The Weeks of Recovery

For weeks, the air around Silverclaw carried a heavy silence, one no amount of laughter or casual conversations could erase. Kael's health had been the centre of every whispered conversation, his packmates' faces shadowed with worry as they went about their daily lives.

At first, Kael's condition had been critical. He could barely stand, his once powerful form was reduced to exhaustion and pain. Selene stayed by his side, guiding him through every agonizing day, though she never let him see her fear.

"Are you sure you don't need to see a healer?" she asked one day as they sat near the riverbank. The sun was warm, the rippling water a soft melody that filled the silence between them.

Kael leaned against a tree, his breaths measured. "I'm fine, Selene," he replied, his tone firm but his eyes betraying the weight he carried. "It's just… taking longer than I expected."

Selene watched him, her arms wrapped tightly around her knees. "It's not a weakness to rest, you know. Even Alphas need to heal."

He glanced at her, a flicker of a smile on his lips. "I'm not weak," he said, almost defensively. Then, softer, "But thank you for being here, you mean the world to me." He brushed his thumb softly against her face.

Each day brought tiny victories. Kael walked further, spoke stronger, and even managed a sparring session with his Beta, Aldric, though it ended with him nearly collapsing from exhaustion.

"You still have it," Aldric joked, offering Kael a hand to steady himself.

Kael smirked, wiping sweat from his brow. "Never lost it."

But while Kael was slowly regaining his strength, Selene noticed something in his eyes, a distant unspoken fear. He never talked about the blackouts, the moments of silence that had consumed him before. Instead, he buried them beneath his resolve, refusing to acknowledge what they both knew: it wasn't over.

Kael sat by the riverbank, the whispers that had plagued his mind were now fading like distant echoes. His body felt stronger, his steps steadier, and the fog clouding his thoughts had lifted. It was as though the curse that had gripped him had disappeared without a trace.

Selene had been by his side through it all, but as the days turned into weeks, Kael convinced her and himself that the worst was over.

"Do you see now?" Kael said one sunny afternoon as they walked through the forest, his voice calm but firm. "It was nothing. I'm fine, Selene. There's no need to worry anymore."

Selene tilted her head, studying his face. He looked stronger, but something in her gut told her the peace was temporary. She didn't voice her concerns. "I'm just glad you're better," she said, forcing a smile. She noticed a shift in his countenance.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked, settling beside him.

Kael didn't answer immediately. His hands rested on his knees, fingers tapping a restless rhythm. "Do you ever wonder if this… illness, or whatever it was, will come back?"

Selene's breath hitched, but she didn't let him see her hesitation. "It won't. You're stronger than whatever that was. And I'm here, Kael. Always."

He looked at her then, his gaze softening. "I know," he said simply, the words heavy with gratitude.

Weeks turned into months, and soon, the pack began to forget the tense days of Kael's illness. The hunts resumed, the celebrations returned, and the name of their Alpha was once again spoken with pride.

Kael himself seemed determined to erase the memory of his weakness. He trained harder than ever, pushed himself to the brink, and reclaimed his role with a fierceness that silenced any lingering doubts.

One night, as they stood beneath the full moon, Selene reached for his hand. "Kael," she said softly, her voice almost lost in the night's breeze.

He turned to her, his expression unreadable.

"Promise me," she continued, "if something feels wrong again, anything at all, you'll tell me."

Kael hesitated, then gave a small nod. "I promise."

But even as he said the words, Selene saw the shadow pass over his face, fleeting but unmistakable.

And in the back of her mind, a quiet voice whispered: It's not over.

With the Alpha finding his balance, and the tension of the pack dying down, it was time to officially make Selene Luna. The announcement of Kael's mate bonding ceremony sent waves of excitement through the pack. Selene's parents, Arlen and Lyanna, were thrilled beyond words.

"Oh, my sweet girl!" Lyanna exclaimed as she ran her fingers through Selene's hair, sitting by the fire. "You're going to be Luna of the strongest pack in the region. Do you know what this means?"

"Peace, strength and unity my child," Arlen said, his deep voice filled with pride. "You'll stand beside Kael, not just as his mate but as his equal. This is your destiny, Selene."

Selene's cheeks turned pink. "I'm just hoping everything goes smoothly," she said, biting her lip. "What if—"

"No 'what ifs,'" Lyanna cut her off. "Everything will be perfect. Now let's make sure your ceremonial robe is ready. It has to reflect your strength and grace."

Meanwhile, in the Alpha's quarters, Kael prepared for the ceremony with his mother, Liora, and his Beta, Aldric.

"Son, you're making history," Liora said, her voice laced with emotion. She held a long strip of woven fabric, a symbol of their lineage. "When you place this on Selene, it will mark the beginning of a new era."

Kael nodded, his face calm but his heart pounding. "She deserves it. Selene has been with me through it all. I just hope I'm the leader she thinks I am."

Aldric clapped a hand on Kael's shoulder. "You've earned this, Kael. The pack looks up to you because you've shown them what it means to be strong. Don't doubt yourself."

The day finally arrived, and the pack gathered in the central clearing, their voices buzzing with excitement. The elders lit ceremonial fires, their chants echoing through the air.

Selene emerged from her quarters, her robe was a deep earthy green adorned with silver embroidery that sparked in the firelight. Her dark hair was braided with flowers, and her face glowed with anticipation.

"She looks stunning," a young she-wolf whispered to her friend, jealousy tinged in her voice.

"I wish I were in her place," another replied. "To be chosen as Luna…"

Kael stood at the ceremonial altar, his robe black and gold, symbolizing strength and leadership. His face was solemn, but his eyes softened when they met Selene's.

As she approached, the pack fell silent. The elders began their chants, and Kael reached out to take Selene's hand.