Chapter 16: The New Era

The wedding was held under the light of a massive full moon.

The Blackwood territory had been transformed. Thousands of glowing lanterns hung from the ancient trees, and the clearing by the river was filled with wolves from every corner of the territory. Even the Alphas who had once looked at me with hostility during the Council trial were now in attendance, their heads bowed in respect.

I stood at the edge of the clearing, staring at the crowd. My dress was a custom-made masterpiece of white silk and silver thread, hugging my body and flowing like liquid moonlight. My hair was pinned up, a crown of white winter roses resting on my head.

"You're trembling," Vera said, stepping up beside me. She was wearing a formal black dress instead of her usual leather armor, looking almost elegant.

"I'm not nervous," I lied.

Vera smirked. "You literally just faced ten thousand rogues and an ancient curse. A wedding should be easy."

I let out a shaky laugh. "This feels scarier."

A soft, melodic howl rose from the clearing. The ceremony was starting.

I walked down the aisle, the wolves parting for me. But I didn't look at them. My eyes were locked on Kael.

He stood at the end of the aisle, dressed in a sharp black suit that matched his dark hair. The moment he saw me, the stoic, terrifying Alpha completely melted. His golden eyes filled with such intense emotion that I felt it through the blood oath, warming me from the inside out.

I reached him, and he took my hands. His grip was steady.

"Hey," he whispered, his voice rough.

"Hey," I whispered back.

Lord Marcus, fully healed and looking dignified, officiated the ceremony. We exchanged vows—not just words, but promises. We promised to protect each other, to rule with justice, and to love each other until the stars burned out.

When he was declared my husband, Kael didn't wait for permission. He grabbed my waist, dipped me low, and kissed me in front of the entire werewolf world.

The clearing erupted in cheers.

But the night wasn't over.

Once the celebration began, Lord Marcus stepped up to the grand podium. The music faded, and the wolves fell silent.

"Tonight, we celebrate a wedding," Marcus declared, his voice echoing. "But tomorrow, we celebrate a new dawn. For the first time in a thousand years, the Moon Goddess has blessed us with a True Heir. It is my honor to officially crown Elara, the White Wolf, as the High Priestess of all Packs."

He placed a delicate silver circlet on my head. It was cold against my skin, humming with ancient magic.

The crowd bowed. Thousands of wolves, all lowering their heads to me.

I stepped up to the podium, looking out at the sea of faces. I saw the omegas who had been overlooked, the warriors who had fought beside me, and the Alphas who had once tried to condemn me.

I took a deep breath.

"For centuries, our laws have allowed Alphas to abuse their power," I said, my voice ringing out clear and strong. "We have seen mates rejected, omegas cast aside, and innocent wolves tortured. The Moon Goddess's laws were meant to protect us, not to be twisted by the pride of men."

I looked down at Kael. He was smiling, his eyes shining with pride.

"Today, I decree a new law," I announced. "The rejection of a fated mate is no longer a personal choice. It is a crime against the Goddess. Any Alpha who harms or casts aside their mate will be stripped of their title, just as Jason was."

A ripple of murmurs went through the crowd, but no one dared to argue.

I looked out at the horizon, where the moon was beginning its descent and the first light of dawn was breaking.

"We are no longer a collection of divided packs," I said softly. "We are a united people. And our future starts now."

Kael stepped up beside me, wrapping his arm around my waist. He didn't say a word. He didn't need to. As the pack cheered beneath the fading stars, I leaned into his side, knowing that the weak, rejected omega was gone forever.

I was Elara. Alpha's mate. High Priestess. Luna.

And this was only the beginning.