#Chapter 229 – Night of Reconciliation

Damon The air burned cold and clean beneath the full moon. From the dais, I could see the courtyard stretch endlessly below; lanterns hanging from the ramparts, petals scattered across stone, banners of every Pack rippling in the silver wind. Wolves, healers, and warriors stood shoulder to shoulder. No weapons. No divisions. Only the hum of a united realm. I drew in a slow breath, the scent of smoke rising from the pyre before me. The flame’s heart glowed gold, streaked with pale silver – Lila’s and my power, fire and mercy entwined. Lila stood beside me, radiant in white and silver. The light loved her. She drew silence from a crowd of thousands just by standing still. When she looked at me, I felt the bond hum through my entire being. This was what we had fought for. I stepped forward to the edge of the dais. “Once,” I said, my voice carrying low but clear, “this place burned in war. Tonight, it burns in peace.” The murmur of the crowd rippled outward. The torche