Chapter 187 The truth about the contract 1

Chapter 187: Chapter 187 The truth about the contract 1

Talia’s POV

The celebration in the Gathering Hall slowly began to wind down.

Wolves approached us one by one, with their faces warm with smiles and congratulations.

I had never seen so many smiling faces in one place. It was overwhelming, but it was also beautiful. These wolves, who had once looked at me with suspicion and doubt, were now looking at me like I was one of them.

Some shook my hand, some hugged me, while others simply bowed and said, "Congratulations, Luna."

I honestly did not know how to respond to all of it.

In Cresswood, no one had ever smiled at me like this, and no one had ever congratulated me for anything. I was not used to being celebrated, and I did not know how to accept it gracefully. So I just let the warmth wash over me and hoped that was enough.

So I just nodded, and said thank you, and tried not to let my exhaustion show on my face.

Kaelen stayed close to me the whole time. His hand was wrapped around mine, warm and steady, and I leaned into his presence.

When the last wolf had approached us, Kaelen squeezed my hand.

I could feel the tiredness in my bones, but it was a good kind of tired. It was the kind that came from a day filled with joy, and love, and belonging. I leaned into his touch, grateful for his steady presence beside me.

"Let us go back to the room," he said.

I nodded. "Yes please. I am tired."

We walked through the hallways together, and our footsteps echoed on the stone floors.

The hallways were quiet now, and the silence was a welcome relief after the noise of the celebration. I could still hear the faint echoes of laughter and cheering in my mind, but they were fading, and they were replaced by the soft sound of our footsteps.

The torches flickered, and the shadows danced on the walls, as the sounds of the celebration faded behind us.

When we reached the room, Kaelen opened the door and stepped aside. I walked inside, and he followed, closing the door behind us.

The fire had been lit, and the room was warm.

The warmth wrapped around me like a familiar embrace, and I let out a breath I did not know I had been holding. This room had become my sanctuary, and I was always glad to return to it.

I walked to the bed and sat down on the edge, letting out a long breath.

Kaelen sat beside me and took my hand. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired," I said. "But happy."

He smiled. "That’s good."

We lay down together, and I rested my head on his chest.

I could hear his heartbeat beneath my ear, steady and strong. It was a sound that had become as familiar to me, as my own breathing. It was the sound of safety and love and home.

His fingers traced lazy patterns on my back, and I felt the warmth of his body against mine.

"The pack is happy," I said. "They accepted me."

"Of course they did," he said. "You are their Luna."

I looked up at him. "I still cannot believe it."

I had spent so long dreaming of a life like this, a life where I was wanted and valued and loved. And now that it was here, it felt surreal. Like I was living in a dream I was afraid to wake up from.

"All of it. From the trials, to the battle, down to the bond, sometimes I just feel like I am dreaming."

He kissed my forehead.

I felt the warmth of his lips on my skin, and I let out a soft sigh. He always knew how to calm my fears, and how to ground me in the present moment.

"You are not dreaming, Talia, this is real. We are real." He said.

I smiled and closed my eyes. "I know. It is just... a lot."

He pulled me closer. "Rest. We have tomorrow."

I nodded, and I let sleep take me.

I drifted off to sleep with the sound of his heartbeat in my ears and the warmth of his arms wrapped around me. It was the most peaceful sleep I had ever had.

The next morning, I woke to the sound of birds outside the window.

The sun was streaming through the curtains, soft and golden.

I blinked against the brightness, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face. It was a new day, and I felt refreshed and ready for whatever came next.

I was still in Kaelen’s arms, with his chest warm against my back.

I turned my head to look at him. He was already awake, and he was watching me with those gray eyes that saw everything.

I loved the way he looked at me in the morning, like I was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. It made me feel special, cherished, and loved.