viii
1189 Words
A day had passed since the meeting ended. Circe decided to return to the coven to inform the witches about what had transpired during the discussion.
“We will come back again, Solomon,” Circe said. “Please take care of Celestia and keep me updated on her training,” she added.
“Rest assured, Grand Witch,” Solomon replied.
“Where’s Kieran?” Circe asked. Just then, Kieran appeared and gave a respectful bow to the Grand Witch.
“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of Celestia,” he said, making both Circe and Renee smile.
“Thank you, Kieran. I’m entrusting my daughter to you,” Renee said sincerely.
“Renee, keep in touch regarding the mission,” Solomon added, and Renee responded with a nod.
“Kieran,” Circe called softly. “Protect Celestia,” she whispered. Kieran nodded firmly. He would protect her—no matter what.
Solomon and Kieran watched as the carriage disappeared from sight before turning to walk back to the pack.
“How is everything?” Solomon asked.
“Good. Celestia's adjusting well and even managed to meet and talk with a few of our pack members,” Kieran replied, a soft smile forming at the thought of his mate.
“I'm happy for you, son but at the same time, I'm worried,” Solomon said, letting out a sigh. “She’s not just any woman… she's the woman from the prophecy,” he added.
“I just don’t want to see you get hurt,” Solomon said, gently patting Kieran's shoulder.
“It’s bound to happen, Father,” Kieran said. “If the Nightmare Wolf had gotten to Celestia before I met her, we would’ve been forced to fight it—and getting hurt would’ve been inevitable,” he added. Kieran had read the history, the brutal legacy the Nightmare Wolf left on both his kind and the witches.
“But now that the Goddess has paired me with her, I won’t let the Nightmare Wolf get to her. I will protect her and everyone else,” Kieran said with unwavering determination.
“You’ve grown so much, son,” Solomon said proudly, a grin spreading across his face. “You truly are the Alpha of this pack,” he added.
“Of course, I am your son,” Kieran bragged, then stopped walking causing Solomon to pause as well. “Father, I just want to ask for a favor. Please accept her and treat her like a normal person. She's already burdened enough, carrying the weight of the prophecy,” he added. It wasn’t just because Celestia was his mate, but he had seen how pure and genuine she truly was.
“You can count on me for that,” Solomon replied. “How about joining us for breakfast?” he added with a smile.
“That would be lovely, Father. I’ll ask her first and bring her to the house,” Kieran replied.
“I’ll ask your mother to prepare something,” Solomon said. Kieran nodded and excused himself, jogging back to the packhouse.
“Good morning, Alpha Kieran,” Isabel greeted as he entered.
“Good morning, Isa. Where is she? Is she awake now?” he asked.
“She’s in the garden, Alpha,” Isabel replied. Kieran nodded and headed straight to the garden, where he found Celestia.
“Hi,” he greeted, sitting beside her. Kieran noticed how her eyes lit up and her cheeks flushed the moment she saw him, which made him want to tease her more.
“So pretty, I almost went blind,” he added with a grin.
“Kieran, you’re crazy,” she said, giggling. Kieran chuckled and gently took her hand.
“They’ve already left and send their regards to you. They’ll come back to visit again,” he told her.
“Really? Okay,” she replied softly. “I'm going to miss them," she added, whispering.
“Don’t worry, they’ll be back,” Kieran said. “Father asked us to dine with them. Are you okay with that?” he added. Kieran wanted her to feel comfortable, so asking her opinion felt like the right thing to do.
“It’s fine,” she answered softly. She also wanted to meet Kieran’s parents.
“Then shall we go?” he asked. Celestia nodded and smiled. Kieran stood up and took a deep breath.
“Kieran? What’s wrong?” she asked worriedly. Kieran looked at her, his palm resting on his chest.
“That smile might just be the end of me,” he said. Celestia’s brows furrowed.
“You… I thought something was seriously wrong with you!” she muttered angrily, stomping her foot in frustration.
The familiar rapid beat of her heart returned—the same flutter she felt every time Kieran said something sweet, making it harder and harder to deny the effect he had on her.
“I'm sorry for teasing you, darling. Let’s go,” he said and offered his hand. Celestia looked at it for a moment before placing hers in his. Kieran intertwined their fingers and together, they walked out of the packhouse.
The distance to Kieran’s house wasn’t far—only three houses away. Kieran knocked on the door, and a few seconds later, it opened, revealing a woman in her late fifties.
“Kieran,” she greeted with a warm smile.
“Mother,” Kieran said. “I brought my mate. Her name is Celestia.” He gently pulled Celestia to his side. Celestia bowed her head, hesitant to meet the Luna’s eyes.
“Celestia, child, lift your head,” Dorothy said softly. Celestia obeyed, and when their eyes met, Kieran’s mother immediately wrapped her in a warm, welcoming hug.
“I’m Dorothy,” she whispered. “It’s finally nice to meet you,” she added. Dorothy released her and beamed.
“Shall we head inside?” she asked. Celestia nodded, and Dorothy gently guided her in, with Kieran following behind them.
“I’ve cooked a lot of dishes. I hope you’ll enjoy them,” Dorothy said enthusiastically as they entered the dining room. “Solomon, they’re here!” she called out.
Solomon, the former Alpha and Kieran’s father, looked up and greeted her.
“Celestia,” he said with a nod. “Come and sit down,” he added.
“Thank you, Alpha Solomon and Luna Dorothy,” she replied softly. Kieran, watching them from behind, grinned and crossed his arms with quiet pride.
“Let’s eat, everyone,” he said.
They dined with only light conversation, but the atmosphere was warm and comforting. Celestia smiled to herself. It reminded her of how it felt eating with Aunt Renee—peaceful, loving, and safe. Even without her real parents, she had been surrounded by so much care.
“Thank you for everything,” she said sincerely. The table fell quiet as everyone looked at her and smiled.
“For what, dear?” Dorothy asked.
“Just… thank you, Luna,” Celestia said softly. Dorothy reached over and gently touched her hand.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. You’re part of the family now.”
- Writer
