And for the first time, even since I was young, not having the threat of Dawson looming on the sidelines and waiting for his moment to strike makes the land feel settled again. It’s more like the island itself recognizes something has finally fallen into place, and it can breathe again.
My hand lingers against Lila’s lower back as we weave through the gathering, and the contact steadies me more than I ever would’ve admitted before. Her warmth and familiar scent keep me present, even as they spark a touch of longing in me.
Astrid holds my free hand as she half-skips, half-walks forward. A small flower crown rests on the top of her head, given to her by some of the kids she has made friends with recently, and she reaches up every once in a while to make sure it’s still there.
The crowd parts when they see us, and this time, the judgment from before has significantly lessened. It isn’t entirely gone, as expected, but it’s a start. Even some of the more traditional wolves look at Lila less grudgingly. The respect is there, nonetheless.
I nod towards them in acknowledgment, feeling pride stoke inside my chest while I continue, walking with my family by my side.
Lila stiffens instinctively, as if that reflex hasn’t been completely soothed in her yet, but it quickly fades as the others either smile at us or return to their conversations around the fire. She’s still learning what it means to belong and to be seen. She isn’t an outsider anymore, and with time, I know it will come more naturally to her.
“It feels different tonight,” I murmur to her.
Lila glances up at me, and the firelight dances across her features. “It’s calmer than usual. Safer too.”
I slide my hand to her waist and give her a gentle squeeze. “That means we’re doing our job well.”
We continue on, greeting a few pack members before Jack appears, welcoming us before gesturing to the open spot in front of the fire.
“The others would like to hear a few words from you,” he says, giving me a slight nudge with his elbow. “If you want to, of course.”
I nod, well aware that making some sort of speech is long overdue, and in a way, I’ve been hoping for this moment. “I think it’s about time I did.”
With that, Jack steps aside, and as I move forward with the girls, I feel the weight of the moment settling on my shoulders. It isn’t heavy, but earned.
Lila and Astrid flank me, earning several warm smiles from the others as we draw their attention. They quiet their conversations, and my voice carries easily over the crackling fire.
“I want to thank everyone for being here tonight, and for celebrating with us,” I begin, taking in the familiar faces of the pack I’ve known my whole life. “Tonight is about strength, loyalty, and remembering what we do it all for.”
A murmur of agreement moves through the pack, and I glance over at Lila, who keeps her chin up, looking exactly the part of my mate and Luna.
“I especially want to thank everyone for protecting my family… for fighting alongside me when it mattered most,” I say, letting my thumb idly brush against Lila’s back while I address the pack. “And I owe a great deal of gratitude to these two as well. They chose to fight when most would’ve waited for rescue, and not just for themselves, but also for the future of this pack.”
Some lower their heads respectfully, while others continue to listen, taking it all in without making a sound. A few still hold onto lingering doubts, but they don’t voice them. They know better.
“And because of that, I think it’s time to talk about something long overdue.”
The crowd shifts uneasily, unsure of where I’m about to take things. Lila’s back tightens just enough for me to feel, but I continue those light, soothing motions. I know she’s bracing herself for any potential fallout.
“I’ve come to see that the way we’ve been taught to view magic is… incomplete.”
Discomfort ripples through the space, which is expected. That’s exactly how we’ve all been conditioned for far too long.
It might not be easy now, but at least they’re listening, and that’s better than nothing.
“Magic saved them both,” I say plainly, standing my ground despite their immediate reactions. “It saved my mate, and it saved my daughter. It saved me, too… and if they hadn’t, it’s possible I would be dead. The peace we’ve been trying to preserve would be shattering around us right now.”
A younger wolf nearby furrows his brows as he speaks up. “Magic is forbidden because it’s dangerous.”
“Magic is dangerous in the wrong hands, just like most things,” I reply, tone supportive rather than dismissive. “But Lila helped me see that by nurturing it, rather than ostracizing it, it can be used to aid rather than to harm. Knowledge will take us farther than fear ever could. I’d rather embrace it and understand it than ignore the uncomfortable truth.”
Many of them look towards us stiffly, as if trying to dismantle years of learned prejudice on the spot, but something like this takes time and deep exploration. I know that. There are still parts of myself that want to hold onto those views.
Still, nobody speaks.
“Nobody is expected to rush out and embrace what they don’t understand, but I will say this… our pack will not treat Lila, Astrid, or any other peaceful magic-users as threats,” I add, feeling the hitch in Lila’s breath. My tone drops to something firm and absolute. “They are under my protection, and by extension, yours. Magic or no, they are part of our pack.”
Silence follows for a long beat. More than anything, it’s contemplative and wary, and even curious.
