Page 48 of A Luna’s Dynasty (Celestial #1)

G rayson’s hands fell from her shoulders, a soft, calculated release that carried heat with it.

She turned, checking for the stoic protector beneath the sweat that flecked his forehead and clung to his shirt.

“Are you okay? You were taking the pain away, weren’t you?

” Lita watched him beam a crooked smile at her.

“That’s my job. To take your pain away. Of course, I’m fine.” Grayson gave her a reassuring smile, but the look of exhaustion was evidence of how much pain he had endured.

I’m back, Mira said, and she felt how true those words were in the core of her being. With the fairy seal broken, her wolf’s presence flooded her with an intensity that almost buckled her, bringing strength and power that overwhelmed Lita’s senses with its vivid, raw joy.

Lita had forgotten what it was to be complete like this. She laughed out loud, unable to contain the rush of relief. It was like inhaling deeply after nearly drowning, every sense sharper, more vibrant, more alive.

I’m stronger than ever. Mira’s voice hummed in her mind, proud and radiant. You can’t lose me. Not now, not ever.

Mira … I’m so relieved.

The seal was holding me back. Once I regained the memories of what happened, it tried to seal me away as well. You’re stuck with me forever now.

I wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re unstoppable now.

You’ve got that right.

Lita smiled and turned to Asher with both relief and uncertainty. There was a lot that she needed to tell him.

But he caught her off guard with a steady gaze and words that unraveled everything.

“I know who you are, Lita,” he said. His voice was soft, but it struck her like thunder.

“How?” Her voice trembled more than she wanted it to. She tried to steady it, but she couldn’t. “How do you know?”

Asher didn’t flinch, didn’t look away. “Caspian told me,” he said simply.

“Before we searched for you. It’s the only reason I’ve accepted Grayson living among our pack.

” Asher gave Grayson an irritated look, which he snickered at.

This was one of the reasons why Grayson had stayed away from Lita.

They were afraid his presence would awaken her and break the seal earlier than they wanted.

“Oh … you don’t mind at all? It doesn’t bother you?” Lita wanted to make sure he was okay with who she was. After all, it was a big deal.

“Lita, I don’t care who you are. You’re mine. It’s as simple as that.” Asher talked into her hair and left gentle kisses on her head.

“Asher …” She leaned back so that she could stare into his face. “Do you not only accept me, but my people? All of them?” This was important to her. She was the princess of the fairies, and it was her duty to take care of them.

“Look how serious you look. Of course, Lita.” Asher thought she was being adorable with her questions.

“Asher, I mean it. This isn’t something to half-heartedly answer. There is only one kingdom, and I am the only fairy princess. Being with me and accepting that is a big responsibility … a burden to you.”

He reached out and cupped her face, smiling at her.

“Lita, my kind are your kind, and your kind are mine. You’re not a burden to me.

You’re the most precious gift I could have ever wished for.

” He kissed her hair, breathed her in. “None of that changes how I feel. How I’ve always felt. How I’ll always feel.”

He kissed her, long and deep, the kind of kiss that pushed every other thought out of her head, leaving only his warmth and promise behind. When he finally pulled away, his eyes held a confident, gentle light. “I’ll say it again,” he murmured. “You’re my mate, Lita. Nothing else matters.”

“Asher, I’m not just some girl from the Red Grove pack. I’m the only fairy princess. There’s a whole kingdom that needs me.” She needed him to understand, to see how big this was. How much was at stake. She was asking for everything, and it scared her to think that she might lose it all.

Asher met her gaze calmly, as if all her fears and doubts were simple things he could hold and take away. “You’re the only Lita, too,” he said. “That’s the part I care about.”

“Lita, I think you just need to come out and explain to him what you’re trying to find out.” Grayson knew what Lita was beating around the bush trying to say. It was easier to just come out with it.

She glanced at Grayson, and his green eyes held nothing but support and a hint of humor. She bit her lip, the words on the tip of her tongue but tangled with fear. Fear that Asher would back away. That he’d realized this was too much to ask, even for him. But she couldn’t stop now. She had to know.

“Asher,” she began, her voice shaking but growing stronger as she spoke.

“Would you agree to be the fairy prince? And the future king? I mean ... would you be willing to move to the fairy kingdom after we ...” She stumbled, heat rising to her cheeks.

“... after we have an heir for the Black Ice Pack? The first-born male of an alpha becomes their future alpha. Likewise, the first-born daughter becomes the future for the fairy kingdom.”

For a moment, everything seemed to freeze. The world held its breath, waiting on his answer. Then, slowly, a wide grin spread across his face, like sunrise breaking over the horizon. “After we have an heir,” he repeated, wonder and joy sparking in his eyes. “You mean kids?”

She nodded, feeling her face burn hotter. “Fairy queens usually have daughters first,” she explained, flustered but trying to sound matter-of-fact. “It’s part of how the magic works to ensure there’s a future leader for fairies.”

“The idea of having a family with you is more than I could ever ask for. Lita, I’ll follow you anywhere. I’ll accept being your prince and king, if it means that I can always be by your side. You and me, Lita,” he whispered, his voice a promise that wrapped around her heart. “Forever.”

