Matthew's Pov

　　"She's a rare gem, don't you think, Matthew?" Fenrir declares proudly toward Emma. I nod in agreement, watching my fiancée conversing with various leaders from other distant wolf packs.

　　The conference hall is now filled with leaders engaged in friendly conversations. Drinks are being served, and some canapés too.

　　We've managed to convince most to sign the peace treaty. There's still tension in the air, evident from the salty sea breeze that wafts through the open windows, whispers of distrust spreading through the room's isolated corners. And cautious looks from some leaders are like persistent shadows.

　　Nevertheless, victory has been achieved. The war has ceased, finally. I breathe a sigh of relief, a calmness settling after the turbulent storms we've faced in recent times.

　　"And it wasn't thanks to us, but to her," Fenrir mentions within me, my wolf is always very direct and keen to remind me of the things we didn't achieve.

　　"Yeah. We did a terrible job, didn't we?" I retort with regret and a touch of humor. "Starting a territorial conflict to turn this continent into a monarchical kingdom was very arrogant of us."

　　"Yes. We were too greedy. Too immature, I'd say," Fenrir ponders, his voice almost a growl. "Thanks to the Moon Goddess that Charlotte warned us our mate would bring light to our wolf pack, to our lives. Isn't that right?"

　　I blink in surprise at the recollection of Charlotte's supposed prophecy. Fenrir huffs at me impatiently.

　　"You know how I feel about visions and prophecies, Fenrir," I defend myself calmly.

　　"After everything Charlotte warned us about, you still want to be skeptical? At this stage, Matt?" Fenrir questions incredulously, and I simply shrug.

　　"It's not a matter of incredulity. It's just, that I don't want a vision or prophecy to define who I am entirely. I don't want to base every decision of mine on things my sister thinks she saw," I argue sincerely. I run my fingers through the loose strands of my hair. "Charlotte will soon be turning nine. She's still a child, and I want her to remain so for as long as I can. The world is too cruel to prophets, Fenrir. You know that."

　　The soft light of the evening filters through the colored stained glass, casting a mosaic of colors on the polished floor of the hall. Meanwhile, the muffled sounds of conversations echo off the high walls of the conference room.

　　Before my wolf can respond, Liam, my beta, appears with two glasses of mimosas in hand and a smile on his face. It's been a long time since I've seen him this cheerful.

　　"He was this happy at the barbecue at the Stonehaven Pack," Fenrir comments casually.

　　"I think Emma can make everyone happy, it seems," I reply cheerfully, accepting the drink from my beta, Liam.

　　"What an incredible day, Alpha Matthew. A splendid day, I'd say!" Liam declares proudly and enthusiastically.

　　Liam's blond hair reflects the sunlight through the conference room window, giving him a more youthful appearance. My beta is only a year younger than me, but with everything that has happened, I believe we've both aged quite a bit after the recent events and battles.

　　"Yes, Liam. It's been a day full of victories and achievements!" I agree before toasting with my beta.

　　"Alpha Emma is an excellent leader, charismatic and so confident. You've been blessed by the Moon Goddess to have won such a fiancée," Liam praises sincerely, and I smile at his words.

　　I search for Emma in the hall, but I've already lost sight of her for a few minutes. I don't feel any worry or sense of imminent danger when I'm not with Emma. Not like that night at the hotel with Daniel.

　　I still have my disapproval regarding him, especially with his audacity to declare his love for Emma.

　　"Can you blame the guy? Emma is incredible. Who wouldn't fall in love with her?" Fenrir teases, and I roll my eyes at his dry humor.

　　"Yeah, maybe she'll replace me in the Night Howlers Pack, what do you think, Liam?" I respond with a laugh, and Liam does the same.

　　"It wouldn't be such a bad trade, Matthew," Liam replies humorously, prompting me to punch him lightly on the shoulder.

　　It's been a long time since we've had this kind of conversation between us. A friendly and carefree conversation. The walls echo our laughter, and for a brief moment, the heavy responsibility of everything I have to deal with seems lighter.

　　"Liam, I really need to thank you for everything. This past year hasn't been easy. We've had many losses in our wolf pack. And even so, you've supported me all the way, never disappointing or abandoning me, not even once," I thank Liam, placing my arm around his shoulder, and pulling my beta into a brotherly hug.

　　Liam returns the hug with equal strength, and I feel the fraternity that binds us. Something much stronger than any peace treaty or political alliance. Liam is a brother to me, someone who is part of my family.

　　As I converse with Liam, I notice Emma returning to the conference hall, with Daniel and Faylen behind her. It makes me somewhat curious and intrigued.

　　Emma stops halfway, and I see her eyes searching for something or someone. When her eyes finally meet mine, she breaks into a wide smile, and I raise the mimosa glass in her direction as my fiancée approaches me.

　　My heart fills with happy and strong emotions as I watch my fiancée walk. She throws her arms around me, hugging my waist tightly. I rest one arm on her shoulder and give her a long kiss on her cheek and then on her lips.

　　"Finally found you!" Emma declares excitedly, snuggling closer to me. "I've been walking around the hall, talking to various leaders. I'm starting to get blisters on my feet."