Epilogue

Ellie

~Six Months Later~

I found myself standing before the massive double doors, one side etched with a wolf’s head, the other with a human’s. They were facing each other, as if in conversation.

I’d designed it myself, wanting it to symbolize the two parts of me—the wolf and the human.

My dad gave my hand a comforting squeeze, our arms linked together.

“Ready, pickle?” he asked, his voice soft.

I swallowed hard, nodding. “I think so…”

I paused, then met his gaze. “I just wanted to...to thank you for saving me…”

His smile was warm, his eyes shining with unshed tears of pride.

“I think you saved me too,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. “Let’s do this then.”

I opened my eyes and signaled to the two Elite Guards flanking the doors. They pulled them open slowly, revealing the room beyond.

It had taken half a year to tear down the old mausoleum I despised and build this new structure in its place.

There were moments when I wished I could have used my grandmother’s magic to replace the old building with a snap of my fingers. But witch magic didn’t work that way, so we had to do it the hard way.

This section of the building was the official wing, housing the throne room, official chambers, meeting rooms, and offices.

My dad and I walked down a plush red carpet, surrounded by seats filled with people—some human, some werewolf.

While Seth and I had supervised the construction of the palace and our new home, Clayton, my dad, and Jackson had worked tirelessly to dissolve the borders.

I wanted this event to be a celebration for both werewolves and humans.

Ever since the royal family’s downfall, the council had been trying to create a divide between humans and werewolves—two species that were more alike than different.

Now, we were going to remove that divide and break down the borders. It would take time, but we had already made progress. The humans attending this ceremony were proof of that.

Our family and friends were seated near the front. Everyone I cared about was here. Jackson and his mate, Amy. Doctor Erik and Olivia and her pups.

Seth was waiting at the front with Murdoch.

Murdoch was playing a role similar to a best man at a human wedding.

At the end of the aisle was a raised platform where Clayton stood.

We were going to have our mating ceremony first, as we’d originally planned.

Clayton had intended to officiate that ceremony, so we saw no reason to change it for this one.

Beyond Clayton, standing before the two thrones, was Arvid. Arvid had become a good friend to both Seth and me, as well as our bodyguard and advisor.

I was still a bit unclear about the role the Elite Guard played in the grand scheme of things. All I knew was that they were chosen by the moon-goddess herself.

Their wolves had a direct connection to the Royal Wolves. It was somewhat like the magic my grandmother had; it extended their lives so they could protect and serve the Royal Wolves.

I never asked Arvid how old he was, but he had served, or at least tried to serve, my grandfather. He might even have served Royals before that.

He didn’t look ancient, but that was part of the gift of being an Elite Guard. They weren’t immortal, but they were the closest thing to it.

I was just grateful we hadn’t had to fight them.

Arvid had told me that he’d sensed Nix’s presence for a while, but it had been inconsistent. Fading in and out. It was probably because most of her strength was used to shield me from my memories.

Once Seth had marked me and shared the burden, the Elite Guard recognized her as a Royal Wolf in all her glory.

It explained why Joel and the council had been so eager to get rid of me. They knew that once Nix fully emerged, it was only a matter of time before the Guard turned against them.

I tightened my grip on Dad’s arm as we walked down the red carpet.

Murdoch looked over his shoulder and whispered something to Seth.

He didn’t look, but then he didn’t need to. I could feel everything he was feeling through our mate bond. Any nervousness I had instantly vanished, replaced by his warmth and love.

When we finally reached the front, I felt Dad give my hand one last squeeze before he moved to stand next to Jasmine and Jason.

I glanced over at them, and Jasmine gave me a warm smile. I was always worried that she’d resent me for everything that had happened, but she didn’t.

It must have been tough for Jason and Jasmine to lose both their children, but they held no grudge against me, and for that I was grateful.

I felt Seth’s hand on my back, pulling me back to the present. I still got butterflies every time we touched, and I knew he felt the same.

I looked up at him and smiled. We didn’t really need to do this. It was more for our friends and family than for us.

Clayton looked between us and smiled, then he addressed the crowd.

“I can’t tell you how much pleasure it gives me to be able to officiate at this ceremony today.

It is rare indeed to be able to celebrate the mate bond between a royal wolf and her mate. Rarer still that she should be my cousin and that I should have had the honor of being Alpha to them both.”

Clayton paused and smiled.

“The road that these two young people have traveled to reach this point has not been an easy one. Both have had their trials and tribulations, which they have overcome.

“The moon-goddess has blessed two very special souls, and I am truly proud of both of them.”

Clayton picked up a piece of gold cord, and wound it around our wrists, binding them together.

“May your time together on this earth be truly blessed.”

Seth leaned into me and kissed me. I melted into him, blocking out the sound of cheers and applause.

This was only our mating ceremony—what on earth would they do when Arvid placed the crowns on our heads?

Seth broke the kiss and gently removed the cord from our wrists. Clayton had already taken his seat.

Seth took my hand in his and smiled.

“Ready?” he whispered.

I nodded and smiled back.

“Ready.”

We walked hand in hand up the steps towards the two thrones.

Arvid gave us a warm smile. He would have had us crowned the day we arrived if he could, but I was adamant that we wait until our new home was built and the borders were dismantled.

We paused, waiting. In no time, two more Elite Guards emerged from behind the thrones, each carrying a cushion of deep purple trimmed with gold. Each cushion cradled a crown.

Arvid approached us, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.

“For many years, we’ve longed to serve a wolf of true royal blood,” he started.

“Now, as the commander of the Elite Guard, I’m honored to once again crown a true royal wolf.”

Another guard stepped forward, and Arvid lifted the crown from the cushion, gently setting it on my head.

He turned to the crowd again.

“By her right, Queen Ellie will rule with her mate, and she bestows upon him the title of King.”

I heard a few surprised gasps from behind. I knew it would shock some, but it was what I wanted.

The second guard stepped forward, and Arvid picked up the other crown, placing it on Seth’s head.

“I present to you Queen Ellie and King Seth.”

Arvid stepped back, and we made our way to the thrones.

We turned and took our seats.

I had to fight the urge to roll my eyes when I saw everyone bow. I’d managed to break Arvid and his guards of that habit. The general populace might take a bit longer.

I was just relieved that I didn’t see my dad, Clayton, or the rest of my friends and family bowing. They knew better than to even consider it.

Seth took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as he mind-linked me.

“~It’ll take time, my love, but they’ll come around to your way of thinking soon.”~

I smirked at Seth, mind-linking back.

“~They better bloody well do.”~

^The End^