The golden glow of the setting sun bathed Thornewood in warmth, casting long, dappled shadows across the land. The once-battle-worn town now flourished under years of peace, its people thriving, its borders secure.

  Tessa stood on the back porch of her home, watching her children chase each other through the tall grass, their laughter ringing like music in the air. Five years ago, she never could have imagined this—true peace, a life free of constant battle.

  Ryker leaned against one of the wooden beams beside her, arms crossed over his chest, eyes following their children’s every move. He was still the lone wolf, still the man who avoided attachments—except when it came to their family. They were his home now, his pack, even if he would never bow to any other.

  The sound of approaching footsteps drew Tessa’s attention, and she turned to see Liam strolling toward them, his expression lighter than it had been in years. Leadership suited him, though the weight of it was undeniable. The vampire clan, once fractured and tyrannized, now stood strong under his rule. He carried the responsibility well, but here, in this moment, he was just her brother.

  “Hard to believe, isn’t it?” Liam said as he reached the porch, nodding toward the children. “After everything we went through, we actually made it here.”

  Tessa smiled, leaning into the warmth of her brother’s presence. “Some days, it still feels like a dream.”

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  The front door creaked open, and her mother stepped out, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. “Dinner’s ready,” she called out, her voice carrying the same warmth it always had.

  From the other side of the house, her father emerged from the stables, brushing dirt off his hands. He caught sight of the kids and shook his head with a chuckle. “They’ve got more energy than I ever did at that age.”

  “They get it from Tessa,” Ryker muttered, smirking as he pushed off the beam. “She never knew when to sit still either.”

  Tessa elbowed him playfully. “And yet, here you are.”

  He smirked, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. “Yeah. Here I am.”

  As the sun dipped below the horizon, the warm glow of lanterns illuminated their home. The night air was filled with the scent of home-cooked food, the sound of clinking plates and soft laughter.

  But they were not alone.

  Beyond the veil of the mortal world, unseen but ever present, Morgana and the People of Light stood in quiet observation. The Goddess of Light, her silver hair shimmering like spun moonlight, watched the scene unfold with a serene expression. The glow of her presence illuminated the celestial plane, where her kin stood beside her—guardians of the balance, protectors of the chosen.

  “They are happy,” one of the guardians murmured.

  Morgana inclined her head, golden eyes soft as she watched Tessa scoop up her youngest, laughter spilling from her lips. “She has earned this happiness.”

  Another figure stepped forward, his aura glowing with quiet strength. “The darkness has not yet moved.”

  Morgana remained silent for a moment, watching as Ryker lifted their oldest into the air, spinning them around as shrieks of joy echoed into the night. She let the moment settle, let the peace linger.

  “We will not disturb this night,” she finally said. “Let them have their peace.”

  For now, the People of Light stood watch, protectors unseen, their presence a shield between the mortal world and what lay beyond. The darkness would come. Shadows would stir.

  But not tonight.

  Tonight, there was only peace.