Chapter Forty-Three: Oaths Under Moonlight
Night had fallen, clear and sharp. The air smelled of pine, fire, and something more ancient — a promise not yet spoken.
Rina stood at the edge of the ridge, the full moon casting silver across her skin. Her trial had changed her. The flame inside now moved with her heartbeat, no longer wild, no longer restrained — a part of her soul.
Kael stepped beside her, silent for a long moment.
"I remember the first time I saw you," he said quietly. "Fierce. Untamed. The fire scared me."
She looked at him, surprised. "And now?"
He turned to face her fully. "Now I know it's the only thing strong enough to burn back the darkness."
Her breath caught.
He reached into his cloak, revealing a simple silver chain etched with both their pack symbols — a union of fire and fang.
"No grand ceremonies. No rituals. Just this," he murmured. "Rina of Blackridge, will you stand with me — as my equal, my mate, my Alpha — not just for this war, but for whatever comes after?"
Her flame pulsed softly, her heart burning hotter than ever.
"Yes," she whispered. "Always."
When they kissed, it wasn't the hunger of earlier days. It was deeper. It was home.
And above them, the moon bore witness as two wolves, once divided by bloodlines and fire, became something greater — together.