EPILOGUE

The crackling of the fire was the only sound of the starry night. The full moon watched us pay our last respects to the fallen.

They all lay on their own wooden grave, which was on fire. Pollux's scar gleamed next to his brother's body. It was like letting go of a part of him. Castor had received justice.

Now he had to let him go.

I was pressed by Ero's side as we mourned in silence with all the families. Beside us stood Demetrius, in reverent calm, and Gamma Johnson, whom I saw for the first time without grief and with bowed head.

He bowed to the log burning for Julien without his body. The smoke rose between the trees toward the sky, as if the dead were really turning into stars.

My brain still couldn't process what had happened. Too much had happened at once. It would take a few more days for the new reality to settle down, without Julien, without Lucia and above all: without the primal wolf and without fear.

There was still a lot to do, a lot to put right, but all of that would have to wait until tomorrow. Today the dead were commemorated and the living celebrated.

More and more werewolves slowly and silently made their way to the packhouse where the feast would be held. Eros nodded to me, placing a hand on Pollux's shoulder before we followed the crowd.

Orange light shone towards us in the dark night and I sighed at the sight of the sparkling snow. I was used to the north. He had become my home.

I looked up at Eros, whose blue eyes were fixed on the path ahead.

"I love you," I breathed, planting a gentle kiss on his cheek. That drew his attention to me.

"I love you too, so damn intense it hurts sometimes," he said, kissing me properly.

"There are children present," Demetrius said, walking past us disapprovingly. I laughed, a genuine, happy, booming laugh. Eros just grinned and took my hand in his.

Together we crossed the threshold into the house, where hundreds of voices babbled at once. The warmth was a welcome change from the freezing night. My heart was finally able to relax properly without panicking about further attacks.

All of that was over now.

Now our real life could begin, here in the north.

Eros took my cloak and hung it aside. We walked hand in hand into the great hall. The countless tables were already well occupied. Children were running around everywhere, playing tag or hide-and-seek.

I smiled at the sight.

It really was like a big family.

Plates, glasses and bottles of wine stood on the white tablecloths, ready to toast. Eros and I walked through it on the path to the exaltation where Gamma Johnson was already sitting.

"Ephilia!"

I turned around and Karen was standing behind me, completely overwhelmed with the whole situation. Her red plaid apron was stained, but overall she looked relieved.

"Karen, I'm so sorry. We wrongly suspected you," I said, bowing my head.

"Is- it's okay. I'm just glad you're okay. This whole mess... I should have known you couldn't handle deadly nightshade. It was just... Lucia gave me the tea and I didn't suspect anything bad. I didn't know she was in the library all that time trying to hurt you."

Despite her dirty apron, I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her to me.

"The main thing is that you're fine and nobody hurt you in the dungeon," I said.

"I'm fine," she just answered before breaking away from me. The stress was returning and I saw why. "I have to go back to the kitchen or the food will burn!"

"Wait, I'll help you. Anyway, I have one more gift I've wanted to give you for ages."

I gave Eros a promising look that I'd be right back. He just nodded before joining Johnson.

I left the raving and followed Karen into the kitchen, which smelled hearty of apple and red cabbage, roast goose, and fresh potatoes with gravy.

A real feast.

All the ovens were running full blast, as were the stovetops. Karen rushed around while some helpers stood by to receive the delicious food.

"Oh Ephilia, you don't have to help. The festival is in honor of you as the new Luna!" Karen shouted while stirring the sauce.

"Of course I'll help. That's the least I can do," I said, and filled the potatoes into large bowls. The hard-working helpers jumped into action immediately and carried the finished food into the hall. "Besides, I have something else for you."

I wiped my hands and popped out the door to get my grandma's cookbook. Hopefully Karen didn't mind that the pages were already wavy...

It had been through a lot.

I stopped in front of the she-wolf and was almost embarrassed to be able to give something like that away.

"This is for you," I said sheepishly. "It's from my grandma."

"Thanks so much. It means so much to me," Karen said, accepting the book, her eyes sparkling. She flipped through the pages before a beaming smile spread across her lips. "I'll cherish it. I promise."

I nodded and returned the smile. Karen took a bottle of wine from the shelf behind me and put it in my hand.

"Here, you can take these with you and then sit down and eat. You really deserve it," she said. With these words, she directed me to the kitchen and I smiled as I made my way into the great room.

The tables were now full of food and everyone was ready, but as I entered, everyone suddenly stood and bowed their heads in front of me.

I looked at Eros a bit confused. He too was standing. The seat next to him was empty. Without hesitation, I walked between the laid tables and stood next to him. He took the bottle of wine from my hand and poured some for everyone at the table.

Then he raised the glass.

"To Ephilia, the Luna of the North!" he shouted, and all the pack members did the same.

"TO EPHILIA!"

Goosebumps rolled down my spine as I looked into the gleaming eyes and sparkling red wine of all the members.

I was really at home here.

I raised my own glass and everyone took a sip. Cheerful chatter then broke out as everyone filled their plates with the glorious food.

My mouth watered as I looked down at the boiled potatoes covered in gravy. The red cabbage smelled like fresh apples and the meat was so tender it fell apart in your mouth.

I savored every bite, sweet red cabbage, hearty goose and salty potatoes with gravy. No feast in the world could top this one. I sighed contentedly and took a sip of the red wine.

Gamma Johnson next to me looked at me like I was crazy.

"Is something?" I asked after swallowing the heavenly food.

"Nothing," he said simply, turning back to his own plate.

"Ha!" I exclaimed excitedly, almost falling off my chair. I smiled smugly sideways at Johnson, who looked my way in irritation.

"Do I have something on my face?" he asked.

"No."

"Why are you staring at me like I have a surprise for you?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Have you forgotten your promise?" I asked triumphantly.

His features completely derailed as he remembered our deal. When I was through with the ceremony, he would look for his mate.

"Damn it," he murmured before turning to Eros. "I really didn't think you'd tag her and make her Luna so quickly. Where's your self-control when I need her."

Amused, Eros took a sip before setting his glass down.

"Maybe it would be good if you finally settled down," he countered. "And I can make you a promise too. When everything is settled, you will be my new beta."

Perplexed, Johnson stared at him.

"For real?"

Eros nodded and continued eating unperturbed. Johnson sat frozen, completely overcome with happiness. I could have sworn the corner of his mouth twitched up for a second.

"Pollux will then take over your post and the new Gamma," Eros continued.

“That- that's a huge honor for me. Thank you Alpha," Johnson said, bowing his head.

"Don't thank me. Ephilia made that suggestion."

Surprised, the future beta lifted his head. He cleared his throat briefly.

"I guess I should thank you," he said, and I could see how much effort he had to utter the words.

"How so? Eros would have made you a beta anyway. You also made sure that all pack members got home safely today."

"Thanks...Luna."

My heart beat proudly against my ribs and a new smile blossomed on my lips. I looked down at the chattering crowd, mingled with the clinking of cutlery. Everywhere I saw smiling, carefree faces, children playing and empty plates.

I leaned my head against Ero's shoulder and took a deep breath. He took my hand and interlaced his fingers with mine. I finally arrived.

I was finally home.