The battlefield was quiet now, the echoes of battle faded a week before. Magnus and Rowen were gone, their forces shattered, but the scars of their rebellion lingered in the broken ground and the still weary faces of those who survived. The prophecy had been fulfilled….the two white wolves and the dark wolf had chosen unity and love over ruin, guiding their people to victory. The warriors who had joined them had travelled home to rejoin families and to start to help rebuild other packs Magnus had destroyed along the way.
Freya stood at the palace gates with Tobias and Daemon, the team gathered around them. The King approached, his regal presence softened by gratitude. “Freya. Daemon. You’ve done more than any council or leader could have asked. This victory belongs to all of us, but without you, it would never have been possible.”
Freya inclined her head, her voice steady but humble. “It was never about us. Everyone here fought for this. We just led the charge.”
The King smiled faintly. “Even so, your leadership has earned you a place on the council. Both of you. Wolfkind needs voices like yours to help rebuild. Are you sure I can’t change your mind, Freya?”
Daemon’s gaze shifted to Freya, and in the shared silence of their bond, the decision was made. Daemon spoke first, his voice resolute. “I’m staying. There’s much work to do here, and the King…. uncle…. has asked me to train as his successor. My mate, Helena, and our children need the stability this palace offers.”
Freya nodded. “It’s where you’re meant to be, Daemon.” She turned to the King. “But my path lies elsewhere. Tobias and I want to create something new. A pack, built on trust, strength, and unity. It’s time for a new beginning.”
The King’s expression softened with understanding. “You have my blessing. The palace will always stand with you, beloved niece. ”
Freya addressed the team, her gaze moving from one to the next. “We’ve all fought together, bled together, and survived together. Tobias and I want to form a new pack on Shadowclaw land, and we hope you’ll join us. This is your choice, though. You’ve already given so much.”
Liam stepped forward first. “You even need to ask? I’d follow you both anywhere.”
Zara grinned. “We’re a family, Freya. Of course we’re in.”
One by one, the team pledged their loyalty. George, Finn, Lyra, Sean, Nathan, and Kian all nodded, their voices clear and firm.
As they gathered their belongings, the goodbyes to those staying behind were bittersweet. Mira and Alaric would remain at the palace, with Mira’s sharp mind and Alaric’s council seat solidifying their roles. Luke and Bren, fierce and protective, had committed to guarding Daemon’s soon-to-be-born twins, ensuring their safety from any lingering threats. Helena stood with Daemon, her hand resting on her growing belly, her smile a mix of pride and sadness as she hugged Freya one last time.
When the group began to leave, Freya felt a pang of loss at the thought of leaving her brother behind, but Daemon’s voice through the mind link was steady. Go build something incredible. I’ll be here when you need me.
They were just crossing the threshold when a voice called out, stopping them in their tracks. “You’re forgetting someone.”
They turned to see Alex standing near the gates, his frame thinner than before but his posture resolute. His bruises had faded, but the shadows in his eyes spoke of pain that lingered.
“If you’ll have me,” he said, his voice breaking slightly, “I’d like to come with you.”
Freya’s heart clenched, and without hesitation, she rushed to hug him. “Of course, Alex. You’re family.”
Tobias joined them, his hand clasping Alex’s shoulder. “You belong with us. Always.”
Alex hesitated. “My parents… they were already gone when I got back. There’s nothing left for me there.”
Freya squeezed his arm. “You have us now. You’re not alone.”
Finn and Nathan, never ones to let a moment stay serious for too long, sauntered over, grinning. Finn clapped Alex on the back. “Guess that means you’re stuck with us. Hope you like bad jokes and midnight pranks.”
Nathan snorted. “I call dibs on making him the next victim.”
Alex laughed, the sound breaking through his sadness. For the first time in weeks, he felt the weight on his chest lighten.
As the group set off, the shadow of the palace grew smaller behind them. They walked with purpose, their sights set on the lands that had once belonged to the Shadowclaw Pack. Freya and Tobias planned to rebuild it, to create a home for wolves who needed hope and a fresh start.
The King had given his blessing for them to rename the territory, and as they crossed into the familiar woods, Tobias spoke the name aloud. “Silver Hollow,” he said, his voice carrying through the mind link. “A place for new beginnings.”
Freya smiled, the name resonating in her heart. “Silver Hollow,” she echoed. “It’s perfect.”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Tobias paused, taking Freya’s hand in his. The pack walked ahead, their voices filled with laughter and hope, leaving the two of them in a quiet moment. Tobias turned to Freya, his blue eyes soft.
“We made it,” he said simply.
Freya nodded, leaning into him. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she leaned close, her breath warm against his ear. “It’s only the beginning. You’re going to be a father.”
Tobias froze, his eyes widening as her words sank in. A sharp intake of breath escaped him, his usual composure shattering under the weight of the revelation. “Freya…” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
She smiled softly, her eyes glistening with tears. “You’re going to be amazing.”
For a moment, he could only stare at her, his chest heaving with the force of feelings he couldn’t yet put into words. Then, with a joyous laugh that broke through the quiet, he pulled her close and kissed her, pouring every unspoken promise and overwhelming love into that single moment.
Together, hand in hand, they turned toward the path ahead. Their new pack surrounded them, a family forged through trials and triumph, ready to build a home where love, hope, and unity would always triumph over darkness.
———
AUTHORS NOTE
I’d really like to thank you, if you’re still here, for seeing this through to the end with me and helping me finish what started as a hopeful folly.
When I began this journey, it was after years of struggling to write a murder mystery (which I’m still working on) but feeling completely muse-less. Then I started reading shifter books. They were all short and followed the same basic storyline, just with different characters. I was sure I could write one too—but give it a story that stood apart. Once I began, I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t sleep until it was finished.
I’m not exaggerating.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment of creating this world and these characters. If you’ve enjoyed reading it even a fraction as much as I’ve loved writing it, then we’ve both won.
A huge thanks to my dear friend—and, if I may boast, my one and only fan—who once stopped me mid-sentence to tell me my last chapter didn’t make sense. I spent that entire night rewriting it, and she was absolutely right! Thank you, Melissa—you made this happen. Also to Robin who would pass my room at 5 in the morning, look at me, sigh, and then go back to bed. Thank you for not moaning at me.
Abbie Shores
Manchester, UK
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