Chapter 115 Epilogue
Chapter 115 Epilogue
7 years later
Aloria
The sun filters through the sheer curtains of our home, casting a warm golden glow over the chaos that is our living room. I can hear the happy cacophony of voices echoing through the halls… Rowan’s laughter rings out as he races around the furniture with Colin, Daphne and Kellan’s five year old son, while our daughter Hazel’s giggles blend harmoniously with the sounds of their play. I can’t help but smile as I lean against the kitchen counter, my hands resting on my rounded belly, feeling the gentle flutters of our third child inside me.
It’s hard to believe that seven years have passed since that life-changing day when Rowan made his grand entrance into the world. Now, he is a spirited seven-year-old with a penchant for adventure and mischief. He’s always dreaming up new games to play, his little imagination bursting with life. Hazel, our four-year-old princess, is quick to follow her brother into any escapade, her golden curls bouncing as she runs. They’re a whirlwind of energy, and I wouldn’t trade a second of it for anything.
Today is special. My parents are visiting, and the air is thick with excitement. The house is filled with family… my brothers are here, along with Arly’s sweet new wife, Quinn, who is already glowing with the promise of new life. I glance at her, my heart swelling with joy for them; they will be wonderful parents. My own heart flutters at the thought of our growing family, and I can already feel the love expanding within me.
“Darling!” River’s voice calls out from the living room, pulling me from my thoughts. I move toward the sound, the warmth of love and laughter enveloping me like a soft blanket. When I step into the room, I’m met with the sight of River, my mate, my love, sitting on the floor amidst a sea of toys. He’s trying, rather unsuccessfully, to keep the children from creating a fort out of the couch cushions.
“Look, Mom! We’re building a castle!” Rowan exclaims, his eyes wide with excitement.
I chuckle, the sound bubbling from deep within me. “A castle, huh? What’s the king’s name?” I ask, kneeling beside him.
Rowan grins, his face lighting up with the thrill of storytelling. “King Rowan, of course. And Queen Hazel,” He gestures grandly to his sister, who claps her hands in delight.
“Can I be a princess?” Hazel asks, her voice sweet and innocent.
“Of course! But you have to wear a crown,” Rowan says, his brow furrowing in seriousness as he rummages through the pile of toys to find something that resembles a royal headpiece.
River watches us with a soft smile, his eyes sparkling with love. He reaches out to pull me close, his hand resting on my belly. “And what about our new little prince or princess?” he asks, his voice a gentle murmur.
I lean into him, the warmth of his body grounding me. “They’ll be the most loved child in the world,” I reply, my heart swelling at the thought of our growing family.
“Hey, you two lovebirds,” Kellan’s voice booms from the hallway, followed by Daphne, who’s carrying a tray of snacks. “Save some love for the rest of us.”
Laughter erupts from the children as Kellan pretends to pout, his five-year-old son Colin perched on his hip. Daphne rolls her eyes playfully, her own laughter joining the chorus that fills the room. It’s moments like this that remind me how fortunate we are to have built such a loving family and community around us.
As the day unfolds, my parents arrive, their presence instantly filling the room with warmth and authority. My father is still a formidable figure, his deep voice booming with authority as he greets everyone. My mother, radiating grace and kindness, sweeps in beside him, her eyes sparkling with joy as she embraces River and me. The laughter of children fills the air, mingling with the affectionate banter of adults, creating a symphony of love and family.
“Aloria, my dear, you look radiant!” my mother exclaims, placing a hand on my cheek. “How are you feeling?”
“Better than ever, Mom,” I reply, a smile stretching across my face. “Just a little tired, but that’s to be expected.”
“Motherhood suits you,” she says softly, her gaze drifting to Rowan and Hazel, who are now playing at our feet.
“Are you ready to meet your newest grandchild?” I ask, excitement bubbling within me. “Well two new ones when autumn comes.”
“Absolutely! We can’t wait,” she beams, glancing at my father, who nods in agreement, his expression filled with pride.
As the afternoon wears on, we share stories, laughter, and a delectable feast that Daphne has prepared. Rowan and Colin are inseparable, plotting their next grand adventure, while Hazel and Quinn chat about princesses and fairytales. Kellan and River engage in playful banter about their past exploits, and I feel a swell of gratitude for the life we’ve created together.
When the sun begins to dip low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over everything, my family gathers in the living room. My brothers, Arthenon and Arly, sit close, their eyes filled with admiration as they watch their nieces and nephew play. Quinn’s hand rests protectively on her growing belly, and I can see the love in her eyes as she looks at Arly.
“Can you believe how far we’ve all come?” Arly muses, his voice filled with wonder. “Just a few years ago, we were all in different places.”
I nod, my heart full. “And now we’re building our own families, creating a legacy.”
"We really made it,” River adds, wrapping his arms around me and our children, pulling us close.
Together. That word resonates deep within me, wrapping around my heart like a soft embrace. I look around at my family, filled with love and laughter, knowing that this is just the beginning of our journey. As I feel the gentle kick of our unborn child, I can’t help but smile.
Life has its challenges, but with River by my side and the support of our pack and family, I know we can face anything. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to see what adventures await us.
As the laughter echoes around us, I close my eyes for a moment, breathing in the joy of this day, and I know, without a doubt, that we are exactly where we are meant to be.