BloodMoon: Captivated by the Forbidden Lycan Alpha
Chapter 299: MEMORIALS AND FAREWELL

Chapter 299: MEMORIALS AND FAREWELL

pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again." }

Days had passed since the battle at Paradise Bay, but the weight of what we lost still hung heavy in the air. The dawn’s gentle light spilled over the Bay Shifter training grounds as we gathered beneath the towering ancient oaks, their branches swaying softly in the sea breeze. Today was for honouring Gerod the great dragon, who had given everything to protect Hanka Island and the realm.

The memorial was quiet but filled with deep reverence. Elders, warriors, shifters, vampires, and Rogourau stood side by side, a testament to the unity we had forged through fire and blood. Aurora stepped forward first, her voice steady and clear as she spoke of Gerod’s bravery and sacrifice. Nessa and Captain Belisont stood beside her, their eyes reflecting the solemnity of the moment.

I felt Freyr’s hand tighten around mine as we watched the smoke from the ceremonial fire curl upward, carrying our prayers and memories into the sky. The air thrummed with magic, a mix of the Heartspring lingering power and the collective grief of those who had lost so much.

After the tribute, Aurora took a deep breath. "We must return to Paradise Coven," she said softly, her gaze meeting mine and Freyr’s. "The peace we fought for must be protected, and there is much work to do."

Nessa nodded; her usual fierce spark tempered with quiet resolve. "We will always stand with you, whatever distance lies between us."

Captain Belisont clasped my shoulder firmly. "The battle may be over here, but vigilance never ends. We will watch your backs from the shadows." There was a pause, a shared understanding. Then, one by one, they gathered their things and stepped away, their forms disappearing into the morning mist.

Not long after, Alpha Rolan and Qadira came forward with their Rogourau pack, their fierce eyes softer now with farewell. "Ragar Mountains call us home," Rolan rumbled. "But the bonds forged here remain unbroken." The Rogourau warriors howled their goodbyes, a deep, haunting sound that echoed through the valley. I raised my hand in salute as they turned and vanished into the distant peaks, their shadows swallowed by the rising sun. As the day stretched on, the once-boisterous training grounds fell quiet, the weight of parting settling over us all.

Two weeks after farewells at Paradise Bay, the wounds of the attack were beginning to heal, but the path ahead still demanded careful steps. Freyr and I stood at the edge of the dense forest that led to Ragar Mountains, the chilly air sharp and biting, filled with the scent of pine and earth. The journey to the Lycan haven was long, but necessary.

The hidden cave, known only to the eldest of our kind, awaited us. A place of ancient power, a sanctuary for the pack and their Guardian. As we crossed the threshold, the air shifted charged with the pulse of old magic and silent strength.

From the shadows, a tall figure stepped forward, the Guardian. His eyes, deep and steady as the mountain itself, fixed on us with calm approval.

"Tor, Freyr," he greeted us, his voice rich and resonant. "You carry the weight of the realm’s fate in your hands. The victory you have won echoes beyond these mountains."

He gestured toward the cavern walls, etched with ancient symbols glowing faintly in the dim light. "The peace is fragile, but real. And for that, you have my respect."

Before we could respond, a silver light filled the space ethereal and serene. The Moon Goddess appeared, her radiance bathing the cave in soft luminescence. Her gaze rested on us with a mixture of warmth and knowing.

"I have watched your journey," she said, voice like the gentle tides. "You come seeking counsel and perhaps, a new beginning."

Her eyes flicked toward the Guardian. "This sacred haven will watch over you as you prepare for what is to come."

Freyr stepped forward. "We intend to build a life on Hanka Island to guard the realm and await Gerod’s awakening."

The Moon Goddess nodded slowly, a serene smile touching her lips. "Then you shall have my blessing. But remember the true strength of the realm lies not just in power, but in unity, love, and hope."

The cave seemed to pulse with her words, the ancient magic weaving around us like a protective embrace.

