For the first time in many weeks, the Red Moon pack finally felt peaceful.
Morning sunlight poured across the modern territory, reflecting off the glass windows of the pack mansion and the neat rows of houses spread across the land. Warriors still patrolled the borders, but their movements were relaxed now.
The Devourer was gone.
The rogues had scattered.
And the Red Moon pack had survived.
Inside the mansion, the large dining hall was filled with laughter. Members of the pack gathered for a celebration breakfast. Plates of food covered the long table while Bella and Sera argued playfully over who had eaten the last pastry.
Klara sat beside Liam, smiling softly as she watched the lively room.
Hazel stood near the window holding a cup of tea, her expression calm but thoughtful.
Ryan approached from behind.
"You should be celebrating," he said quietly.
Hazel looked at him and smiled.
"I am."
Ryan studied her face carefully.
"You're thinking too much."
She laughed softly.
"Maybe."
He reached out and gently brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear before stepping away again as Liam called him for a quick discussion about patrol shifts.
Hazel watched him go.
Her heart felt lighter than it had in a long time.
Later that afternoon, Hazel walked through the mansion garden.
The flowers had begun blooming again after the recent chaos, filling the air with a gentle scent.
That was when she saw Gloria sitting on one of the stone benches.
The elegant witch looked peaceful as she admired the roses growing along the path.
Hazel approached with a warm smile.
"Gloria."
Gloria looked up immediately, her eyes softening.
"Hazel, dear."
Hazel sat beside her.
For a moment they simply enjoyed the quiet garden.
Then Hazel spoke hesitantly.
"There's something I've been wanting to ask you."
Gloria turned to her gently.
"What is it?"
Hazel looked down at her hands.
"About Mila…"
Gloria's expression remained calm.
Hazel continued carefully.
"I know what happened to her was serious. Lucifer punished her and took her powers."
Hazel finally looked up.
"Aren't you angry?"
Gloria watched her silently for a moment.
Then she smiled kindly.
"No, child."
Hazel blinked in surprise.
Gloria placed a comforting hand over Hazel's.
"Mila made her own choices. Actions have consequences."
Her voice remained gentle and understanding.
"I may be her mother, but I also understand justice."
Hazel relaxed slightly.
"So you don't hate me?"
Gloria laughed softly.
"Hate you?"
She shook her head.
"Hazel, you are a kind soul. None of what happened was your fault."
Relief washed over Hazel.
She hadn't realized how worried she had been about this conversation.
Gloria squeezed her hand gently.
"All I want is for you to be happy."
Hazel smiled warmly.
"Thank you."
That evening the pack gathered outside near the large fire pit area beside the mansion.
Music played softly while members of the pack talked and laughed together.
Nick stood with Bella and Sera while Liam teased Klara about her cooking.
Ryan watched everything from the steps of the mansion.
His pack was safe.
His territory was peaceful again.
And Hazel was smiling.
For the first time in a long while, Ryan allowed himself to believe that perhaps the worst was finally behind them.
Nearby, Gloria stood quietly watching Hazel laugh with Bella and Klara.
Her expression was warm.
Gentle.
Almost motherly.
She looked every bit like a woman who wished nothing but happiness for the girl beside her.