- For a Lifetime.

Tasya’s fate, now a widow and no longer the moon of the pack, was something she could barely comprehend. When she woke up, she found herself in Udolfo’s arms—the beta and the alpha’s right hand—who had carried her home while she was unconscious. Minutes later, it was Mrs. Aurora, her former mother-in-law and Ulises’s wife, who calmly explained what had happened and revealed the decision made by the Sages.

Tasya, showing no resistance, accepted the news. She received it with a serenity that contrasted with the pain of farewell—she had to leave behind her pack and loved ones. A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

“Come in,” Tasya said, her voice soft.

At that moment, the door opened, and there was Ariel. Tasya remained seated on the bed, wrapped in the comforter, but her eyes lifted to meet his.

“Hi, Ariel,” she greeted.

He entered quickly, approaching her side with a worried expression.

“Hi, Tasya. How are you feeling?” he asked with a voice full of concern.

The question hit her like a wave. How could she explain what she felt—how to describe the sensation that a part of her being had vanished, as if it had never existed? It was as if her entire world had collapsed in the blink of an eye. She had been lost in her loving, beautiful memories with her husband, and everything else had faded like the wind.

“I’m fine, don’t worry. Tell me instead—how have you been?” she replied, trying to change the subject.

“Very well,” he said with a smile. “I work at a company, had my own apartment, and now I’ll be the alpha.”

Tasya took his hand, her eyes full of affection.

“Your brother was always so proud of you—just like I am now. You’re the alpha of the pack now, and beside the woman you love, the one you’ll share your life with.”

They both smiled—Ariel and Alec—without letting go of her hand, in a silence that spoke louder than words.

“So tell me—who is she?” Tasya asked curiously.

“Viviana,” Ariel replied quickly, adding nothing more.

Tasya, surprised, murmured, “Your ex-girlfriend…” She paused, cleared her throat, and then smiled, though tinged with melancholy. “I’m happy for you.”

They embraced affectionately—Tasya, to congratulate him; Ariel, to feel the embrace of a friend who had been a part of his life. Still, he held her only briefly, almost fleetingly.

“Will you stay for the revelation?” Tasya asked hopefully.

“I’d love to,” Ariel answered, “but the Sages have allowed me to return home with my people. I’ll be flying, since, as you know, that’s what’s recommended. The pack’s already been informed. Both Viviana and you will take on the roles of alpha and moon.”

“Can’t you stay?” she asked, a trace of doubt in her voice.

“That’s right. Remember, traditions must be respected.”

“Yes, I know,” Tasya replied with a sad smile.

It was a necessary decision. She knew she could no longer remain in the village. She was no longer the Moon of the Klein pack—she had become a widow and had to leave to avoid conflict, comparisons, or division within the pack. It was the only way to allow peace to return and to welcome the new moon.

“Just as I must leave this beautiful house—where you’ll live your happiest moments with your moon, and raise your own child. Just take care of yourself, okay?” Ariel said, looking at her tenderly.

“Always,” Tasya replied, smiling as she stroked his cheek, recognizing Alec in his eyes.

“I’m glad I got to see you again after all this time, Ariel.”

“Me too, Tasya.”

“I suppose you’ll go see your mother and sister,” Tasya said, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.

“Yes,” he replied. “It’ll be a surprise to return home and live close to my family again.”

The happiness reflected on Tasya’s face confirmed to him that he had made the right decision. Their conversation continued until, unexpectedly, Viviana burst into the room.

“Love, are you here? Hi, Tasya, how are you?”

“I’m feeling better, thank you, Viviana. And you?”

Viviana entered, kissing Ariel passionately—a gesture that stirred nothing in Tasya but a quiet thought: You got what you wanted. A faint smile touched her lips.

“Very well and happy. This house is lovely.”

“I’m glad you like it, Viviana,” Tasya responded politely.

“Yes, very much. I can already picture our twins running around here, painting the walls like Ariel and Ubaldo used to when they were little.”

“Of course. Amazing that you want twins,” Tasya commented, smiling faintly.

“Yes, I’ve told Ariel many times. Right, love?”

“Yes,” Ariel replied with a smile.

“It’ll be wonderful to have children in this house. Don’t you think, Tasya?”

“Viviana…” Ariel said, trying to redirect her.

Tasya looked at Viviana and replied with a smile,

“You’ll fill this house with laughter, tears, and joy—like you said, for a lifetime.”

At that moment, someone knocked at the door.

“Yes, come in.”

“Son.”

“Mom.”

Viviana and Ariel were holding hands.

“Your father and the Sages are waiting for you in the living room, Tasya. The car is ready to take us.”

“Thank you, I’ll be right down.”

“You’re leaving?” Ariel asked, confused.

“Yes. Your father and I are taking Tasya to the airport. The ceremony is tonight, and we’ll return in time, son.”

“It’s best we say goodbye,” Ariel said, his voice full of restrained sadness.

He let go of Viviana’s hand and hugged Tasya tightly. He whispered into the ear of the woman who had been his friend, his confidante, the one who had shared her life with his brother.

“I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too, Ariel. Be happy.”

The farewell was silent. No extra words were needed. Just an unspoken goodbye, a parting that, though inevitable, didn’t need to be verbalized. Ariel left, followed by his mother, leaving the two women alone for a moment.

“You made it happen—what you always wanted,” Tasya said, looking at Viviana.

“Yes, with my true love.”

“I’d give you the traditional kick for good luck, like we used to do in high school. But this time, I won’t ask you not to hurt him again. I know you’ll do the opposite.”

“That only happened once. Now I’m the moon who will give them the heir you never could.”

Tasya clapped, sarcastically.

“Yes, I know. Goodbye, believe it.”

Tasya left the house, leaving Viviana behind. She had said goodbye to everything she loved and now prepared for a new chapter in her life—carrying the weight of farewell and the hope of an uncertain future.