The night carried on with laughter and camaraderie filling the air. Several vampire leaders raised their glasses, making heartfelt toasts to the newfound unity. A few werewolf Alphas followed, each expressing their admiration for Ryder and the peace he had fought so hard to broker.
One Alpha in particular—a burly, silver-haired man with a booming voice—stepped forward. “To Ryder, a truly remarkable Alpha,” he began, raising his glass high. “It’s not every day you see a leader with such wisdom, strength, and heart. And now, with his second mate by his side, we can only hope for the greatest blessing of all—pups running around soon to carry on his legacy!”
The room erupted in cheers and laughter, but Kyra felt as though the world had been pulled out from under her. The words hit her like a
