His Abandoned Luna Chapter 197

|| Lilac’s POV ||

The fire crackled in Alaric's study, casting flickering shadows over the faces gathered around me. Mom perched on the arm of my chair, her fingers absently braiding a strand of my hair like she used to when I was a pup. Across from us, Elara, Astrid, and Madeline lounged on the oversized couch, their champagne glasses half-empty.

"So you two are actual soulmates," Madeline drawled, swirling her drink. "Not just some magical blip."

Alaric's silhouette tensed by the window where he stood with Dad, Alexander, Ezra, and Alpha Darius. Moonlight gilded the sharp angles of his face, his stormy grey eyes flashing when they met mine.

"I told you," Elara crowed, kicking her feet onto Astrid's lap. "But no, 'Oh Elara, you read too many romance novels—'"

"Yeah, yeah," I laughed, rubbing my stomach. "That's on me."

Mom's hand settled over mine. "How are you really feeling, Sweetpea?"

"Better," I said honestly. "Endora's tonics taste like bog water but work like magic."

Ezra practically vibrated out of his skin. "I still can't believe I'm going to be an uncle! And to a Nightshade heir!" He ran both hands through his wild curls. "This is insane. But I am still mad at you for not telling me sooner!"

"Me too! We are best friends!" Elara pouted.

"We can deal with the emotional drama later! Most importantly, Lil is ok and so is the baby!" Astrid smiled.

Alexander clapped him on the back. "Yeah and top of that, you are the Nightshade. We never suspected a thing. This is crazy,"

A heavy sigh cut through the laughter. Alpha Darius leaned against the bookshelves, his crown— now slightly askew— catching the firelight. "I feel like a fool. I never truly knew your mother, Alaric."

The room went still.

Mom squeezed my fingers. "When did you find out?" she asked softly.

"Right before I realized he was my mate," I admitted, watching Alaric's jaw tighten.

"And you never thought to tell us any of this?" Dad scowled.

He was still mad with pretty much everything. A rowdy alpha was my mate who challenged anyone in his way. On top of that me being his luna was a cherry on the top. His protectiveness for me was pouring over. I smiled inwardly as I knew despite all these, he was very excited about everything— me finding my soulmate, having a baby.

Darius let out a chuckle. "Don't scold her. Everything went well in the end. By the way, your mate might be the cleverest wolf I've ever met."

Alaric's head snapped up. "What are you implying?"

"Did you tell him?" Darius asked me.

I shook my head.

"Two days before the coronation ball," Darius said heavily, "Lilac and Endora came to me. The castle was cursed— had been for decades. She suspected Aria's death wasn't an accident either."

The air turned to ice. Did he really have to bring it up now? My eyes fixated on Alaric.

"Lilac sniffed out one of the oldest maids and Endora gave her the truth serum. she admitted that Aira was murdered," Alpha Darius continued.

The room became silent. Only Darius, Endora and I knew the truth so far.

"Murdered?" Alaric's jaw clenched.

"Yes. Cassandra was behind it. She took help from the witches and caused Aria's death. The witches marked the castle back then. She admitted her part," Darius said defeatedly.

I felt bad for him. His life had shattered in the past few days. His Luna turned out to be a murderer, who killed his previous mate to become the queen. His beloved son Kael was still in disheveled state after Coco, under house arrest. His one daughter-in-law turned out to be a witch. Alaric was a Nightshades and he was clueless about that. I wasn't saying Darius was a good person or he never did nothing wrong but his karma got back to him in a really bad way. He was left alone at his old age.

"Where is she now?" I sensed Hunter surfacing.

The silence that followed was suffocating. I stood, crossing to Alaric quickly. His arms locked around me before I reached him, his nose buried in my hair as he inhaled deeply— anchoring himself.

Hunter's presence surged against my skin, wild and grieving.

"She is in captivity. I am so sorry I didn't get to tell you all these beforehand. You were so busy and I didn't want to burden you any further," I mumbled.

Darius said quietly. "I'll let you decide her fate, since it is your right as Alpha King."

Alaric said nothing, but his grip tightened.

"Endora cleansed the castle afterward," I added, pressing closer.

Alexander cleared his throat. "Agatha's still out there."

I thought of the Moon Goddess' words—her promise. "Not a threat right now."

