But it wasn’t meant to be.
As Dalton kissed her, the weight of that loss settled over Jewel, sharp and suffocating. Tears streamed down her face, mixing with his as they clung to each other. Her heart ached with the knowledge that she was leaving him, that their story was ending before it could truly begin.
But even in the pain, there was love. So much love it filled her chest to the point of bursting, overwhelming everything else. She poured it into him, into this kiss, hoping he could feel it, hoping it would stay with him even after they left this world.
“I love you,”she thought fiercely, over and over again, as if the words could somehow keep them tethered to the here and now.“I love you. I love you. I love you.”
The bond between them flickered, dimming with every passing second, and Jewel knew their time was running out. But as her world began to fade, she held on to this moment, to him, to the memory of the life they’d shared and the one they’d never have.
If this was the end, at least she had this. At least she had him. Her mind reached for his so naturally as she spoke to him.
“I would do it all again as long as it meant I got to be yours.”
In this brief moment, as Dalton pulled back to look at her the world stopped. The roaring fissure, the crackling energy of the Nushtonia, the looming form of Raja—it all faded into the background. There was only Dalton, holding Jewel as if he could protect her from the inevitable.
His forehead rested against hers, their breaths mingling as he whispered, “You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me in my long life. This isn’t the end, Little Dove. It is goodbye, but it is also a new start. A different journey than the one we’ve been on. And we will continue it together thanks to the mate bond. You have me forever, and I have you.”
Her heart broke at the rawness in his voice, but even as she tried to hold on, she could feel it slipping away—the light inside her, the very essence of who she was. It was dimming, flickering like a dying candle. She didn’t feel their bodies fall, as her eyes slipped closed, and the world around her disappeared. Jewel didn’t know of anything around her except Dalton’s arms until she saw a bright light and warmth filled her.
Dalton’s breath fanned across Jewel’s face as he spoke. “Great Luna.”
The Great Luna watched as their final breaths left their bodies, their spirits lingering for the briefest of moments, tethered by the love that had bound them in life. Her heart swelled with pride and sorrow as she descended into the clearing, her radiant form alighting softly onto the earth. The power of her presence stilled the chaos around her. The crackling energy of theNushtoniafaded, the oppressive darkness of Raja’s lingering shadow dissipated, and the forest itself seemed to hold its breath.
She moved toward them, her light illuminating the broken forms of Jewel and Dalton. To the world, they were lifeless, their bodies still. But the Great Luna could see beyond what mortal eyes could perceive. She saw the glow of their spirits, intertwined as one, flickering like a candle struggling against the wind. They were near the veil, on the brink of eternity, and she had come to guide them home.
The Great Luna knelt beside them with her silvery-white hair cascading over her shoulders, glowing with an ethereal light. Her heart filled with compassion as she reached out a hand to each of them.
“Jewel. Dalton.” Her soft but resonant voice carried the weight of creation itself. It was the voice of a mother welcoming her children, of a Creator greeting her beloved creations.
At her touch, their spirits stirred. Jewel’s emerald eyes fluttered open, and Dalton’s golden gaze followed a moment later. They looked at the Great Luna, their expressions filled with wonder and awe, as though they couldn’t quite comprehend who or what stood before them.
“Am I—are we…” Jewel’s voice trembled, her hand instinctively reaching for Dalton’s.
“Yes, Little Dove,” the Great Luna said gently and smiled. “You have crossed the threshold. Your life has come to an end, but death is not the end. It is merely the next step in the journey I have prepared for you.”
Dalton’s hand tightened around Jewel’s, his gaze flickering between her and the Great Luna. “Our purpose…” he began, his voice weighted with emotion. “Did we—did we serve it?”
The Great Luna deepened her smile. She wrapped her glowing light around them like a mother’s embrace. “You have lived your purpose, my brave ones. You have walked through darkness, through trials and tribulations, and you have done so with faith and courage. Jewel, as a healer, you carried my light into places where hope had long been forgotten. You mended what was broken, not only in bodies but in souls. And Dalton, you carried the fierce loyalty of the wolf and the heart of a man. You protected, you loved, and you gave of yourself without hesitation. Together, you were a beacon in a dark world.”
Jewel’s tears shimmered. “It wasn’t enough,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “There was still so much I wanted to do. So much I wanted to give.”
The Great Luna reached out, brushing a thumb across Jewel’s cheek. She touched Jewel softly, like the caress of the wind, but it carried the weight of the universe. “You gave everything you were meant to give, child. You poured yourself out until there was nothing left. That is the mark of a life well-lived, a life that has fulfilled its purpose. And now, you will rest.”
Dalton’s jaw clenched as he fought back tears, his golden eyes glistening. “And Jewel? We’ll be together?”
The Great Luna turned her attention to him. “You are mates, bound not only in this life but in eternity. Nothing, not even death, can sever the bond I created between you. You will walk together into what lies beyond, and you will never be apart again.”
Jewel let out a soft sob, her hand gripping Dalton’s like it was her lifeline. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
The Great Luna rose to her feet, and her light grew brighter as she extended her hands to them. “Come. There are others waiting to welcome you.”
As she spoke, two shimmering forms appeared beside her, stepping forward with reverence. Vasile and Alina, the former Alphas of the Romanian pack, stood tall and proud, their presence radiating strength and love.
Jewel’s breath hitched as she recognized them, her heart aching with the bittersweet beauty of the moment. Vasile’s piercing blue eyes locked on hers, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “Welcome, Jewel.” His deep voice was steady and kind. “You have done well.”
Alina stepped forward, her soft, nurturing gaze falling on Dalton. “You have honored the wolf within you. And you have honored her, your mate. You have lived as you were meant to live—with courage and love.”
Dalton’s throat worked as he swallowed hard, his hand never leaving Jewel’s. “Thank you.”