“Then let’s make it official,” she said, standing and pressing his shoulders down with a teasing strength. Asher let himself be guided, settling in the grass with Lita towering over him, regal and radiant.

Her fingers brushed lightly over his skin, lingering with affection.

“I accept you,” she said, her voice a melody of love and certainty, “as my present and future, and as prince to fairy kind.” The words were solemn and beautiful, echoing through the quiet around them like a vow.

She leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead, then to each closed eye, sealing the promise between them.

It started as a warmth, a soft, enveloping glow that spread over Asher like liquid fire.

He felt it sinking deep into his bones, infusing him with an energy that pulsed and hummed with life.

It was magic, undeniable and alive, sparking inside him with a fierce, bright intensity.

The power strengthened him and Bo, making him feel invincible and whole in ways he hadn’t imagined.

He opened his eyes, blinking against the brilliance of the world that seemed new and freshly born.

Lita smiled down at him, her face a perfect blend of joy and love, and he realized that he was breathless.

Her hand reached out for his, pulling him up into this new reality where nothing was impossible and everything was theirs to share.

“Grayson,” Lita called, her voice ringing with command and excitement. “Let them in.”

Asher stood at her side, turning with her to look out into the distance.

As he turned, he noticed Caspian lower his head in reverence to him, a gesture he’d never done before.

It was an acknowledgement of his position of leadership.

He looked Caspian over. He was indeed covered in a gold dust that Lita had mentioned before.

As he stared out at the forest’s edge, he saw creatures coming into view that he had never seen before. Some of them were just arriving, but there were smaller ones that were closer to them that seemed to just pop up. He turned and looked at Lita, a bit confused.

“You’ve been recognized as the fairy prince.

Because of that, I was able to bestow certain powers upon you.

You can now hear and see the fairies that were not visible to you before.

” Lita smiled as she pulled him a few steps forward, watching him look around in amazement.

A gathering audience of fairies and different creatures was arriving to greet them.

She squeezed his hand tightly. “This is still pretty new to me, too.”

Asher was astonished! He never realized how many fairies were around but not visible. His eyes were opened to a whole other world.

“How do I know which ones are visible to me and not to everyone else?” Asher whispered under his breath to Lita, giving her a crooked grin.

“Most of those little rugrats down there are invisible. Some of them can go in and out of visibility, depending on if they want to be seen or not. Pay attention to their glow. If there’s a purple hue around them, they’re not visible to anyone else.

” Caspian walked up behind them and pointed at different fairies.

“So, what does your light mean?” Asher looked back at him, staring at the soft glow that emitted from him.

“Mine?” Caspian’s eyes twinkled with a mischievous light. “That’s a secret we’ll discuss later.” He lowered his hand, showing that he kept it on the down low.

Lita knelt down to lift a small, pinecone-looking creature, only to have two tiny sprites excitedly tug at her foot.

Grayson growled low, his protective instincts turning the fairies’ excitement to hesitation.

They froze, wide-eyed, but Lita’s soft words reassured them.

“They’re just eager,” she said, casting Grayson an affectionate look.

Caspian identified the creature in her hand, his voice casual as if talking about the weather.

“That’s a skint. Lives in the trees.” The other small creatures clustered around, hovering at a respectful distance after Grayson’s warning.

He grumbled, pretending to be gruff. “I won’t tolerate disrespect. ”

Asher crouched to get a better look at a group of brownies that appeared out of nowhere, climbing into his hand with enthusiastic energy. Their sudden visibility amazed him, and he marveled at the whimsical, bustling life all around.

Caden approached, his expression one of mock annoyance as he squinted at what he couldn’t see. “You might as well be talking to thin air.”

Caspian nudged him, playful but serious. “There’s a solution. Marry a fairy, and you’ll be in.”

“You offering?” Caden laughed as Caspian raised his hands and stepped away. “Wait … what the hell is that?” Caden lifted his hand and pointed to orange eyes slithering toward them. This creature was not invisible, and it looked very dangerous.

Asher followed Caden’s line of sight and saw it—an enormous creature moving toward them with a deliberate, menacing focus. It locked its gaze on Asher, a challenge and a threat that left no doubt about its intent.

The creature’s voice echoed, low and taunting. “Prince Asher, I challenge you.” The words hung heavy with the promise of a fight, but Grayson met them with a confidence that seemed to shake the ground itself.

He chuckled, deep and resonant. “In what lifetime would you be worthy to fight the fairy prince? Never. You’ll deal with me now.” Grayson accepted the challenge with a defiant, fearless grin, and he peeled off his shirt, revealing muscles that rippled with strength and preparation.

The beast growled and reluctantly shifted its hostile stance to Grayson.

It did not readily accept the new fairy prince, not without a challenge.

That was how its kind was. Leaders had to prove their worth.

Even if those leaders were only part of an alliance, like fairies.

He bellowed at Grayson loudly, challenging him to a fight.

Grayson cracked his knuckles with a chuckle. “Time to learn your place, wyrm.”