.” Kaida said playfully.
“Stop, Kaida.” Auri said, slightly embarrassed.
“I don't think I ever heard you make those kinds of sounds before now, Auri.” Zeph said teasingly. Kaida let out another round of laughter, even Dylan was beginning to chuckle.
Auri shoved her mate playfully. “Shut up, Zeph.” She said with a laugh. She placed a chaste kiss on her mate's lips before lightly pushing her friends outside
“Y'all were practically devouring each other's faces.” Zeph joked. She made kissing noises to tease her friend. She turned to Kaida. “I know it's the full moon but even this woman was all over her man like a wolf in heat.”
Auri shot her friend a playful glare. “Please, Zeph, I vividly remember that a certain third-in-command slept with her mate seconds after they met for the first time.” Kaida's eyes widened to the size of saucers.
Zeph took one look at Kaida's reaction and began to walk faster. “Is this true, Zeph?” Kaida asked as she and Auri hurried after her. The friends spent some time chatting and laughing away till it was nearly time for the full moon festival.
The full moon festival finally begins. The first in fifteen years. Everyone was gathered near the magical lake to celebrate the Full Moon Festival.
Several long tables had been prepared and placed around the lake, and the field around the lake; the tables were rich with stews, roasted meats, and sweet treats.
The lake was illuminated, and everything around it seemed to come back to life. The trees around the lakes were well lit and decorated. Lanterns were floating on the lake. Children rushed around, smiling and playing, some others engaged in games or intimate conversations with pack members, who were seated around.
Kaida moved from person to person, watching the events that were happening at the moment. It was nice to see people having fun for the first time, with no animosity in the air.
Thoran was in the middle of it all, and he watched the people around him with a steady gaze, as though they were expecting him to lash out. However they soon learnt that no such thing would happen. He looked different these days—the tension was gone. Kaida touched his arm, and he looked at her before nodding and moving to address the group.
He spoke simply and from the heart about love and unity. He also made sure to tell everyone that they are family and not just family by blood but by choice. “This pack has been through a lot. It has not been easy and sometimes it seemed that we would never get to have moments like these again,” Thoran said, and his voice was filled with emotion. “But look around. This is what we are fighting for. This is what we protect. Together, we are stronger. Together, we make this pack what it is. And together, we will keep moving forward, no matter what.”
There was a moment of quiet, followed by nods and agreement. Thoran’s speech was about hope and never losing sight of each other. For the first time in fifteen years, everyone was on the same page. The pack erupted in cheers, but Thoran was not done. “With that, I would like to renew my vows. "I vow to protect our pack with strength, lead with fairness, and uphold the bond that unites us. Together, we will face every challenge and rise stronger. This is my promise as your Alpha." His words touched everyone.
Suddenly, a bright light ray from the moon reflected its light on Thoran. Everyone watched in amazement as the light shone brighter as it flowed from Thoran to Kaida to Zarek and further down the rank till it enveloped the whole pack. Immense power suddenly flowed through the pack, so strong that they couldn't help but shift into their wolf forms.
In that moment, the mind link snapped into place. The whole pack could instantly hear one another. ‘Kaida, Zeph, do you hear me?’ Auri asked through the mindlink. Her eyes were filled with unshed tears.
‘Yes, I can. We both can.’ Kaida answered with tears of joy. Mixed feelings flowed through the mindlink. People were laughing and some were crying. It was a wonderful time for the pack. Now in wolf form, the pack howled as on. The guests of the Stormhowl pack were witnesses to this incident, and they would share the story for many years to come.
The pack continued to glow for the rest of the festival. It was the warmest and brightest glow Kaida had ever seen. Elder Jasmine and Meena smiled warmly as they shared a similar thought: the Stormhowl pack was finally the best version of itself.