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“No, you did not,” I agree with a small laugh. “But the best things rarely come easily.”

We fall silent, watching the moon’s slow progress across the star-filled sky. The peace of the moment doesn’t disguise the challenges that lie ahead, though. The Silver Ring is still out there, and Mathew remains at large, planning who knows what new horrors. The disease continues to mutate, requiringconstant vigilance and research. The noble families remain divided about my legitimacy as queen.

But for now, in this moment, none of that matters. What matters is the bond humming between us, stronger than prophecy, stronger than death itself. What matters is that I’ve found my place in a world I never knew existed before Leanna crashed into my life all those years ago.

“We’ll be ready for whatever comes,” Griffin says, responding to my unspoken thoughts. “Together.”

“Together,” I agree, smiling up at him. “I may be new to this whole wolf thing, but I protect what’s mine. And this—you, us, the life we’re building—is worth protecting.”

His eyes gleam with pride and something deeper, something that makes my heart race. “My fierce mate,” he murmurs, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “The Silver Ring has no idea what they’re up against.”

I feel the wolf inside me stir with agreement. “No, they don’t. But they’re going to find out.”

His grin is all predator, all promise. “Yes, they will.”

Right now, I know with absolute certainty that whatever storms lie ahead, we will weather them. Whatever enemies emerge from the shadows, we will face them. Not just as king and queen, not just as mates, but as partners who have already overcome the impossible.

The future stretches before us, uncertain but bright with possibility. And for the first time since my mother’s death, I find myself looking forward to it with hope instead of dread.

This is not the ending I would have written for myself when I was human. It’s so much more than I could have imagined. A new beginning, a new life, with the man who holds my heart standing steadfast beside me.

As Griffin leads me back inside, I silently thank my mother for her final piece of advice: to trust this man, to give love achance despite the risk of pain. I hope, wherever she is, that she knows I finally listened.

And I hope she’s proud of the wolf her daughter has become.