In The Name of Love

In The Name of Love
Cadeon 
The end of the war brought with it a hell of a mess. 
Draven was the one who was technically in charge of the revolution, and his death caused an outcry big enough to make thing tip in the favor of the surviving Alphas who wanted nothing to do with the new system that would be implemented. This happened because we couldn't find common ground with the Emberborns from other territories, and for a second there, it felt like the war would never truly end.
But we bounced back and resolved the matter in a way that benefited everyone. 
And that's what matters. 
Golen took charge of almost everything, and he helped me divide the southern territories among the chosen Emberborns to lead. There would be no way of picking up the packs from what they were originally, so new packs had to be created, and new members were assigned to each one. Of course, they could decide where they wanted to go and what they'd do upon joining the new pack. We gave everyone an opportunity to contribute. 
Everyone would have to get used to each other quickly because the dynamics changed, but the good thing was that they were all willing to try. 
What could be better than that?
We started with the basics—land, leadership, and structure. That was the only way to keep everything from falling apart again.
Each Emberborn leader got their own territory, just big enough to sustain their new pack. Of course, each territory had to be spaced out to give everyone enough room, but not so far that it would isolate them. The Omega-borns got accustomed to the changes fairly quickly. Compared to what they had before, it was a paradise, but we wanted to give them more. 
Fairness was and always will be encouraged in this new system. 
So, Noctem Lunae was rebuilt, and it stopped being an academy to train elites and transformed into a space where everyone had an opportunity to learn something valuable—something that would contribute to their pack. 
The packs needed to rebuild, but they also needed each other. No more division. No more silence between borders. That was one of Draven's rules, and we kept it. He wanted that above everything else—good relations between leaders. No envy, just enough space to grow. Why not? Why can't everyone have good options and good prospects?
Although the system is not as perfect as it could be, we've left plenty of room for improvement. And that's the point of life—always improving. Evolving. Omega-borns don't have to be used as slaves or treated as the inferior wolves. 
There's so much more to them. I found that out firsthand while living with them. They're creative, kind, and hardworking. 
Golen, Corey and I set up a council, too. It's a general one, and all the leaders were given a role. Each person was chosen based on their strength, loyalty, and how they handled the war—not just on the battlefield, but off it. This council would check in with the leaders, solve disputes, and vote on new rules if needed. Nothing too official, but something to keep order while we find our footing.
That's very important. 
We also gave the healers and record keepers their own rank. More efforts need to be put into healing skills—that's not up for debate. This was Lili's idea, and I couldn't agree more with it. If we were going to build something better, we needed to remember what came before—and take care of our wounded, inside and out.
Some things were harder to deal with, like getting former enemies to share a camp. The Alpha-borns were bitter, and at some point, they had to be killed because they started fights and caused even more chaos. The Donshaws didn't integrate well at all, and they never stopped fighting. Almost all the 'elites' from my old pack met their demise in some way, but to me, that wasn't a surprise. 
They were the most stubborn ones. 
Even the ones who swore loyalty to us ended up trying to betray us, and another mini war ensued. They were dealt with swiftly and with no mercy. I found that it was the only way that enemies would stay at bay. 
No, nothing was perfect. But we did the best we could, and I was proud of that. 
There was no turning back for me. Only moving forward. 
As for us, well, we ended up being separated. Because Draven died, someone had to take over his pack. Lili didn't want anything to do with leading initially, but after his death, something changed in her and we all noticed it.  
It was like she became determined to rule and never again let evil people take control of packs in order to manipulate them. So, since she was technically married to him, she took over as the Ignis, and I'm leading right beside her.

Granted, I don't have the best experience—my own pack fell apart many times and I just didn't have it in me to be a good leader—but I have my heart in the right place. And together with her, we've been doing a great job so far. 
It would be a shame to let Draven's work be lost amidst everything else. Lili said that his house was the first place she ever felt was home outside of her village. My old pack, in turn, is being led by Golen and Magda. They decided to step in and transform the territory into something beautiful in hopes to erase the memories that my father left behind. 
Anice lives with them. Her condition only worsened over the months, and it got to a point where she didn't even respond to her name being called. Tragic, yes, and I know that it deeply affects Lilieth, even though she'll never mention it. 
She's too stubborn. Too proud. Always has been. 
But she's fine where she is, and she's being taken care of well by her parents. Corey visits them occasionally and gives us news of how they're doing. We don't have many opportunities to see each other but when things settle down, I'm sure we'll have more time for family activities.  
Corey is our second-in-command. He's just started to regain some feeling in his legs, a year after the horrible attack that left him paralyzed happened. He and Deo are doing just fine, and they're happier than ever. We've gotten very close during the past year, and I can positively say that we're a family.

A real family. 
Even Timmon helps around, even though he avoided anything to do with being a leader. He trains people at the academy—that's his strength. Teaching. Guiding. He's great at it, and everyone admires him for it. Deep down, he's still affected by what he had to do to our father, even if he doesn't mention it. 
If he hadn't tricked our father into thinking that he'd been kidnapped by me to be used as a bargaining chip, I would've been killed that day. My father certainly wouldn't have cared about whatever fate befell me. I'm grateful for Timmon—his quick thinking saved us all. 
That was why he left earlier. We knew we didn't have to worry about him. 
Honestly, I feel bad for Draven. He didn't deserve the end he got. Yes, I hated him because he wanted Lili; but now, I can hardly remember that. 
I appreciate his efforts, and once again, I do wish he was here to see it. 
As for me and Lili, well, we're better than ever. Our son, Marc, was born, and he's the best thing that ever happened to me. I take one look at his face, and my whole day just lights up, no matter how shitty or exhausting it was before setting my eyes on him. 
He means the world to me. To us. 
And when he was born, Lili returned to her old self. The change was subtle, but I knew she was back. We both decided we wouldn't have any more kids—right now just wasn't the time, and she didn't like the effect that pregnancy had on her. 
It really morphed her into someone else. We barely recognized her. 
But everything is back to the way it should have been, and I couldn't be more grateful. I know how bad things could get, and how great, too. So it's easy for me to appreciate every little thing. 
And that I do. 
We managed to do it. We created a world where she and I could be together with no prejudice at all, and honestly? It's my biggest pride. Though we've had our ups and downs, I know for a fact that I wouldn't have it any other way, and I know that despite everything that happened, we would always choose each other. 
Our love was the cause of all this—yes, there were other factors involved, but we succeeded because of love.  
And I wouldn't have it any other way. 
In fact, I'd do it all over again. 
I'd do anything for her.