It felt nothing like triumph.


    It felt like grief given form.


    When it was finally done-when the crowds dispersed and the formalities ended- Cassian escaped the packhouse.


    Ellie found himter, standing at the edge of the upper courtyard.


    Moonstone spread out before them, wild and untamed and achingly beautiful. Mountains rose in the distance, their peaks shrouded in drifting clouds. The courtyard gardens below were blooming as if nothing had changed. It felt wrong to him.


    Still, life went on.


    Ellie joined him without a word, her presence a quiet anchor at his side.


    Neither of them spoke for a long moment.


    In the distance,ughter rang out.


    Cassian''s gaze shifted instinctively.


    August andn were chasing each other across the grass, their unsteady steps full of delight and stubborn determination. Nn was crouched nearby, pretending badly to be slower than he was, while Rae sat on the low stone wall,ughing openly, her eyes never leaving Cassian for long.


    They were safe.


    They were alive.


    Cassian swallowed hard.


    "This is why he did it," he said finally, his voice rough.


    Ellie nodded. "I know."


    "He didn''t die for Moonstone," Cassian continued quietly. "Not really. Not for the title or the borders or the kingdom. He didn''t die as an alpha.”


    "No," Ellie said. Her voice didn''t shake, but her hand found his, fingers curling tightly around his. “He died for this."


    For family.


    For a future measured not in power, but in moments like this-childrenughing, love unbroken, the chance to grow old together. A chance that he was never afforded.


    Cassian closed his eyes, a sharp ache blooming in his chest.


    "I don''t want it," he admitted. "The title. Not like this. It feels like a curse has beenid on my head."


    "I know," Ellie said softly. "I know he didn''t want this for you either."


    That surprised him. He looked at her.


    Ellie met his gaze, her expression sad but steady. "He wanted you to choose it. To grow into it. He didn''t want it carved into you through loss."


    Cassian huffed out a broken breath. "Toote for that."


    Ellie squeezed his hand. "Maybe. But he trusted you. You can do this."


    They stood together in silence, watching the boys until theirughter faded into quieter y. Nn and Rae stood nearby, protective and patient. Not just watching the boys, but both of them could feel their gazes drifting to the upper courtyard to check on them.


    That was when Cassian felt it.


    A warmth.


    Subtle. Familiar.


    Ellie inhaled sharply beside him.


    "You feel that," she whispered.


    He nodded.


    It wasn''t a vision. Not like before. There were no words, no images burned into their minds.


    Just presence.


    Two threads of warmth braided together, steady and calm, wrapping briefly around them like an embrace.


    Pride.


    Love.


    Peace.


    Cassian''s throat tightened as understanding settled into him with aching rity. "They''re together," he murmured.


    Ellie''s eyes shone with unshed tears. "Yes."


    For just a moment-no longer than a heartbeat-it felt as if the weight on Cassian''s shoulders eased. As if unseen hands rested there, not to push him forward, but to steady him.


    Then the sensation faded.


    Gone.


    Not lost.


    Just...plete.


    Ellie leaned into him, her head resting briefly against his shoulder. Cassian let himself lean back, grounding them both as the reality of what came next pressed in around them.


    “I''ll try,” he said quietly. “To be what Moonstone needs. What he wanted me to be." Ellie straightened, turning to face him fully. "You already are."


    Cassian shook his head faintly. "I don''t feel like it."


    She smiled sadly. "I know. But you will."


    They shared a quiet, understanding look-siblings bound not just by blood, but by


    loss and love and the knowledge that some sacrifices reshaped the world forever.


    とつ


    Below them, August stumbled and fell, then popped back up with augh. Ian


    pped excitedly, toddling over to help in the only way he knew how.


    Nn watched them with quiet vignce. Rae caught Cassian''s eye and smiled,


    small and steady, a promise of support without pressure.


    Cassian turned back to the horizon.


    This was what ric Moonstone had chosen to protect.


    This imperfect, fragile, beautiful future.


    Cassian straightened, drawing a slow breath into his lungs.


    He would carry that choice forward.


    Not as a martyr.


    Not as a shadow.


    But as a living testament to the love that had made it possible.


    Behind them, Moonstone stood-wounded, grieving, unbroken.


    And somewhere beyond sight, two souls rested atst, together again, their work finally done.


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    Cede is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a ir for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cede''s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.