Vione couldn’t answer Jemma’s words. Her heart was truly touched and she fell silent, only able to look at Usher, knowing that everything Jemma had said was the undeniable truth.
Pregnancy was always a happy announcement. But Vione’s pregnancy was more than joy; it was a blessing. For Usher, Jemma, Rowena and the Frostholm Pack, Vione’s pregnancy was the greatest gift the Moon Goddess had given them. So, it was no surprise that when the palace announced Vione’s pregnancy, the entire pack rejoiced and celebrated everywhere.
Without exception, the news spread to the farthest corners of the Frostholm Pack territory. Smiles and beaming eyes adorned the faces of every member of the pack. They continued to give thanks for all the good things that had happened to the pack-from their victory in the war to Vione’s pregnancy-and they didn’t forget to pray for Vione’s wellbeing.
Ayla, the Sacred Elder, made hasty preparations. She arranged for a blessing ceremony for Vione’s pregnancy to be held at the next full moon.
The pack gathered at the Sacred Land. They surrounded the altar. The men stood tall, while the women and children held bundles of lumira flowers.
Silence fell. The atmosphere was deeply reverent as Ayla began the blessing ceremony, and all eyes were on Vione.
Standing in the centre of the altar, Vione wore a flowing white dress. She looked beautiful, her face radiating softness, full of an aura of love. Then she closed her eyes and allowed herself to receive every prayer and hope that was sent to her.
Vione’s chest swelled with emotion. Every prayer and hope of the pack had been embraced by the Amerotha Forest, causing the energy there to react and seep into her soul.
Vione smiled peacefully. She felt completely calm. There was not a single doubt, worry or fear to disturb her. She felt at peace.
This is how life should be-peaceful and serene. No evil, no hostility. Just love and serenity.
Vione prayed throughout the ceremony. I hope you will continue to spread love and peace, my children. Bring happiness wherever you go.
The Amerotha forest glowed. Blue-golden light shimmered everywhere, welcoming Vione’s prayer and sealing it with every life in the forest, as if to signal that destiny was set and their happiness could not be disturbed.
Time moved on. Day by day, the joy of Vione’s first pregnancy turned into the joy of her first birth, some seven months later. A pair of twins, the heirs of the Frostholm Pack, were born safely. Their names were Silas Thorne and Sylvia Thorne.
The birth of Silas and Sylvia was the talk of the pack for weeks. The joy was discussed endlessly. Many, overwhelmed with happiness, gathered outside the palace to present Vione with bouquets of lumira, a symbol of blessing for her and the pack.
Congratulations also poured in from other packs. Letters arrived, and Cora, who was always by Vione’s side as a loyal friend, read each one with great pleasure.
“Congratulations to Alpha Usher Thorne and Luna Vione Celestie Munest Rutherford-Thorne on the birth of Silas Thorne and Sylvia Thorne. The Shadrox Pack shares in the happiness of the Frostholm Pack.”
Vione received countless messages of congratulations and love and care from everyone around her. Everyone-even Jemma and Rowena, who never really left her side-was with her throughout the pregnancy and the incredible experience of lactation, including Usher.
Usher kept his promise to Vione. He said they would go through everything together, and that’s exactly what he did with Vione. Throughout the gruelling days, he was always by her side, making sure she was comfortable and doing everything he could for her.
Vione had predicted it, confident that Usher would keep his promise, but she was still touched to see Usher doing all those things. She thought it had something to do with her breast-feeding hormones. But to see Usher asleep on the sofa holding Sylvia was something she had never imagined.
When that happened, Vione would gently wake Usher. She would take over holding Sylvia and call Nola Ruiz-an Omega responsible for looking after Sylvia and Silas.
Nola would take Sylvia to sleep with Silas in their special room. Meanwhile, Vione would smile and shake her head at Usher, and when the door closed, she would laugh.
Usher just smiled broadly. He put his hands on his hips for a moment, then ran his fingers through his hair. “I can never be away from them.”
“I know,” Vione replied, nodding repeatedly. Then she remembered that Usher had just returned from a week’s business trip. Usher was tired, but his longing was overwhelming. “Just like I feel.”
Usher’s smile stopped. His body felt tired, but something immediately brought peace to his soul. The air around him felt cooler and he knew the reason-Vione.
It wasn’t the first time. Often, or rather always, even without doing or saying anything, Vione created a sense of comfort that made Usher feel at ease. Just being with her could erase all his thoughts and worries in the blink of an eye.
Even after all the years they had spent together, Usher realised that this feeling never faded. On the contrary, every day it only increased his need for Vione’s presence.
Usher looked at Vione with deep emotion, then said, “That’s exactly how I feel about you.”
Vione’s heart fluttered gently in time to the love that shone in Usher’s eyes. “I know that too.” She stood up and walked towards Usher with her arms outstretched. “I can never be away from you either.”
Because it wasn’t just Usher who felt that way. Vione probably felt it even more intensely. In her eyes, Usher’s presence was a blessing. When her life was filled with misfortune, Usher was the only one who stayed by her side. Usher truly loved her-as he would in the future-and that was more than enough to prove to her that she needn’t worry about any fate that might befall her. She wouldn’t be alone. Usher would always find a way to find her, to keep on loving her.
“I love you, Usher.” Vione breathed out, her face showing a sense of helplessness. The love she felt was so overwhelming that words could never fully describe it, never truly express it. “I’m so-”
Vione’s declaration of love was met by Usher in the sweetest way. He sealed her lips and captured her love in a soft kiss.
Vione’s eyes closed instantly. Under Usher’s touch she melted in an instant. She became weak and quickly wrapped her arms around Usher’s neck.
Usher pulled Vione closer to his waist. He continued to kiss her lips in a rhythmic, flowing melody that intoxicated them both. And then he felt Vione parting her lips and returning the kiss just as sweetly.
“I think,” Usher said in a husky voice, his warm breath caressing Vione’s face, “I love you more, Vione.”
Vione slowly opened her eyes and their gazes met, revealing the same intensity of emotion. In that moment, all forms of love were on full display and she chose not to argue. Instead, she smiled and said:
“In that case, show me the proof.”
Usher narrowed his eyes and a second later Vione let out a squeal. Then he scooped her up in his arms.
Vione clung hastily to Usher and then she burst out laughing. “Oh, Usher.”
“I’ll prove it,” Usher said with such seriousness that Vione’s laughter grew louder. Especially when she saw the different look in his eyes. “Whatever it takes. Only the best for my Luna.”
And then, moments later, the laughter in Usher’s room was replaced by soft sighs and moans that whispered promises of eternity, vows they would keep until the end of their lives.
*