As her light faded, the Guardian spoke again, "Rest here if you need. The mountains are home, but your hearts will always guide you."

Freyr and I exchanged a look, the promise of peace, but also the promise of new challenges yet to come.

"We will honor it," I said firmly.

And with that, the shadows of the cave embraced us, the beginning of a new Chapter in our story. The morning sun cast long shadows over the rugged foothills of Ragar Mountain as Freyr and I descended toward the gathering below. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of fresh earth and pine a stark contrast to the storm we had left behind at Paradise Bay.

At the base of the mountain stood Alpha Rolan, his presence commanding even without the roar of battle. Beside him was Qadira, Freyr’s sister, her gaze sharp but softened by the rare smile she offered as we approached.

"Freyr," she greeted, her voice steady and warm, "it’s good to see you."

Freyr’s lips curved in a gentle smile. "Qadira. It has been too long." He paused, then added quietly, "I promise to send word back to Paradise Coven. I want to know how Mother is doing — and I will visit her, always."

Qadira nodded, relief flickering in her eyes. "She will be glad to hear it. We all will."

I watched as Freyr and Qadira shared a moment, siblings reunited after so much lost time, their bond renewed even across the distance and dangers.

Then, Freyr’s attention shifted to Alpha Rolan. "Thank you for your strength and leadership. The realm owes you much."

Rolan’s deep voice rumbled like distant thunder. "We all did what we had to, for the survival of the pack and the realm. Your victories at Paradise Bay bring hope that we will need moving forward."

As we stood together at the foot of the mountain, a quiet understanding settled among us, a unity forged not just in the fight but in the promise of family and future.

Freyr turned to Qadira one last time. "Take care of yourself, sister."

"And you, brother. May your path be clear and your heart strong. "We exchanged nods, simple words heavy with meaning.

The path back to the Bay Shifter pack felt lighter, as if the weight of battle were slowly lifting from our shoulders. Freyr and I moved with a calm purpose, side by side, the sounds of the pack’s daily rhythm greeting us like an old song.

But we did not go straight to the heart of the pack. Instead, we chose the beach, the very place where Ashanai’s attack had shattered our peace, and where hope had slowly been rekindled. The sun hung low, a molten orb sinking toward the horizon, casting the sky in shades of blood and gold. We stood shoulder to shoulder, the sand cool beneath our feet, watching as the waves whispered secrets only the ocean could understand.

Neither of us spoke at first. Words felt unnecessary here, where the sea stretched endlessly and the wind carried the past away with every breath. As dusk bled into night, the stars blinked awake above us, silent witnesses to our quiet vigil. Freyr’s hand found mine in the dark, a familiar warmth against the chill of the night. His touch spoke promises of healing, of rebuilding, of the future we would forge together. When dawn finally broke, the first light spilling pink and silver across the water, we still stood there, watching the sun rise on a new day, a new beginning.

"Hanka Island," I whispered, "our home to build."

Freyr nodded, eyes shining with quiet conviction. "Together."

The beach faded behind us as we made our way back through the familiar trails to the Bay Shifter pack’s heart. The night air was cool, and the stars still hung heavy above, casting a silver glow on the path.

Freyr fell into step beside me, his voice low, almost hesitant. "Tor... do you ever regret it? Being with me? Giving up the pack, the Alpha’s mantle to Spark?"

I glanced at him, catching the shadow of worry in his eyes. The question hung between us, fragile yet weighty. A slow smile tugged at my lips. I reached out, brushing my fingers over his hand.

"No," I whispered. "Not for a single moment. I never dreamed of this life, the battle, the pack, the titles. What I wanted was here... with you. A life of peace, of love. That is what I plan to have. With you."

He smiled then, that slow, steady warmth spreading through him. "Good," he said softly, "because I’m not going anywhere."

We walked on, hands entwined, the path before us wide open and full of promise.