Jaxon's POV
The journey while returning to the Silver Moon Pack was totally different from our journey to the temple. The experience, lighter mood, everything moved smoothly, all in synergy to the achievement of getting all the artifacts. Liora was by my side, though exhausted and tired, the glow radiating from her face was worth the stress.
We had conquered, we had sealed the bond, and she wasn't just my mate, she was the Luna of the great pack, Silver Moon Pack, and a great warrior and healer of her time. The experience at the temple was second to none, it was the exact thing we needed to rule over our enemies.
As we took the stairs down from the temple, I could still feel my own strength being renewed. The power that was hidden in me, lying dormant for years, but the union with Liora had resurrected it. Perhaps, I wouldn't have experienced that if I had stuck to marrying Seraphina as was arranged before.
'Do you feel anything?" I asked Liora, turning to look at her.
Liora nodded, smiling charmingly, even with the tiredness all over her face. soft smile gracing her lips. 'Yes, it's magical, it feels like everything has shifted. It's like a part of me that has been missing is complete now." She replied, but turned to take a last glance at the temple that had made our lives beautiful.
We took the same route while going bay, the familiar paths of the forest, but it wasn't as stressful as while we were going. It amused me how the part we took while going seemed shorter while coming back. Perhaps, it was due to the strain and expectations bestowed on the first journey.
As we approached our pack, the first sight that welcomed us was the warriors in their numbers waiting at the border of our pack. They have been there since our departure, taking turns to guide the borders of the pack to ensure the safety of all the members of the pack.
As we got even closer, I saw that it wasn't just the warriors that gathered there to welcome us, the wolves of Silver Moon Pack had all gathered to welcome our presence. As we approached, they bowed in reverence, acknowledging our authority. It wasn't mistaken how they had grown to love everything about our leadership, from the protection we offer, to the healing from Liora, their Luna.
It was my knowledge that many of them never loved Seraphina, but they all kept quiet so as not to be numbered among the traitors of the pack. The power emanating from us left them in awe. Those that met us were privileged to witness the glowing from the moon goddess herself. It would be the topic of discussion for weeks, even months, before it would finally die down.
Judging from the look on their faces, I knew that many of them would be coming to see for themselves, but in the disguise of healing from Luna. This is just the beginning of the greatness coming to Silver Moon Pack.
'The great Alpha! The great Luna!" Came the voices of the warriors , and the wolves that stood alongside them to welcome us. Their voices came in unison, their loyalty evident on their faces.
I glanced back to look at Liora, she was everything I wanted and more. We have made those that we rule proud, they can easily trust our leadership. We had emerged as symbols to those we represent, the icons of strength to our pack.
I can't also rule out the incredible roles the warriors that embarked on the journey with us played. They never relented, always ready for action during trial times. It was all the work of the team of six. Mira was exceptionally good, Calder not left behind on how he handles swords. Malcolm and Nico all did a great job, it was a great experience working with them.
Turning to the warriors that manned the pack in our absence, I addressed them, commenting for their loyalty and commitment to the betterment of the park. 'Today marks the beginning of a new era, a great time for all of us. We've been shaken in different ways, tormented by different dark powers, faced challenges, but we never gave in to defeat, we've conquered them all. This wasn't done by my efforts alone, I had a great force by my side, Luna Liora. Our bond was what kept us going even in the face of different challenges. We kept pushing, struggling and fighting for the wellbeing of everyone in this pack, and today, we have crowned it all. The artifacts required for our protection, for the bond we share with each other to be sealed forever and bring the peace and tranquility this pack needed has been released to us by the moon goddess, the great one. This pack would be fortified, and against every dark power, none would affect us again.
Liora moved forward, it was her turn to address her pack, those that she stood for as their Luna. But her face showed no sign of tiredness, not even a clue of the long journey was traced on her voice. It was a beautiful sight to behold. 'I'm honored that you all accepted me to serve as your Luna. I make the pledge that I would work for the betterment of this pack, protect and ensure the safety of everyone in this pack. You are my family, and I would do everything possible to ensure you are protected. But this can only be done with your cooperation, without that, we won't achieve anything. Remember, we are unstoppable while together."
A resounding howl erupted among everyone present, they had spoken with one voice, and would stand by us to fulfill our rule. It was a sign of unity, of oneness of mind. Something different from the usual was coming to the pack, something that would keep the pack at the head of affairs over other packs.
We made our way into the pack house, but even as we were going, the crowd were still pressing themselves at us. All wanting to touch us. I was thinking that the number I saw at the entrance were the ones that came out to welcome us, but I was wrong. The line was endless, all struggling to keep in touch us. I was shocked at how they love us, the pack members value us more than we even know.
The smiles on their faces, the cheerful hearts as we walked passed them was soothing to the body. I forgot all we passed through to get the artifacts, as those that we risked our lives for were worth it. I had the resolve to continue protecting them, the resolve to continue even more better than I had done before.
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Finally, we got to the packhouse, finally alone and the door closed behind us, then I glanced at Liora, my Luna, her eyes held a glimmer of something sinister in it, it harbored a mischief that I closed my mind at reading. I intentionally pretended like I didn't know what it meant. 'So, with the crowd gone… what happens now, Alpha?"
I chuckled, how can she be this silly when she was supposed to rest. I pulled her closer, to give her what she desires. 'Like right now? Well, it is best we get some rest, dear Luna if Silver Moon Pack. We have had a lot by the day, won't it be nice if Luna rest her weak bones? Remember, there's a pack to lead, warriors to train, but tonight, the great Luna would rest, not alone, but with her Alpha."
