Chapter 226 Chapter 226

Chapter 226 Chapter 226

The night was calm. The moon shone gently above the pack house, and the stars twinkled like little diamonds in the sky. The feast was over, and most of the pack members had gone to sleep, but Damien and Elara had not yet rested.

Elara stood in the garden, her hand resting on her belly as the cool breeze kissed her face. The flowers around her swayed softly, carrying a sweet scent into the air. For the first time in days, she felt truly calm.

Damien walked up behind her quietly. He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, resting his chin on her shoulder. Elara smiled and leaned into him.

“You should be resting, Alpha,” she teased softly.

Damien chuckled. “And leave my Luna out here alone under the stars? Never.”

She laughed gently, and they stood there in silence for a moment, just listening to the night. The sound of crickets filled the air, and the pack house lights glowed faintly in the distance.

Damien pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. “You looked so beautiful today. The whole pack could not take their eyes off you. You shine brighter than the moon itself.”

Elara’s cheeks warmed, and she lowered her eyes shyly. “You always say that.”

“Because it’s true,” Damien whispered. “Every day, I look at you and thank the Moon Goddess that you are mine.”

Her heart swelled with love at his words. She turned in his arms to face him fully. “And I thank the Moon Goddess for you too, Damien. You have given me strength, love, and now… a family. I could never ask for more.”

Damien smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Speaking of family, I want to tell you something. It’s about Kael.”

Elara tilted her head, curious. “Kael?”

“Yes.” Damien nodded, his eyes filled with amusement. “He came to me earlier today, and he confessed something. He said he is beginning to love Mira.”

Elara gasped softly, then covered her mouth with her hand as her face lit up with a smile. “Mira? Truly?”

“Yes,” Damien laughed. “He was so shy, like a boy. Can you believe it? Our fearless Kael, nervous because of love.”

Elara laughed too, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Oh, Damien, this is wonderful! Mira is such a good woman—strong, loyal, and kind. I can’t think of anyone better for him.”

Damien nodded in agreement. “That’s what I told him. I am happy for him. He deserves someone who will love him with all her heart.”

Elara’s smile softened as her thoughts drifted for a moment. She remembered the past—the time Kael had looked at her with something more than friendship in his eyes. She remembered when she felt his closeness, when she thought his heart belonged to her.

For a brief moment, her heart grew heavy. What if she had chosen differently back then? What if Kael had never let go?

But she quickly pushed the thoughts away. She looked at Damien, the man who now held her heart completely, the man who had given her peace after so much pain. She would never trade him for anything.

Damien noticed her silence and touched her chin gently. “What is it, my love? Your mind has wandered.”

Elara sighed softly, looking into his eyes. “I was only remembering the past. Kael once… he once had feelings for me. I was afraid it might bring trouble between you two.”

Damien’s gaze softened. He kissed her forehead. “Do not trouble yourself with that, Elara. Kael is my brother in spirit. Yes, once he looked at you with longing, but he has moved on. Today, when he spoke of Mira, I could see it in his eyes—this is true. He loves her now, not you.”

Elara’s heart eased at his words. She smiled faintly. “I am glad. I don’t want anything to stand between you two. You both share a bond that is rare and pure. I would never want to be the reason for any crack in it.”

Damien tightened his arms around her. “You could never come between us. You are the bridge, Elara. You are the heart of this pack, and you are the heart of my life. Kael knows that too. He respects you, and soon, with Mira by his side, he will finally find the happiness he deserves.”

Elara rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. His words wrapped around her like a blanket, soothing every fear inside her.

“Thank you, Damien,” she whispered. “For always giving me peace.”

“And thank you,” Damien replied, kissing the top of her head. “For being the light that guides me.”

They stayed in the garden for a long time, talking softly about Kael, about Mira, and about the future. The laughter of the feast had faded, the world around them was silent, but in that moment, their hearts spoke louder than any celebration.

As the moon moved higher in the sky, Damien finally lifted her hand and kissed it. “Come, Luna. It is late. Our child needs you to rest.”

Elara smiled and nodded, allowing him to lead her back inside. Her heart was calm, her spirit light. She knew tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, in the arms of her Alpha, she felt safe.

And somewhere in her heart, she silently prayed for Kael and Mira, that their love would grow as strong and true as hers and Damien’s.