Emma's pov

　　"Yes. I hope Faylen's wounds can be healed by Daniel's infectious jokes and laughter. She deserves to be happy," I reply to my wolf sincerely, feeling a warm glow in my chest.

　　Since the day of the peace treaty nearly four months ago, I have witnessed a very visible change in Faylen's behavior. Before, my beta was very serious, shy, and kept herself closed off. Even within our inner circle, there was a barrier of insecurity and fear. Some walls we managed to break, but Faylen's heart, only Daniel has been able to heal.

　　Every weekend, Daniel shows up here with some gift for Faylen, whether a flower or a simple, funny box that elicits genuine, hearty laughs from my beta. The sound of that laughter is like music, filling the room with a joy I hadn't seen in a long time.

　　Daniel too has not been left out of the changes I've noticed. His eyes shine brightly when he's with Faylen, something I knew didn't exist for me. He thought he was in love with me, but true love is that sparkle that appears in our eyes when we see our true mates.

　　"The sparkle that exists in Matthew and in you, Emma," Eldra responds passionately, and I nod in agreement.

　　Our wedding ceremony is beautiful. We held it in my territory, high up on the rocky plateau with breathtaking views. My dress is a puffy off-white, with a long train full of sparkle and jewels. Matthew is dressed in a matching white suit, with a light blue tie that illuminates his handsome, tender face.

　　"I, Matthew Anderson, take you, Emma Smith, as my wife. I promise to love you, respect you, and always support you. I will never let anything or anyone take away the love I have for you. For all my life, I will be devoted to being your mate," Matthew declares his vows with a voice full of emotion that brings tears to my eyes.

　　"I, Emma Smith, take you, Matthew Anderson, as my husband. I promise to love you, respect you, and always support you. My life now belongs to you forever. My love is forever yours and no one else's. Who I am and who I will become will always belong to you. I love you!"

　　As soon as we were pronounced husband and wife, Matthew grabbed me around the waist, and his lips met mine, tilting my body back, even making me lift a leg in the air. Everyone around us erupted in applause and cheers.

　　The reception lasted from afternoon till late at night, with many guests congratulating us. Including Daniel, who approached us with Faylen by his side, arms crossed over his chest.

　　"Incredible wedding, Alpha Emma and Matthew! Everything is splendid, and the food, wow, you guys went all out. I'll need the name of the caterer you hired!" Daniel declares excitedly, even making Matthew laugh.

　　After the revelation that Daniel and Faylen are destined mates, the tension between my husband and Daniel dissipated like mist. They didn't become best friends, but the hostility and tension were no longer there.

　　As Daniel and Faylen walked away, Matthew commented in my ear.

　　"I think next year, it will be their wedding we'll be attending."

　　**One Month Later**

　　"Is this really the best decision?" Eldra asks with concern, her voice echoing in my mind like a gentle yet unsettling breeze.

　　The smell of sea spray fills my nostrils, and the wind carries with it the scents of sand, fish, and new possibilities. The sun isn't fully up yet, and the sky is painted with shades of light orange and pink by the clouds. The early morning hours are still unfolding.

　　My feet play in the sand, grains slipping between my bare toes, a gritty, cold sensation grounding me in the present moment as I walk along the beach where my life began. Where I met Charlotte and contemplated ending it all.

　　More than a year has passed, and Charlotte was right. Everything turned out fine. I turned out fine, everything worked out. I trace my finger over my wedding band, spinning it absentmindedly. The ring is a symbol of commitment, a constant reminder of the path I've walked and the love I've found in Matthew's arms.

　　"I never thought I'd be someone's wife. Even when I was with Michael, the idea... of marriage, responsibility. I couldn't picture that for myself," I remark thoughtfully to my two wolves, feeling the weight of my words as the sea breeze surrounds me.

　　The beach is quiet, with few people around. Some stroll slowly like me, others do their exercises facing the sea, while a few jog past me. The morning air is chilly, and I've had to bundle up in thicker coats and pants that barely keep out the cold. Still, I cross my arms around myself to shield myself from the biting wind that swirls along the beach, each gust sending a shiver down my spine.