He already knows. He always does.

"Ready?" I say quietly, though everyone hears me.

“Definitely... Been waiting to make you officially mine for months,” he says, earning a chuckle from everyone.

Slowly, he puts Aspen down, who is smiling from ear to ear.

We told her the truth, that Alec is her dad, and she was so happy. She told us that Alec always felt like her daddy, but she didn't want to say anything because she was afraid she might be wrong.

Piper holds Aspen as Alec steps into the circle with me. His eyes never leave mine.

"You marked me," I continue. "Now it is my turn."

He smiles unashamedly and gives me his neck like a submissive puppy. Honestly, it's so funny, and for a moment I forget that he's among the most feared alphas.

Without wasting time, I lean in and bite down on his neck.

I step back, wiping the blood from my lips and stare as the mark blooms and the bond snaps into full alignment. Alec inhales sharply as the connection floods him.

Then something happens. Something I never imagined would happen. Silver light flares where the mark is and power floods him through the bond. He shudders once, then his eyes turn silver.

The pack gasps softly as the change settles. Alec straightens, shoulders back, presence expanding with divine energy.

"What's happening?" I ask softly, staring at Mother.

"You're bound to each other," Mother says, her smile serene. "You ascended and so did he, the moment you marked him. The Moon Goddess cannot have a mere wolf as a consort. To rule at your side, he must share in your ascension and partake of your power."

I nod, still stunned but so fucking happy.

Alec and I had talked about this. I'm not immortal, not truly. Like my mother, I can live for thousands of years, but I had known what that meant. That one day, far in the distance, Alec would age while I remained. That he would one day leave me behind.

Werewolves only live a century and a half at most and that knowledge had terrified me because I couldn't imagine life without him, but now there is hope. For him to share in my ascension, to rise with me, means that fear no longer owns us. It means time won't steal him away. It means our lives will stretch forward together, instead of ending after a century or so.

Finally, we say our vows, and the celebrations begin.

I'm talking to Raven about an hour later when I feel her. I turn instantly and there she is.

Xena stands at the edge of the clearing, dressed in a simple black dress, free of makeup, her frame a little paler, a little thinner than the last time I saw her. She doesn't step closer. She just watches, her gaze sweeping over the gathering as if she isn't quite sure where she belongs.

When I invited her, I hadn't been certain she would come, but I'm so glad she decided to.

I meet her eyes, and for a moment, time folds in on itself; everything we were, everything we lost, and everything we survived is standing between us.

Then I rise and walk toward her.

"You came," I say softly and before she can respond, I pull her into a hug

She stiffens at first, her body going completely still in my arms, and then, slowly, she relaxes and hugs me back. When we pull apart, her eyes are a little brighter than before.

"I wasn't sure I should," she admits.

Without thinking, I lift my hand and cup her cheek. She leans into my touch, just slightly, like she's been starving for affection.

Things are still awkward between us but I'm trying. We've been estranged for nearly

a century. I can't expect wounds that deep to vanish in a single month.

"You're always welcome," I tell her quietly. "I hope you know that. I want you in my life, Lola, more than you'll ever understand."

She chuckles softly. "It still feels strange when you call me that."

“I know,” I laugh. "Now, come on. Mother's been asking about you, and Aspen won't forgive me if I don't bring you over."

She hesitates just for a heartbeat, then takes my hand.

We walk back together and the moment we get where the others are, Mother pulls her into a hug. Aspen immediately throws herself at her, launching unto af animated story, speaking so fast it's impossible to follow. She laughs genuinely, and something in her shoulders finally loosens.

As much as I enjoy the celebration, my gaze keeps drifting back to her. She sealed

her powers because she fears them, but if I'm honest, I think it's something else. I think she's punishing herself.

She's too hard on herself, drowning

in guilt for things she was manipulated into long before she understood what was being done to her and all I can do for now is love her Stand beside her and hope that one day she forgives herself the way® I already have... I hope she'll heal because I've lost her once and I refuse to lose my sister again.