Chapter 614 - Everyone is hoping for a change because of you
Stars were meant to shine in the sky, but at the Grimroot pack, they were shining from the ground.
The pack had been carved out of a rock formation, its protective features temporarily removed to reveal the transparent crystalline structure beneath.
This only happened during special occasions, but what made it truly magical were the floating lights.
The plunge pools under the waterfalls to the east side of the pack and the ponds in front of the pack were all covered in floating lights, thousands upon thousands of tiny glowing orbs that drifted lazily on the water’s surface, reflecting and dancing like captured stars.
At the sight of the approaching chopper, hundreds of pack members gathered around the release point and sent more floating lights soaring into the air. They rose in waves, shimmering and golden, painting the darkening sky with warmth.
The chopper had to land a distance away and not on top of the pack house like Seraphine knew.
It was her first time using the main entrance of the pack house, her first time approaching from this angle, and as they got out of the chopper, the pack members marched toward them in practiced and rehearsed steps.
More floating lights were released into the air as they approached, the glow washing over them like a golden tide.
"At the Grimroot pack, floating lights are very special to us." Voren began speaking as they walked in measured steps toward the lights, his voice soft with emotion. "We use them for three different things."
He paused, watching the orbs drift upward. "One, for remembering a loved one who passed away. Mostly leaders. This was supposed to be done for my mother."
His voice caught slightly. "But I know that isn’t the reason for it now." Indeed, the pack members had no idea that Luna Oriana had even died, so this could not be for her.
"The second reason is for hope." Voren’s eyes found Seraphine’s, warm and full of meaning. "Everyone is hoping for a change because of you."
Seraphine got emotional, tears welling in her eyes. She had given her life and blood to the Centenary pack, but she had never been honored for it, never welcomed like this, never celebrated.
At the Grimroot pack, she had contributed nothing so far, and they already did this for her? The thought overwhelmed her, made her chest tight with gratitude.
Voren had more to say, his voice steady despite the lump in his throat. "The third reason is for a new beginning. So this welcome is for both hope and a new beginning." He turned to face her fully, his gaze intense. "The pack is expectant, and we mustn’t disappoint them."
Esperanza was already running toward Kael, her small legs pumping furiously, her arms outstretched. Bryan was running toward Damon, his laughter ringing out across the clearing.
The two betas had released their last floating lights before running forward and capturing the kids in their arms.
"Beta Kael, I missed you!" Espe laughed and wrapped her arms around him, her small body pressed against his chest.
"Beta Damon, I’m so glad to see you!" Bryan wrapped his arms excitedly around Damon’s neck, his face flushed with joy.
"I missed you so much, kiddo." Damon laughed heartily, spinning Bryan around once before settling him on his hip.
They both turned to Seraphine and Voren, still carrying the children in their arms. "Alpha, Luna, the pack has been waiting." Kael’s voice was thick with emotion. "We’ve been counting the days."
"I can see." Voren said emotionally, his gaze sweeping over the gathered pack members, at the hope shining in their eyes.
Kael greeted Corvine and Liah, his smile widening. "Co-Alpha and Co-Luna, you are welcome to your new home." He bowed his head respectfully.
Corvine laughed, shaking his head. "Will you stop being so formal? I am not the Co-Alpha yet." But there was no heat in his words, only warmth.
"Well, Alpha Voren’s words are law." Kael said politely. "And even before the new constitution is signed and the rituals done, you both shall be addressed as such. That’s how it works here."
The pack members had now surrounded them, a sea of faces filled with wonder and anticipation. Vladimir and the Shaman walked through the crowd, parting the sea of bodies as they came forward to welcome them. Vladimir’s eyes were bright with unshed tears, his weathered face creased with a smile.
"Voren, Sera." Vladimir embraced his son first, pulling him close, then pulled away and embraced Seraphine with equal warmth. "The pack has been waiting since you informed us of your return." He pulled back, his gaze settling on Corvine and Liah.
Seeing how harmless they looked, how genuinely happy, he was torn between keeping the secret of the crown or spilling it. The weight of the shaman’s words pressed down on him, heavy and unbearable.
Seraphine was overwhelmed with joy as she looked around at those gathered around them with so much hope and expectation in their eyes. They believed in her, believed that she could be the Luna they had been waiting for.
The pack members were already cheering, releasing their remaining floating lights into the sky. The orbs rose in a shimmering cascade, so beautiful and so magical, as they dispersed into the sky reflecting on the plunge pool and ponds below. The water caught the golden glow, turning the surface into liquid fire.
"Alpha Voren is back and it’s true!" Someone shouted from the crowd. "We finally have a Luna! A real one!"
"Yeahhhh!" The crowd cheered and began to applaud them with excitement, the sound rising like thunder.
The mention of ’a real one’ made Voren understand that Olivia had never really given the pack the satisfaction of a Luna—even after stealing her twin sister’s place, she had never truly been accepted. The pack had known, had felt the difference, and had waited all these years for someone genuine.
Vladimir’s gaze lingered on Corvine and Liah, his smile faltering for just a moment. Will Voren be able to safeguard the situation?