Even though the night outside remained joyful and a sense of victory, filling the Silver Moon Pack's, our chamber was as calm as the graveyard, only our heartbeats were heard. The stars and the moon all seemed to rejoice alongside the whole pack. It was a dream come true, the night we had all anticipated.
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Since our return, the Silver Moon Pack has been bustling with great energy, the energy of celebration. It was another night with the moon still watching over us from the sky. The full moon had passed, the night that our bond was sealed totally, but the moon was still hanging in the sky, up in a beautiful way.
Tonight wasn't just another day to celebrate, it was a night of reclaiming our strength, our spirit and our lost glory. We would have no reason to fear the likes of Morgath after the events that would happen. This was the part of our journey that I have been waiting for. It gives me concern, seeing my pack suffer and I could do nothing to salvage it. But tonight, all of that ends.
As the fires crackled, the wolves began gathering in their numbers, all cheerful as I could remember seeing them the night before. The excitement was worth watching, the warriors carefree with each other, and the members walking around and exchanging pleasantries. I stood watching everything unfold from my chamber, it was a beautiful sight to behold. Liora WA by my side, all smiles and watching everyone enjoying the moment.
This was the moment we fought for, the moment we would give anything to see the members of our pack partake in over and over again.
I turned to face Liora, her look radiating even more than the moonlight. I noticed her calmness, but it was accompanied by smiles. 'Are you ready to face your pack, to address those that were entrusted into your hands once more, Luna?"
She smiled, her cheeks flushing as I repeatedly called her Luna. 'More than you can ever imagine, Alpha."
With that, we headed straight to address the pack. Reaching where everyone stood, there came the calmness that describes reverence. They all kept calm, wanting to hear what I had to say. 'Tonight, we do nothing but celebrate! For the longest time, Morgath's dark magic had been tormenting us, the shadows casted on everything over our lands, but because of our resilience spirit, our unity, we have not only sent it back, but we have also freed ourselves from his dark grasp. We've also journeyed to the Valley of shadows, the ruins of Eldara, and lastly, the temple of the moon, in search of the artifacts that would seal our bonds, and heal our pack. It would return the pack to normal, and we are here to celebrate. The moon goddess had blessed us, she had bestowed all we need upon us, and tonight, we celebrate!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, it was a beautiful sight to watch how peaceful the pack was. I was never more proud of myself than that very moment. The trials he challenges, the night through the forest, all paid off, and all forgotten, but replaced by joyful moments.
Elder Marcus, one of my most trusted Elders stepped forward, his wise eyes roaming round and observing the events of the night. He held a priceless smile, something that gladdened my heart. In his old but strong hand were the artifacts. The dagger, shimmering stones, all got from the direction of the moon goddess. It was great that I could still feel its power, even from a reasonable distance. The glow was amazing, the very best of its kind.
'The great Alpha Jaxon, the great Luna Liora," Elder Marcus began, but in a loud voice, loud enough for all to hear, but still carrying great authority. 'With these sacred artifacts, we sanctify everyone and everything, and fortify the whole Silver Moon Pack. May its power forever be the shield that would protect us, also, may its light illuminate and guide our paths, also creating bonds that unites us."
After the sayings, Elder Marcus raised the artifact high, it began to glow in earnest, and on every second, the glow intensified. He started chanting, but in ancient tongues, tongues only revealed his kind. His voice was low by now, but strangely loud as thunder for all to hear. It rumbled like storms, shaking even the ground that we stood on.
The power from the artifacts spread wide into the crowd. It spread so fast like a wildfire, connecting us all as one. A hush filled the pack, they could no longer hold up again. Whispers of how great they feel was heard everywhere. The power continued surging, and spreading even more, even deep into our bones. The power had no exception, it captured all, captured everyone present in the pack.
After the chant, Elder Marcus lowered his arms, and a ripple of energy washed over us, binding us all in a renewed sense of unity.
After what felt like ages, Elder Marcus finally brought down his hands. 'Tonight, the night of reclaiming," Elder Marcus continued, 'we are made new, reborn as a pack. The power which came from the supreme moon goddess blesses us, and no dark force can tamper with this reborn, not ever again."
I signaled him to take a seat and rest, he has been standing for the longest time. And raising my voice, I addressed the pack once more, never forgetting to wear my bracelet of pride, even Storm rejoiced, growling inside me, tempting to transform. 'We are today stronger, even more than we have ever been. Together, we are here to celebrate, and with one mind and spirit, we would conquer anything. But above all, we would do our best to protect, cherish and honor this great gift from the moon, never shall we take that for granted. To the great Wolves of Silver Moon Pack!"
The pack responded with equal energy, their voices cheerful like a chorus. The celebration was just starting, the night of reclaiming the Silver Moon Pack, the night where great stories of the journey to getting the artifacts, the journey to reclaiming Silver Moon Pack would be created.
As the celebration continued, I pulled Liora to my side, and she snuggled to hold me even closer. It was as if she had been waiting for me to finish my speech to hold me. She glanced up at me, her eyes filled with pride. 'We did this, Jaxon," she whispered, almost closing her eyes.
I turned to face her, my voice low and calm. 'I won't accept that, my love. You are the heroine, you did this. You are the very heart of this great pack, the reason we gather here tonight, it's visible for all to see. You are the good news."
We remained in that position, the bond between us intensifying, just us, two hearts that beat as one. The peace the pack was experiencing was worth the stress, and we are ready for Morgath and his likes. We won't spare them this time, He will face judgment.