the last Nightspire

The Birthday Celebration

The room was dimly lit, with only the soft glow of a bedside lamp casting shadows on the walls. Bonny and I sat cross-legged on her bed, laughing and chatting as we waited for the clock to strike midnight. It had become a tradition—staying up late to celebrate the exact moment of her birthday. Tonight was no different, except this year, it felt more special.

Her 20th birthday marked a milestone, and I wanted everything to be perfect.

“Five minutes to go,” Bonny said, glancing at the clock on her nightstand. Her blue eyes sparkled with excitement, and her cheeks were flushed from the warmth of the blankets piled around us.

“Impatient much?” I teased, though my own anticipation was growing. Hidden in my bag was the gift I’d spent weeks finding—a delicate crescent moon pendant with a small wolf charm. It reminded me of Bonny’s spirit: fierce yet graceful.

The minutes ticked by, and as the clock struck midnight, I clapped my hands together. “Happy birthday, Bonny!” I said, pulling her into a hug.

She laughed, squeezing me tightly. “Thank you, Selena. I can’t believe I’m officially twenty.”

“Well, I have something for you,” I said, reaching into my bag. I handed her the small velvet box, watching as her eyes widened in surprise.

“You didn’t have to get me anything,” she said softly, though her hands eagerly opened the box. When she saw the necklace, her jaw dropped. “Selena, it’s beautiful.”

“I’m glad you like it,” I said with a smile. “I thought it suited you.”

Bonny slipped the necklace on immediately, admiring how it caught the light. “I love it. Thank you.”

We stayed up a little longer, talking and laughing until exhaustion caught up with us. As the clock ticked past one, we decided to call it a night.

---

The next morning, I woke up before Bonny and decided to make breakfast. Quietly, I moved around the small kitchen of the house we shared, careful not to wake her. The smell of scrambled eggs, freshly brewed coffee, and toast soon filled the air. By the time Bonny stumbled into the kitchen, still rubbing sleep from her eyes, the table was set.

“Happy birthday again,” I said with a grin, placing a plate in front of her.

She blinked at the spread of food and smiled sleepily. “You didn’t have to do all this.”

“Of course I did. It’s your big day,” I said, sitting down across from her.

We ate together, chatting about the day ahead. Bonny’s excitement for the ball was palpable as she spoke about her plans for the evening.

“I hope everything goes smoothly,” she said, taking a bite of her toast. “I want everyone to have a good time.”

“It’ll be perfect,” I reassured her. “You’ve planned this so well, and everyone’s excited to celebrate with you.”

After breakfast, we spent the rest of the morning preparing for the ball. Bonny’s sapphire gown hung neatly on the wardrobe door, its fabric shimmering in the sunlight. I helped her with her hair, twisting it into an elegant updo that left a few strands framing her face. By the time we were both dressed, the clock was nearing four.

“We’re ready” Bonny said, smoothing down her dress as she glanced in the mirror. “Good. That gives us time to greet everyone.”

---

The ballroom was breathtaking, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the space. Guests began arriving shortly after four, and Bonny and I stood by the entrance to welcome them. Alphas and Lunas from neighboring packs entered one by one, each dressed in their finest attire. Bonny greeted them with a grace that seemed second nature to her, while I stayed quietly by her side.

“Thank you for coming,” she said for the hundredth time, her smile never faltering. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

By the time the room was full, the air buzzed with conversation and laughter. The sound of glasses clinking echoed as drinks were passed around, and the energy in the room was electric.

---

Lyana Emberwing, Bonny’s mother and the Luna of the pack, took the stage shortly after the festivities began. She looked radiant in a flowing emerald gown, her voice steady and warm as she addressed the crowd.

“Thank you all for joining us tonight,” she said, her gaze sweeping across the room. “It brings me so much joy to see so many familiar faces gathered here to celebrate my daughter’s twentieth birthday. Bonny has grown into a remarkable young woman, and I hope you all have a wonderful evening celebrating with us.”

Applause erupted, and Bonny’s cheeks flushed with pride as her mother stepped down from the stage. The music began, and the dance floor slowly filled with couples swaying to the rhythm.

Several Alphas approached Bonny, each asking her for a dance. She smiled politely but declined each offer, her eyes scanning the room. I didn’t have to ask who she was looking for.

“He’ll be here,” I said quietly, squeezing her hand.

Bonny nodded, her gaze never wavering from the entrance. And then, as if on cue, Draven appeared. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, his golden eyes scanning the room until they landed on Bonny. A slow smile spread across his face as he made his way toward her.

“May I have this dance?” he asked, holding out his hand.

Bonny’s face lit up, and she placed her hand in his. “I’d love to.”

The two of them moved to the dance floor, and I watched as they began to waltz. They seemed to float across the room, their movements perfectly in sync. Bonny’s laughter rang out as Draven twirled her, and for a moment, it was as if the entire world had faded away, leaving only the two of them.