Dawn crept slowly over the forest, pale gold light slipping between the ancient trees.
Maria stood at the edge of the clearing, wrapped in Kael's cloak, watching the night retreat. She felt different now grounded, whole, yet something inside her had shifted permanently. The power that once frightened her no longer felt foreign.
It felt right.
Behind her, Kael approached quietly.
"The other packs are gathering," he said.
"They felt the command last night. They will want to see you."
Her fingers tightened around the edge of the cloak. "I'm ready."
He studied her for a long moment, then nodded once approval clear in his eyes.
The clearing transformed by midday.
Stone pillars rose from the earth at Kael's command, ancient runes glowing faintly along their surfaces. Wolves arrived from every direction some alone, others with their guards all drawn by a force none could ignore.
Maria stood at the center beside Kael, the Moon directly overhead despite the hour.
When the first Alpha stepped forward, the ground thrummed beneath his feet.
"I am Alpha Rowan of Stonefang," he said, bowing deeply. "We recognize the Moon's Luna."
One by one, others followed.
Each bow sent a ripple of energy through Maria, steadying her rather than overwhelming her. The fear she once carried faded with every kneeling wolf.
Then the air shifted.
The Moon brightened unnaturally.
Kael turned toward Maria, his expression solemn. "This is not something I can give you," he said quietly. "It must come from her."
Maria lifted her gaze skyward.
Warmth washed over her gentle, approving.
Silver light poured down, wrapping around her body as ancient markings flared beneath her skin, brighter than ever before. Gasps echoed through the crowd as the light shaped itself forming a delicate circlet of glowing silver above her brow.
A crown.
The Moon's crown.
Maria inhaled deeply, steadying herself as the power settled into place.
"I accept," she said softly but the words carried across the clearing with undeniable authority.
Every wolf dropped to one knee.
Even Kael.
Her breath caught at the sight of the Lycan King kneeling before her, his head bowed in reverence.
"Rise," Maria said, her voice calm and unwavering.
They obeyed instantly.
Kael stood before her once more, eyes filled with something fierce and unshakable. "You are no longer under my protection," he said.
Her heart skipped. "Then what am I?"
He leaned close, his voice meant only for her.
"You are my equal."
Cheers erupted across the clearing howls of acceptance, loyalty, and awe rising to the sky.
Yet far beyond the forest, in shadows that did not welcome the Moon's light, something stirred.
And as Maria lifted her chin, wearing the crown the Moon herself had bestowed, she felt it clearly.
Peace had been claimed.
But war was coming.