Chapter One Hundred and Nineteen - A New Beginning - Maya's POV

As we step out from the manor and onto the path leading to where the ceremony will be held, all I can taste is ash and rose petals. It's an odd combination, but I understand ash. Not the flowers. Not until I see some up ahead, laying around in a circle. I step barefoot into the circle at the heart of the training grounds, which I find is an odd place to hold this at. A ring of torches flicker all around us. They cast long shadows that dance across the faces of our pack who have gathered here to witness this moment. Some of them I know by name, while others I only know by the way their eyes soften when they look at me now. There is no doubt reflected in their gazes. It's hope. I never thought I would bring that to anyone and it seems surreal to see it etched on their faces. The ceremony starts simple, as requested and as I was told. There isn't a lavish feast or a gown that looks gold. Just our pack, the torches and a crescent moon. Then there's Damian. He stands in the circle with me with his arms crossed and his eyes never leaving mine. I can feel him through the bond like an anchor keeping me from drifting away. He hasn't said too much since we walked out here, but I feel everything I need to know just from how he looks at me. It's like I'm his whole world and I belong here. Like I'm his luna, just as he said. Though we are dressed alike, I now feel like I'm underdressed for the entire thing. Ethan and Evelyn step forward first, acting as our voice for those gathered. It's simple and short, telling them that I am the new Luna of the pack and what I have done since arriving. Sometimes I feel embarrassed as they list things I helped with, but I quickly realize I did more as a human than I thought. Ethan approaches me first, welcoming me to the pack. Then Evelyn follows. They stand before me, and then Ethan looks at me with a straight look. 'You entered our territory as an unknown, an outsider. A human. But you chose us. You chose our alpha. You chose to stand and bleed beside us in a war you never asked to be in. I know what caused the curse now, but I don't blame you. You just wanted the love of your life and I think we would all do the same. You might not have been born as one of us, but you have become one of us through the trials." The pack lets out soft murmurs of approval. The air begins to feel charged in a way I have never felt before. Ethan steps closer. 'As the new beta, I want to ask you one thing. Do you accept the title of Luna?" I swallow hard. My knees feel shaky, but I find the courage to speak. 'I do." 'Do you vow to stand beside our alpha, not behind or beneath, but with him? To lead when we need it and to fight when called. Will you nurture and protect and guide this pack with him?" 'I will," I whisper. Ethan smiles at me. 'Then you are our new Luna. Long may you live and guide us with Damian at your side." The pack howls like a unified sound, erupting into the night sky like a roll of thunder. It breaks me, but not in a painful, sad way. It's in a healing one that means new beginnings. I feel it in my bones and blood that this is the start of something beautiful. Damian steps forward, his hands reaching out to take mine in his. The light of the flames catch his hair, making him look like something more than a man. 'You were always meant for this, my luna." I never imagined I could be this and as tears wells in my eyes, his thumbs gently wipe them away. He is everything to me and I'm so glad I finally accepted my place at his side. 'You were never meant to be just a human, Maya. You are too fiery and have strength. This is your destiny and we can finally be together, just like we always wanted." I glance at him, then really look at him. 'Do you -" He nods. I know he doesn't have to say it out loud because I know in my heart exactly what he means. He remembers us. As he leans in, he kisses my forehead, then takes my hand, raising it high. The pack howls again, this time a bit louder. Damian and I embrace as they grow wilder. Before it gets too out of hand, Damian reminds them that we have dinner in the dining hall. As they head that way, we stay out under the stars, looking up at them. 'I feel horrible about all those who died and I don't know that I'll ever forgive myself." He pulls me closer. 'It's going to be fine." The thing is, we are at peace and I know we will remain that way. But Lance is still missing and we don't know where he is. Though I don't bring it up, I worry about him. Damian and I stand together long after everyone leaves and has gone inside. Our hands intertwine. 'I'm scared of what comes next." 'Don't be, but at least you know you'll take it seriously," he says, not flinching. 'It's finally over, love." 'I just don't want to fail them." 'You won't," he says, his thumb brushing my knuckles. 'You care way too much to fail them. And now you are one of them. I nod, leaning my head against his shoulder. The air is turning cold, but his warmth with mine keeps it at bay. Somewhere deep inside, something stirs again. Not power or magic. It's purpose. This is just the beginning of our lives together.