Final Chapter

Final Chapter
Emily's POV.

Three years later...

"...ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen," Calix counted with his eyes closed and the pups wouldn't stop giggling as they scurried about the castle's garden in search of the best spots to hide.

The afternoon sun bathed the castle in its warm light. The trees were perfect green and sparkled with leftover dew from the morning. The sky was blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds that drifted lazily in the gentle breeze.

Leia and I were seated on a plush picnic blanket, beneath the shade of a grand willow tree. We watched the game unfold with amused smiles.

My ladies-in-waiting-Brielle, Laura, and Adalyn were arranging refreshments on a low table in a corner; pouring tea and engaging in quiet chatter.

Rowan, the eldest of my triplets, laughed as he hid behind the water fountain. Caius his brother, crouched behind a thick rosebush near the garden's stone pathway. Aurora, my only daughter, found one of the most creative hiding spots, slipping beneath the dessert table, while Seraphina, Leia's pup, nestled herself inside a decorative wooden crate near the gazebo

The children's chuckles filled the air.

seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty! Ready or not, here I come!" Calix called out and opened his eyes.

A sudden silence settled in the garden, broken by occasional muffled giggles from the hidden pups.

You can run. But you can't hide forever, Calix teased as he began combing the places. Leia and I exchanged knowing glances as Brielle approached with a tray of tea Sipping from our cups, we returned to watching how the game unfolded

A stified giggle near the water fountain gave the first one away. Calix crept closer, rounding the stone structure in one swift move. "Got you, Rowan!" he declared, and scooped the squirming boy who shrieked in delight.

Rowan pouted but then pointed mischievously toward the hedge. "I saw Caius go that way!"

Calix raised a brow. "A little traitor, I see." He set his eldest son down, watching as the boy darted off to join me on the blanket. Then, with a knowing smirk, he strode toward the hedge, where he could Just make out a tuft of dark hair peeking out

"Hmm. I wonder if there's a little prince hiding here," Calix mused, pretending to look elsewhere.

A sudden rustle betrayed Caius's attempt Ao shift deeper into the follage With a wift move, Calix reached in and lifted him into the air. "Caught you!"

Caius gasped, then dissolved into laughter, clinging to his father's arm.

"That leaves just the maidens," Calix announced, turning in slow circles.

Out in the world, he was the Lycan king, feared and revered by all. But in here, among us, he was simply a father and an uncle enjoying a game with the pups. "Now where could these maidens be?" he asked.

A tiny squeal rose in the air behind the picnic table, where the ladies-in-waiting had been setting the refreshments.

Calix's eyes gleamed as he made his way over to the spot, pausing for a dramatic effect.

"Aurora," he called, feigning confusion. "Is that you or someone else?"

Another giggle from his daughter.

With a playful growl, Calix lunged forward and scooped her up just as she tried to make a run for it. "And that makes threef he declared, spinning the pups around as they squealed with laughter.

Leia and I clapped from beneath the willow tree, watching as Calix carried his daughter and second son to the blanket. "And that leaves one maiden!" he announeed.

A soft giggle erupted from the gazebo.

Calix paced dramatically around the structure, stroking his chin. "Hmm... perhaps Seraphina is so good at hiding that she's disappeared completely. I suppose I'll have to give up."

A triumphant giggle slipped from the crate.

Ah-ha!" Calix spun around and flipped open the crate's lid in one swift motion. Found your

Seraphina gasped, her eyes wide with excitement as she realized she'd been caught. Before she could scramble away, her uncle lifted her into the air, swinging her onto his shoulders.

This time, Brielle and the other ladies-in-waiting joined Leia and me in applause. Laughing, Calix set Seraphina down, and the little girl immediately ran into her mother's arms-just as Han and Randolph strode back into the garden, carrying bows and quivers for the afternoon's archery contest.

The children squealed with excitement, already bouncing on their feet in anticipation for the next game. But before they could dash off, we quickly caught them, insisting they have some snacks first. With a few grumbles-but far more giggles-they settled onto the picnic blanket, eager to eat before the next adventure began.

As the children nibbled on sweet pastries and sipped freshly squeezed juice, the garden buzzed with warmth and laughter.

Calix settled beside me, pulling Aurora into his lap as she happily munched on a honeyed biscuit. Leia smoothed Seraphina's curls as she spoke in hushed tones to Randolph, while Han playfully ruffled Caius's hair, earning a squeal of protest. Rowan my eldest pup, offered me a sip from his juice while nestled on my lap.

I turned to Calix, catching the soft smile that played on his lips as he watched our family. He must have felt my gaze because he glanced at me. "Mate!" Gabriel growled low through our bond and Rehya was already purring on the floor of my mind.

Calix's gaze darkened, a spark of heat lighiting between us, something far more primal than words could say.

My breath hitched as he reached out to me. His fingers grazed my wrist before trailing upward towards my arm in a slow, feather-light caress that sent tingles kittering across my skin.

I didn't need a soothsayer to tell me what awaited us tonight. Because memories of last night were still vivid in my Bead-our lips meeting in the dark, our Sweaty bodies tangled in the sheets as we drove toward our climax,

Footsteps approached the garden, stealing our attention. It was a footman, carrying a tray of letter.

"A royal letter from Azalea, Your Majesties," he announced, arching forward in a bow. I picked up the letter and opened it

It read,

Dearest Emily,

I was overjoyed to receive your letter. It warms my heart to know you, Calix, and the little ones are well. How are my beautiful grandchildren? I imagine Rowan and Caius growing bolder by the day, and Aurora as bright and spirited as ever. And Leia's little one I trust she is thriving under her mother's love.

Your father and I had quite the adventure Yesterday. He was boasting about catching the biggest fish when-oh, you won't believe what he tumbled right into the river He looked like a drenched cat and I laughed until my sides ached. Even he had to admit it was well deserved.

I think of you every day and long for the moment I can hold you all in my arms again. Write to me soon, my love. A mother's heart is never at peace until she knows all is well.

All my love,

Luna Larissa.

A smile spread on my lips. Folding the paper, I pressed it against my heart for a split second before setting it down. When I glanced up, all the adults' gazes were fixed on me. "She misses us," I revealed.

Calix brushed his fingers on mine. Then we should plan a visit soon," he said. "It's been long enough"

Leia nodded and clapped. "Now that's a brilliant idea

Before we could continue the conversation, the pups who'd suddenly finished their crumbs and emptied their cups, leaped to their feet and rushed toward the open field, screaming. "Archery time!!" they chorused,

Leia, Han, and Randolph laughed and followed the little ones, ensuring that they didn't get too carried away, leaving Calix and me alone beneath the shade of the willow tree.

Calix smiled and glanced at me. "We've come so far, haven't we?"

We exchanged smiles. "Further than I imagined!" I replied.

He leaned forward and planted a lingering kiss on my lips. "Thank you, Emily," he whispered.

"For what?" I asked softly, searching his gaze

"For this," he murmured, glancing at our children, then back at me. "For giving me a life worth living. A love worth fighting for. A home."

Emotion swelled in my chest. My heart was full to the brim as I fought back tears "You gave me the same, my love," I said with all sincenty

His eyes misty as mine, Calix captured my lips in another passionate kiss before rising to his feet and offering me a hand. "Shall we, my Luna?"

"Of course, my King." I slipped my hand into his, letting him pull me to my feet. Together, we stepped into another cherished moment of our forever.