The conversation shifted, lighter topics easing the tension until only Darius remained as the others said their goodnights.

"We need to set a date for the luna ceremony," he said.

"We already have a date. We will do right after her delivery," Alaric replied, curling his arm around me.

"I see. Good then," he smiled but his smile didn’t reach his eyes. He probably wanted to be the part of this discussion. Alaric had no intention to involve him in any way.

Darius slowly turned to leave with a sigh. I felt pity for this old alpha who had no one left.

"Alpha Darius," I called as he reached the door.

He turned, shoulders bowed beneath his royal robes. "Yes?"

"Why don't you stay with us for a while?" I gestured to the cozy study. "The castle is empty anyway."

His tired eyes flicked between Alaric and me. "Do you… mean that?"

Alaric's voice was gruff but not unkind. "Stay if you want. I'll be traveling often now to the borders. You're strong— I would rest easier knowing you're here."

The raw hope in Darius's face nearly shattered me. These men— broken by betrayal, bound by blood and loss— had never known a true pack. A family.

But we could build one.

Starting tonight.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

|| Alaric's POV ||

The sacred grove shimmered under the full moon's glow as if the goddess herself came down to bless us. I stood tall at the alter, wearing my crown, waiting. Waiting for the love of my life, my beautiful luna, my mate, my dove, my everything.

“You look nervous,” Ezra teased.

“Give him a break. He deserves this moment,” Alexander interrupted him.

“Can’t agree more,” Marcus said.

They all stood by my side, wearing the blue tuxedos that Madeline made us to decide on.

A hush fell over the gathered packs as the royal procession began. Warriors from every allied territory stood in formation, their heads bowed in respect. No rogue scents tainted the wind. No witch magic crackled in the shadows. Only love and respect.

My heart stopped as they fell on her. The sky blue gown shimmering silently under the moon as she moved, holding a bunch of beautiful white roses. A crescent moon tiara was on her forehead, just like my mother used to wear. Two locks of her hair was framing her face. Her green eyes shimmered As they met mine. My beautiful luna!

Hunter howled in joy. Finally she was ours, she was taking her rightful place as my luna and my queen.

Benson walked her to the altar, And Elara tagged along with my first born in her arms. Aurora, my dear daughter.

As Lilac approached the Altar, Benson let her go, giving her hand in mine, “take care of her.”

“Always!” I smiled as I kissed her knuckles.

“You look breathtaking, dove,” I whispered as I helped her with the stairs to the stage.

“You always say that,” she smiled shyly.

I stood by my throne and she stood before me.

My father stood between us as he started,

“Tonight, we gathered here to not only crown a luna but to witness the beginning of a new dynasty.”

Then he turned to Lilac as he spoke, “Lilac Blackwood, do you take Alaric Reventhorn Nightshade as your mate and do you swear to stand by his side in thick and thin, to care for his pack as a mother, and lead with wisdom and kindness?”

“I do. I will stand by you, all my life, I will love our pack as my child and I will protect them with all I have,” my dove spoke and a fire breathed in her eyes.

“And I will protect you, alway keeping you first,” I muttered.

“Do you accept the mantle of Luna Queen of this kingdom?” He asked.

“I do”, Lilac smiled.

"And do you, Alpha King Alaric Reventhorn Nightshade, claim this she wolf as your eternal mate and equal in rule?" He asked me.

I growled with certainty, "Until the stars burn out."

"Then in the presence of moon, I crown you Lilac Nightshade, Luna Queen of this kingdom. May your reign be as fierce as your heart, as enduring as your love." My father placed the crown on her head as he spoke.

The garden erupted into cheers. But the ceremony wasn't complete. My father turned his attention to the sleeping babe in Elara's arms.

"And to this precious child, born in peace where her parents knew only war, we give the blessing of the ancients." He anointed Aurora's forehead with sacred oil. "Princess Aurora of House Nightshade, may you inherit your mother's courage, your father's strength, and the wisdom of the moon that watches over us all."

I pulled Lilac closer on a kiss. And Elara handed her our baby. So this was how my curse was lifted. With the magic of my mate's love.

I will always protect you, dove. Always love you. Thank you for staying in my life. Thank you for choosing me again and again. You are the most precious possession I have. And I swear on the goddess that I will always cherish you.