chapter 10
723 Words
One year later.
The city had changed.
New signs stood at the park gates: "Wolves Welcome." Cafes had bowls of water outside for shifted pack members. Schools taught children about wolf history next to human history. Some streets even had special lanes for running wolves at night.
The Silver pack tower stood taller now. Workers had added new floors — homes, schools, a hospital just for wolves. On the roof, a wide garden grew under moonlight. Flowers that opened only at night. Trees strong enough for pups to climb.
Zara walked through the garden with Roman. Her hand rested on her round belly. Seven months pregnant. The baby kicked often, strong like its father, quick like its mother.
Roman stopped under a silver-leaved tree. He placed his hand over hers.
He is active tonight, Roman said with a smile.
She, Zara corrected, laughing softly. I feel it.
They had chosen not to ask the doctors. Boy or girl did not matter. The child would be the first born to a silver Luna in centuries. Already the pack loved the baby through the bond — a warm glow everyone could feel.
Garrick joined them. Older now, gray fur almost white, but eyes still sharp.
News from the north, he said. The European packs signed the peace treaty today. All continents now. No more hidden wars. No more hunters with government help.
Roman nodded. Good. The world learns slowly, but it learns.
Zara looked out over the city lights. Humans and wolves walked the streets together. Some held hands — mates from different worlds. Children played in parks, some with tails, some without.
A year ago, I was afraid of tomorrow, Zara said quietly.
Roman pulled her close. And now?
Now I am excited for it.
A soft cry came from below. Lena appeared at the garden door, holding a tiny bundle.
Luna, your visitor is here.
Zara smiled. Bring her up.
Lena climbed the stairs carefully. In her arms was the little girl from the peace meeting — the one who had held up the drawing. Now a year older, with bright eyes and a new picture in her hand.
The girl ran to Zara when she saw her.
I made this for the baby, she said shyly.
The drawing showed a black wolf, a silver wolf, and a small pup with mixed fur — black and silver swirls. Above them, a full moon and stars.
Zara knelt down, careful of her belly.
It is beautiful. Thank you... what is your name?
Mia, the girl said. My mom says you are a hero. Is it true?
Zara touched Mia's cheek gently. Heroes are people who choose kindness even when it is hard. Your picture is kind. That makes you a hero too.
Mia beamed. Roman lifted her up so she could see the whole garden.
This is where our pup will play, he told her. You can visit anytime.
Mia's mother waited below, nervous but proud. Human-wolf friendships were still new, but growing every day.
After Mia left, Roman and Zara stood alone again.
The pack gathered on lower roofs now — thousands of voices ready for the nightly howl.
Roman took Zara's hand.
Ready, my Luna?
Always, my Alpha.
They stepped to the edge.
Zara's silver fur rippled across her skin for a moment, glowing under the rising moon. Roman's black shadow joined hers.
Together they howled — deep, clear, full of love and strength.
The sound rose from the tower, joined by every wolf in the city. Then from farther away — packs in other towns answering. Then countries. Then continents.
A worldwide howl of peace.
In her belly, the baby kicked hard, as if joining the song.
Zara laughed through happy tears.
Our child will grow up in a world that knows wolves. A world that chose peace.
Roman kissed her temple.
Because of you. Because you rose when we needed you most.
No, she said. Because of us. All of us.
The moon hung full and bright above them.
Below, the city lights twinkled like stars brought to earth.
Humans looked up from streets and windows, smiling at the beautiful sound.
No more secrets.
No more fear.
Only family.
Only future.
The silver Luna stood with her alpha, hand on their growing child.
And the world howled with them.
Forever.
- Writer
