Emma's pov

　　"A year ago, I was drowning myself in drinks, partying, being reckless and naive. Now, today, on my nineteenth birthday, I'm an alpha of a wolf pack, someone's wife, responsible for a wonderful child with prophetic powers. If someone had told me this would happen, I would've thought they were insane, crazy," I continue, feeling Accalia and Eldra laugh inside me, their laughter echoing reassuringly in my mind.

　　I glance at the spot where I first saw Charlotte and head in that direction. The sand feels finer and softer here, a reminder of the vulnerability I felt that day. There are many emotions within me, perhaps because of my birthday, perhaps because of the wedding, perhaps because of the responsibilities with the Stonehaven Pack. There are so many things that I end up feeling a little overwhelmed as if each new responsibility is a wave trying to pull me under.

　　"You still have plenty of time to decide, Emma," Eldra comments worriedly as I walk the entire stretch to the exact spot.

　　The sea seems calmer today, its waves small and regular, yet still powerful.

　　"I don't think I have that much time, Eldra," I reply honestly.

　　The wind lifts strands of my hair, and I pull my coat hood a bit tighter to shield my head from the biting cold. Responsibilities weigh on my shoulders like an invisible cloak, a constant reminder that, despite the happiness I've found, an alpha's life is full of challenges.

　　I gaze at the horizon stretching out before me, the infinite sea reflecting my doubts and hopes. I stand still for a moment, gazing at the vastness of the ocean, the same thing I did a year ago. I feel the pull and push of the tides within me. I try to find clarity in the gentle ripples of the water, in the steady rhythm of the waves lapping against the shore.

　　"Emma, remember you're not alone. You will never be alone; the responsibility isn't solely yours," Accalia murmurs, her voice serene and wise. "You have us, Matthew. And all of Stonehaven by your side."

　　I nod, allowing her words to settle in my heart. The cold breeze carries promises of new beginnings, and despite the weight of my responsibilities and choices, there's a strength within me forged through every challenge I've overcome. The future may be uncertain, it may hold risks and more battles, but I know I'll face it with people who love me.

　　"So, are you really going to make this decision?" Accalia asks softly within me.

　　"Yes, it's time," I affirm with a heart full of certainty. "It's my birthday gift to myself."

　　"Happy birthday, Emma!" Accalia and Eldra wish in sync with me.

　　My birthday celebration at Stonehaven Pack is lively, filled with guests from the Night Howlers Pack. I dance with Matthew all night, enjoying my husband in every possible way until it's time to sing 'Happy Birthday.'

　　The cake chosen for my birthday is cream with strawberries, one of my favorite flavors. The golden candle showing my age sparkles brightly as claps are made and people sing in a staggered and challenged 'Happy Birthday.'

　　My heart fills with joy and my eyes fill with tears as I feel all the love within people. Inside Matthew, Charlotte, Faylen, Amélia, Brunno, Kylian, Jordan, and Daniel. My friends, and my family I chose to love.

　　Once I blow out the birthday candles, I decide to share the decision I've been thinking about for weeks with Matthew.

　　"I thank everyone who's here at this party. Thank you so much for coming here for me, to celebrate my birthday together with me. It's like they say: it's my birthday, but the party is for you!" I declare excitedly, and a round of applause breaks out, making me laugh.

　　My eyes scan all the members of the Stonehaven Pack with pride and happiness until I rest my eyes on Matthew and his face is serene, and happy, and he encourages me with a nod.

　　"Besides this party being more for you than for me, there's a special and personal gift of mine that I want to give to you all from the Stonehaven Pack and also to the Night Howlers Pack," I announce, reaching out my hand to Matthew, who accepts and joins me at my side. "I love being the alpha of Stonehaven Pack. I love the community we've created here! Just as I love the Night Howlers Pack, which embraced me when I needed it most. With that, Matthew and I have decided to officially unite our two wolf packs into one!"

　　"From this day forward, Stonehaven and Night Howlers Pack will forever be known as the Strong Stone Night Pack!" Matthew and I announce proudly, declaring with pride the merger of the two packs.

　　"There will be strength, peace, and prosperity with this union! May the Moon Goddess be our witness today!" I declare proudly.