Chapter 116: Answer
Ava knew the answer before a single word was spoken. It wasn’t something anyone had to say out loud, it was written in their eyes, in the way they looked at Dennis. He wasn’t the loudest or the fiercest, but he was the most constant. Where Lucas had ruled with fire and ice, Dennis ruled with earth and patience.
Ava’s heart squeezed as she glanced at Dennis. He didn’t posture like an Alpha. He didn’t puff his chest or growl for obedience. And yet, here he was, earning loyalty not through fear, but through love.
Then, one by one, the rogues moved. They dropped to one knee, heads bowed, chests lifted in quiet reverence. Dozens of them, rough and wild as they were, surrendered willingly. Only three people remained standing: Ava, Dennis, and Zoe.
Zoe stood still as stone, her eyes darting between the kneeling crowd and the man the Moon Goddess had destined for her. She’d seen people kneel before, but it was always forced. Done in fear or desperation. This was choice. And it was... beautiful. Strange, but beautiful. This is what peace looks like.
"We will follow you for the rest of our lives," came the collective vow. Ava had to blink fast. Again with the dust.
Dennis swallowed hard. His voice wasn’t commanding when he finally spoke. It was gentle. "You still have to stand trial with the High Council," he reminded them. "For past crimes. That hasn’t changed."
And still, none of them moved. Their loyalty didn’t falter. Not a single flinch.
She reached into her pocket and pulled out the keyring Missy had handed her earlier. On behalf of Lucas, yes but really, this was for them. Holding the keys in her palm, Ava stepped forward and unlocked the gates, the rusty hinges groaning. She flung the gates wide open and stood back. It wasn’t just symbolic. It was sacred.
The rogue pack stepped through the gates almost reverently.
Ava turned her head as the tears won.
Dennis, meanwhile, was doing very poorly at maintaining any composure. He walked to Zoe, overwhelmed with everything and before he could stop himself, his arms were around her. He didn’t ask. He didn’t warn. He just kissed her.