Chapter 356: Marriage and Alliances
Astrid's POV
The air buzzed with excitement as wolves from the Shadowfang and Silvermoon Packs gathered under the full moon.
Tonight wasn't just a celebration of unity between the packs-it was a celebration of love, trust, and a future we had fought so hard to reclaim.
In the packhouse, Asha stood behind me, fixing the final braid in my hair.
When I glanced at her, her face was lit with a quiet pride. "You look beautiful," she smiled at me in awe.
"Thank you, Asha," I whispered as I met her eyes through the mirror. "For everything."
"Astrid," she said softly, meeting my gaze in the mirror. "I know I wasn't always the sister you deserved. I said things, did things I regret. I'm sorry."
I turned to her, surprised by her sudden vulnerability, but my heart warmed at the sincerity in her eyes.
"It's okay, Asha," I said, taking her hands. "We both made mistakes. But we're here now, and that's what matters."
"No, let me finish," she said, her voice breaking. "You've always been so strong, so capable, and I think a part of me... envied that. But instead of supporting you, I resented you for it. I see now how wrong I was, how much pain I added to your life when I should have been by your side."
My heart broke at her words. "Asha, we were both struggling in our own ways. I never held it against you. I just... I never thought we'd find our way back to each other like this."
Her tears spilled over, and she gave me a shaky smile. "I want us to be better, Astrid. I want to be the sister you deserve. I'm so sorry for everything I said, for everything I did."
I pulled her into a tight embrace, her words sinking into my heart. "I forgive you, Asha. And I'm sorry, too, for not reaching out when I should have, for letting the distance between us grow."
She hugged me back, her hold fierce and full of emotion. "I just want you to know Astrid that I admire you. You've been through so much and yet look how far you have become."
I pulled back, just enough to look at her. "You are already an amazing sister, Asha. From now on, we face everything as sisters."
She nodded, a small smile breaking through her tears. "Together."
When it was time, I stepped out into the clearing, my silver gown shimmering like moonlight. The crowd fell silent, their eyes following me as I walked down the aisle.
At the far end, Killian stood waiting, his dark eyes fixed on me with a love so fierce it made my heart ache.
Beside him stood Ryker, his face lit with pride as he waved excitedly.
Killian's hand met mine when I reached him, his touch grounding me. "You're breathtaking," he murmured.
"And you're late to noticing." I teased softly, earning a chuckle.
Alpha Damien presided over the ceremony, speaking of the strength in unity and the bonds forged by love and loyalty.
Among the guests, Drystan stood
with Nova, their fingers entwined They exchanged soft smiles throughout the ceremony, their love as palpable as the bond Killian and I shared.
When it was time for the marking, my heart raced. Killian stepped closer, his hand brushing my cheek as he leaned down.
His breath was warm against my skin as his teeth grazed the base of my neck.
The sensation was electric, sending a rush of emotions-love, pride, and unwavering devotion-through me.
When it was my turn, I tilted my head, feeling my wolf stir, not with fear or rage, but with calm and strength.
I marked Killian as mine, the bond between us solidifying in a wave of warmth that left us both breathless.
The celebration began in earnest, the clearing alive with music, laughter, and the scent of roasted meat.
Wolves from both packs mingled, their differences forgotten as they toasted the newly forged alliance.
Drystan and Nova approached us, their smiles radiant.
"Congratulations," Drystan said, his arm wrapped protectively around Nova. "You finally found yourway back to each other."
Nova laughed softly, looking at Drystan with adoration. “I think tonight is a
reminder that love can mend even the deepest wounds."
Killian nodded, his hand resting on my back. "And it's a reminder that together, we're stronger."
Drystan's gaze softened. "To the future, then. For all of us."
As the night wore on, Killian led me to a quiet spot beneath the trees. The sounds
of the celebration drifted around us, but here, it was just us.
"Did you ever think we'd be here again?" he asked, his voice low.
I smiled, leaning into him. “Not in my wildest dreams. But I'm glad we are."
He brushed a strand of hair from
nez
face, his touch gentle. "Astrid, whatever the future brings, we'll face it together. You're my mate, my Luna, my everything."
Tears welled in my eyes, and I rested my forehead against his. "And you're mine, Killian. Always."
As we returned to the celebration, Ryker ran to us, his joy infectious as he threw his arms around us.
For the first time in a long while, I felt at peace.
I wasn't just a Luna. I was a protector, a mother, and a mate.
And as I looked at Killian and Ryker, I knew that together, we could face anything.
The Shadowfang and Silvermoon Packs weren't just allies anymore. We were family. And this was only the beginning of our story.