✨ Chapter 63 – Moonlight Belongs to Us
The academy never felt quieter.
Days had passed since the battle—
days filled with healing, rebuilding, and adjusting to a world no longer haunted by corruption or prophecy.
Ariana walked through the courtyard now restored to full beauty: lush green, sunlit stone, and the glowing moonmark etched gently into the center.
Students smiled and waved at her.
Some nodded respectfully.
Others whispered thanks.
Ariana returned every smile.
For the first time since she arrived, she felt truly… free.
No expectations hanging over her like chains.
No bracelet weighing down her power.
No fear of losing control.
Her wolf was quiet, content, curled peacefully inside her heart.
"Whole," it whispered.
"Finally whole."
Ariana breathed deeply.
Life was good.
A Surprise Outside the Dining Hall
She rounded the corner and stopped short.
All six of her brothers were standing in front of the dining hall like a wall of overprotective muscle and magic.
Orion crossed his arms.
Lucian squinted.
Lyr looked bored but observant.
Soren was eating an apple.
Kade sniffed the air like a wolf guarding its den.
Rheon gave a tiny wave.
Ariana blinked.
"Um… what are you all doing here?"
Lucian smirked.
"We're waiting."
"For who?" Ariana asked warily.
"Your boyfriend." Soren grinned widely.
Ariana turned red.
"He's not—"
Before she could finish, Kai stepped out from behind the door, holding a set of books he'd picked up for her.
He froze.
A long moment passed.
Kai stared at the brothers.
The brothers stared at Kai.
Kai:
"…Oh."
Kade stepped forward with the swagger of someone who enjoyed intimidation far too much.
"Before you take our sister to breakfast," he began casually, "we have expectations."
Lucian added, "Rules."
Orion nodded. "Boundaries."
Lyr chimed in, "Consequences."
Soren bit into his apple loudly.
"If you hurt her at any point—accidentally, intentionally, spiritually, emotionally or magically—"
Rheon finished:
"We'll form a line. You'll pick who disciplines you first."
Kai swallowed.
Ariana buried her face in her hands.
"Brothers…?"
Kai nodded solemnly.
"I understand."
Lucian raised a brow. "Do you?"
Kai's voice was steady.
"Yes. Because I love her."
All six brothers stopped.
So did Ariana.
Kai froze, realizing what he'd said.
Ariana looked up slowly, heart pounding.
"Kai…?"
He looked at her then—
eyes golden, soft, certain.
"I love you," he said again.
"I think I have since the moment you stepped off that carriage."
Ariana felt tears prick her eyes.
Her wolf purred.
Her brothers exchanged looks—long, meaningful, dangerous, resigned.
Finally, Orion sighed.
"Well… he said it honestly."
Kade shrugged.
"And he fights well."
Soren added, "And he's not afraid of us. Idiot, but brave."
Lyr muttered, "He's grounding for her. I approve."
Lucian smirked.
"And she likes him."
Rheon tilted his head.
"He's family now."
Ariana's jaw dropped.
"W—wait, that's it? You're just… accepting him?"
Orion placed a huge hand on her shoulder.
"You're strong enough to choose your own path, Aria.
If you choose him… then we trust you."
Ariana blinked back tears.
Kai stepped closer and held out his hand to her.
"Breakfast?" he asked softly.
She smiled.
"Always."
She took his hand.
Her brothers stepped aside as one.
Kai squeezed her fingers.
Ariana squeezed back.
And for the first time, walking into the dining hall with him felt not just normal—
but right.
A Celebration Under the Stars
That evening, the academy held a celebration in the courtyard.
Lanterns floated overhead.
Charms spiraled into glowing shapes.
Fire elementals shot fireworks into the sky.
Students danced.
Teachers laughed.
Music played in warm, upbeat rhythms.
Ariana sat at a table with Kai, the Pillars, and her brothers.
Rylan leaned back.
"So, Ariana, now that you've saved the world—what next?"
Ariana smiled.
"I think… I just want to enjoy being a student. Being myself."
Seraphina clasped her hands.
"And being in love?" she teased gently.
Kai choked on his drink.
Lyr raised a brow.
Lucian snorted.
Ariana flushed pink.
"Yes," she admitted quietly.
"Being in love."
Kai looked at her with eyes that could melt stone.
"I like that plan," he murmured.
Rheon smirked.
"Romantic sap."
Kai shrugged.
"Not denying it."
Ariana laughed.
The sound blended with the music, firelight flickering on their faces. For the first time in months, she felt no weight on her shoulders.
No pressure.
No fear.
Just warmth.
A Final Moment in Moonlight
Later that night, Ariana stepped away from the celebration for a breath of fresh air. She wandered to the moonmark in the center of the courtyard.
The moon hung full above her—
bright, gentle, familiar.
Silver light bathed her skin.
Kai followed quietly and stopped beside her.
"Thinking?" he asked.
Ariana nodded.
"Just… grateful."
"For what?"
She looked at him.
"For everything I didn't know I needed," she whispered.
He moved closer, his hand brushing hers.
"And for everyone who didn't let me fall."
Kai smiled softly.
"That includes me, right?"
Ariana leaned her head against his shoulder.
"That especially includes you."
He wrapped an arm around her waist.
They stood together under the glowing moon, its light reflecting in their eyes.
Ariana felt whole.
Seen.
Safe.
Loved.
The moonmark beneath their feet pulsed once—
soft, gentle, approving.
Kai lifted her chin with two fingers.
"May I?" he whispered.
Ariana nodded.
Their lips met in a slow, warm, certain kiss—
no fear, no power surging, no chaos—
just them.
Just love.
Just peace.
When they pulled back, Ariana whispered:
"This is my beginning."
Kai brushed his thumb against her cheek.
"And I'm right here for all of it."
Above them, the moon glowed brighter—
silver and serene—
casting its blessing over the Moonborn girl who once feared her power,
the boy who once feared losing her,
and the world that now rested safely, quietly, gently in the aftermath of their courage.
And it was the perfect ending.
THE END
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