Chapter 15 - Beneath the Northern Sky
The southern delegation left before the sun had even fully risen over the peaks of Greyfall.
They departed in disgrace, their magical staves confiscated, their political leverage completely obliterated, and Kaelen’s grandiose ambitions buried under the cold mountain snow.
In the great hall of Iron Hall, the morning light poured through the stained-glass windows, casting vibrant pools of emerald, sapphire, and gold across the polished stone floors.
Sera sat at her familiar archive desk, though the manuscripts were neatly packed away now. She held a cup of steaming spiced tea between her hands, watching the snowflakes lazily drift past the high window.
The heavy oak door opened.
Valen walked in. He wasn't wearing his heavy battle-armor today. He wore a dark, comfortable tunic, his silver hair catching the morning light, his expression entirely relaxed.
He pulled up the chair beside her, sitting down without a word, and wrapped his large, warm hand around hers.
"Kaelen crossed the southern pass two hours ago," Valen said quietly. "He won't be back. Neither will the council's interference."
Sera looked at him, a soft, teasing smile touching her lips. "Does this mean I can finally leave in peace?"
Valen’s eyes darkened slightly, a sudden, playful intensity flashing in his silver gaze. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her cheek. "You tried that once before. Remember what happened?"
"Twenty wolves followed me into a blizzard," she murmured softly.
"And they’re still waiting outside," Valen whispered, his hand sliding up to gently cup the back of her neck, pulling her closer until his forehead rested gently against hers. "So is the Alpha King. And he doesn't intend to let you pack your bags ever again."
Sera closed her eyes, breathing in the familiar scent of pine, smoke, and pure, comforting strength. She didn't want to run away anymore. She didn't need to.
May you like
She tilted her chin up, and Valen met her lips in a deep, tender kiss that sealed their bond as securely as any ancient scroll or royal decree.
Outside the window, across the vast, sunlit courtyard, twenty massive grey wolves threw their heads back into the crisp spring air and let out a joyful, unified howl that welcomed their true queen home forever.
