Chapter 211 Back to Normal
Coban’s POV
For the first time in days, the palace felt quiet.
Not empty, but the kind of quiet that settles after a storm of celebration. The tournament was over, the alliances made, the feasts held, and now the visiting packs were beginning their long journeys home.
The courtyard outside the palace gates had been full since early morning.
Large trucks, wagons, and sleek black SUVs packed with warriors and families alike. Alphas clasped forearms in farewell. Betas barked orders while their people loaded supplies and travel packs.
I leaned against one of the balcony rails overlooking it all, arms crossed. Beside me, Caden watched the steady stream of departing packs. “Traffic’s going to be a nightmare,” he muttered.
I snorted. “Half the continent trying to leave at the same time? Yeah. They should’ve stayed another day.”
“Some are.” Caden added. “Smart ones.” Below us, another pack finished loading and their vehicles rolled out through the gates, engines rumbling.
By the time breakfast ended, nearly half the visiting packs had already gone.
A few remained. Those with longer journeys or less patience for chaos had chosen to leave after lunch or dinner instead. Fine by me. More time to relax before the palace returned to its usual rhythm.
By evening, the mood had completely shifted. The tension of the tournament was gone.
Now it was just family. The Dark Howlers Pack had taken over the palace yard, long tables stretching across the grass beneath the open sky. Lanterns hung from posts and tree branches, casting warm light as dusk settled.
Food covered nearly every inch of the tables. Roasted meats. Fresh bread. Bowls of fruit. Platters stacked with vegetables. We had a loaded and open bar for those who were interested as well.
A proper feast. And for once, no politics. Just our pack.
Laughter echoed across the yard while the children ran wild between the tables.
I sat beside Trixie at the center table, one arm draped casually along the back of her chair. Caden stood just behind her, leaning against the table with a plate in one hand.
Neither of us had strayed far from her all evening. Not that she seemed to mind.
Trixie took a bite of roasted chicken and looked between us with narrowed eyes. “You two do realize I can walk twenty feet without supervision.”
Caden didn’t even blink. “Unlikely.”
I nodded in agreement. “Not happening.”
She sighed dramatically. “I am pregnant, not fragile.”
Caden gestured toward her stomach. “That’s exactly why.”
“And,” I added calmly, “the last time we let you wander alone you climbed onto a sparring platform and challenged three warriors.”
“That was months ago. Why do you keep bringing that up. They needed the practice.” She shrugged her shoulders and looked at us like it was obvious.
“You were pregnant then too,” Caden reminded.
Trixie pointed her fork at him. “Traitor.”
I smirked and stole a piece of bread from her plate. “You love us.”
“Unfortunately.” She said as she playfully rolled her eyes.
A loud burst of laughter erupted from the yard. Our twins. Cassian and Atlas were currently the center of attention. Again.
The two eight-month-old babies stood in the grass surrounded by warriors who were clearly encouraging whatever chaos was about to happen.
Atlas puffed out his tiny chest while Cassian wobbled beside him, both of them glowing faintly with that unmistakable golden energy.
I rubbed a hand over my face. “Oh no.” Caden sighed. “Not again.”
Trixie leaned forward eagerly. “Oh this should be good.”
Cassian suddenly raised both hands. Golden sparks burst from his fingers like miniature lightning. The nearby warriors cheered. Atlas immediately tried to outdo him. A small swirl of wind kicked up around him, rustling the grass and knocking over a mug.
The entire yard erupted in laughter.
“Show offs,” I muttered.
Trixie grinned proudly. “They’re talented.”
“They’re dangerous.” I shook my head but smiled widely.
“They’re babies,” she corrected.
As if hearing us, Cassian turned toward our table. Then he waved. A flash of golden light zipped across the grass and knocked Caden’s empty plate right out of his hand.
The yard went silent. Then exploded with laughter.
Caden stared down at the broken plate on the ground.
Slowly he looked back at the twins. Atlas clapped enthusiastically. Cassian squealed.
Caden pointed at them. “I’m training them personally.”
Trixie laughed so hard she had to wipe tears from her eyes. “Good luck with that.”
Across the yard, Darien and Lucian were watching the twins with identical expressions of disbelief.
Darien leaned toward us. “Those two are going to rule the world.”
Lucian nodded. “And burn it down in the process.”
Mark raised his glass from the far table. “To the future rulers.”
Kevan groaned. “Oh gods help us.”
More laughter followed.
At the far end of the yard, Blake stood among a group of warriors from the White Claw Pack, speaking animatedly with some of our fighters.
The man had integrated into our pack surprisingly easily. Winning the tournament helped.
So did the fact that half our warriors had watched him tear through opponents like a storm. Tonight’s celebration had partly been for him. Our newest member of the royal army. I lifted my glass toward him across the yard. Blake caught the gesture and nodded respectfully.
Caden followed my gaze. “He’s going to be a problem for our enemies.”
“Good,” I said simply.
The twins suddenly took off running toward our table. Well, wobbling at high speed.
Atlas reached us first and grabbed onto Trixie’s leg. Cassian followed, lifting both arms demanding to be picked up.Trixie laughed and scooped him into her arms. “Hello troublemaker.”
Cassian immediately pointed at the food.
Atlas climbed halfway into my lap. I glanced down at him. “You’re sticky.”
He grinned. Caden crouched beside Trixie, brushing his hand gently over her stomach. “Careful,” he murmured softly.
She smiled at him. “I’m fine.”
Still, neither of us moved far from her. Not tonight. Not any night. Our mate. Our queen. Our growing family.
The lanterns flickered as the evening deepened, laughter and music filling the yard while our pack celebrated under the stars.
And for once, there were no threats. No battles. Just peace.