Pandora’s POV
The air was warm, filled with the scents of fresh earth and blooming flowers. It was the night of the full moon festival, and the pack had gathered in the palace courtyard, celebrating the prosperity and peace that had graced us over the past two years.
From where I sat, near the front of the palace, I could see everyone mingling, their faces glowing in the moonlight.
Two years.
It felt like a lifetime had passed since Griffin’s execution. The memory of that day still lingered, not as sharp as it once was, but a shadow in the corners of our minds.
The pack had grown, and so had we. There had been pain and loss, but also healing. Rolan had worked tirelessly to rebuild trust, to strengthen the bonds that had frayed under Griffin’s betrayal. And the people had followed him, loyal and hopeful, as always.
I placed my hands on my belly, smiling faintly at the sensation of the baby’s movement. I was eight months along now, and the little ones were as lively as ever, constantly reminding me of their presence with a kick or a roll.
It was a reminder of the future, of the life that would soon be here, joining our pack and filling our world with even more light.
The courtyard was buzzing with activity. Kiara, Camila, and Ashley had taken the reins of planning the festival this year. They had insisted I rest, though I’d tried my best to be involved despite the pregnancy.
But they were doing an amazing job. Laughter echoed through the crowd, children ran around chasing fireflies, and the tables were piled high with food.
The pack had come together for this night, celebrating under the full moon, and it was beautiful to see.
Kiara, ever the graceful organizer, was bustling about, making sure the decorations were perfect. She had always had a gift for these things, an ability to bring beauty and harmony to every event.
Camila, on the other hand, was more about the people, moving through the crowd, laughing and chatting, her warmth bringing joy to everyone she encountered.
And Ashley, fierce, loyal Ashley was overseeing the security, making sure that everyone was safe while still managing to enjoy herself.
It was perfect. Everything was perfect. Even from my seat, I could feel the joy radiating from the pack. Two years ago, we had been fractured, broken by betrayal and fear. Now, we are stronger than ever.
I watched as Rolan moved through the crowd, shaking hands, greeting everyone with that calm confidence that had come to define him as a leader.
He was different now, hardened, perhaps, by the weight of what he had been forced to do, but he had grown into his role as Alpha in ways that still amazed me. I could see the pride in his eyes as he looked out at the pack.
This was his family, and he had done everything in his power to protect them.
Eventually, Rolan made his way back to me, his eyes softening as he approached. “How are you feeling?” he asked, kneeling beside my chair.
I smiled, placing a hand on his. “I’m fine. Just a bit tired, but nothing to worry about.”
He chuckled, his hand moving to rest on my belly. “Our little ones are keeping you busy, huh?”
“Always,” I replied, grinning. “Just like you.”
We shared a moment of quiet, just the two of us amidst the noise and celebration. It was these moments that I treasured most, the simple peace of being with Rolan, knowing that we had weathered so much together and that there was still so much more to come.
As the festival continued, it came time for Rolan to address the pack. I watched as he stood, moving toward the center of the courtyard where the crowd had gathered.
He had always been a strong speaker, commanding the attention of everyone with just his presence. But tonight, there was something different in his expression, something softer, more reflective.
“Tonight is a special night,” Rolan began, his voice carrying over the crowd. “Not just because we are here to celebrate the full moon, but because of what it represents. Growth. Renewal. Family.”
The crowd was silent, their attention fully on him.
“Two years ago, we faced one of the hardest trials this pack has ever known. We lost people we loved, we were betrayed by those we trusted. But we did not fall. We stood together, stronger than ever, and because of that, we are here today. We are here to celebrate how far we’ve come.”
He paused, looking out at the pack, his gaze sweeping over every face. “But I don’t want this night to be about the past. I want it to be about the future, the future we are building together. And with that in mind, I would like someone very special to speak.”
I blinked in surprise as Rolan’s eyes met mine. He smiled, his expression full of warmth and pride. “Pandora,” he said, holding out his hand. “As our Luna, I think it’s only fitting that you address the pack tonight.”
A wave of emotion surged through me as I slowly stood, taking his hand for support. The pack was watching me now, their eyes filled with respect and expectation. My heart swelled with love for them, for everything we had been through together.
I took a deep breath, stepping forward. “Thank you,” I began, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach. “Thank you all for being here tonight, for celebrating with us. These past two years have not been easy, but you have all shown such strength, such resilience. And because of that, we are here, stronger, happier, and more united than ever.”
I paused, feeling the baby kick gently beneath my hand, reminding me of the new life waiting just around the corner. “The moon goddess has blessed us,” I continued, my voice softening.
“She has watched over us, guided us through the darkest times, and brought us into the light. And I pray that she will continue to watch over us, to bless us with happiness, and to help us grow even more in the years to come.”
The crowd erupted into applause, and I smiled, feeling the warmth and love radiating from every person gathered here. This was my family, our family and I couldn’t have been more proud.
The young girl who had been rejected once by her mate and her family was now a Luna, a wife, and a mother.
THE END.