Chapter twenty-eight: Fated Ends,Eternal bonds

Six months later.

The snow had melted from the mountain peaks, and Hollowgrove Valley shimmered in spring light. Wildflowers painted the fields in blues, lilacs, and soft whites, their fragrance drifting on the wind like a promise.

Alex stood in front of a tall mirror in the ceremonial hall, adjusting the soft silver-trimmed robe that wrapped around his shoulders. His hair was gently curled, eyes lined with subtle kohl, and his bond mark was exposed proudly—no longer hidden beneath clothing or shame. The room behind him buzzed with quiet joy, laughter, and the sound of music being tuned outside.

Today wasn’t a coronation.

It wasn’t a treaty signing.

It was their wedding.

The Moon Ceremony of Bonding—recognized by every pack, every rank. It would mark not only the official union of Alex and Brian, but the beginning of a new era, one built on understanding, equality, and strength in unity.

Tessa peeked through the door. “You look like you walked out of a legend.”

Alex smiled, adjusting his necklace. “You clean up well too.”

She grinned. “Come on, Moonblooded. He’s waiting.”

⸻

The field near the Silver Creek was transformed into an open-air sanctuary. Long white banners fluttered in the breeze. Lanterns floated in shallow waters, and a circle of stones encased the ceremonial space where Brian stood in white and gray formal Alpha robes, a silver sash tied across his chest. The scar above his brow had faded, but his eyes still held the same storm of passion—for justice, for change, and for Alex.

When Alex stepped into the space, the whole crowd rose.

No longer did they whisper behind their backs. They celebrated. Alphas from across territories, Betas and Omegas alike, stood together as witnesses. Even children danced around with ribbons and flower petals.

Rachel and Donovan presided over the union, both glowing with pride.

“You were brought together through chaos,” Rachel began, “but chose one another in peace.”

Donovan nodded. “Let this bond be eternal—not because of fate—but because of your choice.”

Brian stepped forward first, taking Alex’s hands.

“I hated you at first,” he said with a quiet smile. “Because you made me feel something I was taught to fear. You broke the mask I wore. And beneath it… you found me. I swear to stand beside you, as Alpha, as mate, as family—always.”

Alex’s voice trembled, but not with fear—with joy.

“You were the only one who saw past my softness,” he said. “Even when I doubted myself, you didn’t. I was born to carry something ancient, but I was saved by something real. You. I choose you. In every lifetime, every form, I will choose you again.”

Their marks flared as they kissed, sealing the bond fully under the full moon that peeked over the horizon.

The crowd howled—not in ritual, but in celebration.

⸻

Later that night, away from the party, they lay beneath the stars—Brian’s arms wrapped around Alex, their fingers intertwined.

“What now?” Alex whispered.

Brian smirked. “We live. We lead. Maybe adopt a few wolf pups. Keep Rachel from becoming too powerful.”

Alex laughed. “You think we can really have a peaceful life?”

Brian kissed his shoulder. “With you, anything feels possible.”

Above them, the moon shone brighter than ever.

And somewhere deep in the earth, ancient roots stirred—not in anger, but in rebirth.

A new age had begun.

And at its center stood two fated souls, once torn by fear, now forever bound by love.

⸻