Chapter 10 - THE LUNA OF THE NORTHERN THRONE
One year later.
The winter chill had begun to thaw, giving way to the brilliant, vibrant bloom of northern spring. Patches of purple mountain heather and wild white lilies pushed through the melting snow along the battlements of the Royal Palace.
The Great Hall, once dark and intimidating, had been transformed. Tall windows of crystal glass allowed warm sunlight to flood across the polished oak tables. Laughter, music, and the sweet aroma of roasted meats and honeyed pastries filled the corridors that had once known only disciplined silence.
Queen Laria stood on the royal balcony overlooking the capital gardens.
Her dark hair was braided with delicate pearls and silver leaves, falling down the back of an ivory silk gown that flowed gracefully over her curves. Her skin was glowing with radiant health, the old scars across her shoulders faded into faint, silvery lines that no longer caused shame or pain—they were the armor of a survivor, proof that darkness could never extinguish the moon's light.
A pair of strong, familiar arms wrapped around her waist from behind.
Kale rested his chin on her shoulder, his warmth seeping into her back. The King looked different than he had a year ago; the hard, exhausted lines around his eyes had softened, replaced by a deep, grounded contentment that only a completed mating bond could bestow.
"You’re up early, my love," Kale murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the sensitive curve beneath her ear, making her lean back into his chest with a happy sigh. "The council meeting doesn't start until noon."
"I was watching the northern trainees," Laria smiled, pointing toward the open courtyard below.
In the training grounds, young shifters—both males and females, noble-born and common—were laughing as they practiced basic sparring maneuvers under the watchful, encouraging eye of Captain Eric. Among them were several unshifted teenagers who were receiving personalized training in herbs, strategy, and archery, treated with the exact same dignity as the strongest warriors.
"The new academy is flourishing," Kale said, pride swelling in his chest. "Under your guidance, we haven't had a single neglected child reported in four provinces. You’ve changed the soul of this kingdom, Laria."
"We did it together," she replied, turning in his arms to face him, looping her hands around his broad neck. "You gave me the sword. I only pointed the way."
"You did far more than that," Kale whispered, his golden eyes softening into liquid warmth as he rested his forehead against hers. "You showed a kingdom of beasts how to have a heart."
A gentle breeze blew across the balcony, carrying the scent of pine, melted snow, and blooming jasmine.
Laria smiled, a playful, secretive spark dancing in her silver irises. She took Kale’s large, scarred hand and slowly guided it down from her waist, pressing his palm flat against her lower stomach.
Kale froze.
His eyes widened. His breath caught in his throat.
Deep beneath the warmth of her gown, beneath her skin, Kale’s heightened Alpha senses detected a tiny, miraculous flutter—a brand-new, dual heartbeat. One beat steady and fierce like a warrior’s drum; the other soft, melodic, and shimmering with ancient, celestial starlight.
Kale’s jaw dropped. "Laria...?"
"The Royal Apothecary confirmed it this morning," Laria whispered, her eyes shining with unshed tears of pure happiness. "Twins, Kale. A little prince... and a little princess."
The mighty Alpha King of the North, who had faced down rogue armies and monstrous beasts without blinking, suddenly buried his face in his mate’s neck, his broad shoulders shaking with silent, overwhelmed tears of joy.
"A family," Kale choked out, pulling her tightly against him with a protective reverence that took her breath away. "Our family."
May you like
"Our family," Laria echoed softly, running her fingers through his dark hair.
Far below in the gardens, the white lilies swayed in the gentle spring wind. The locked doors of the past were broken forever, their rusted chains buried deep beneath the melting snow. In their place stood a kingdom united by honor, a Queen born of starlight, and an Alpha King whose greatest victory was simply loving her.
