Chapter 0378

I repeat the oath, my voice steady. Victor slices both our palms, pressing them together. The moment our blood drips into the chalice, power surges between us. No longer just ranked members in title—this ceremony cements our roles in the pack.

One by one, each member steps forward. They pledge unwavering loyalty, ready to lay down their lives for Sanctuary. With every cut, every joined hand, I feel our pack’s strength multiply. The mind link flares to life, binding us all—even Leopold, though he lacks a wolf. The connection hums between us, seamless.

Alpha Alistair raises his hands. "Now, swear your devotion to your ranked members and your pack. Drink from their blood, and the bond will seal you as one of us."

The process takes hours. Members approach, vows spilling from their lips before they sip from the chalice. Only the youngest, those without wolves, are exempt. Their time will come.

As the final link snaps into place, cheers erupt. Victor silences them with a raised hand. "Sanctuary," he declares, "we run tonight. Shift and claim these lands together. Those who can’t join, follow Leopold inside. The feast awaits with our allies from Blackthorn and Nightshade."

We chose Leopold for this role not just because he can’t shift, but because little Felicity needs watching. Seraphina and Valeria volunteered to help with the pups while their parents run.

I glance around. Parents kiss their children goodbye before turning toward the trees. Victor strips, poised to shift. I join him, shedding my clothes as we leap forward. Mid-air, our wolves take over.

Magnus throws back his head and howls. The pack answers, the ground trembling beneath their cries. Orion bolts ahead, Aurora close behind.

Yips and joyful howls fill the air as we race through our territory. By the time we return, the scent of roasting meat makes my stomach growl. I’d been too nervous to eat earlier.

We shift back, dressing quickly. Twilight has fallen, and the patio glows under strings of twinkling lights. The atmosphere is intimate, magical.

As the pack filters inside, laughter spilling through the doors, I tug Victor to a stop.

"Look," I whisper, pride swelling in my chest. "Look at what you’ve built."

His arms encircle me. "We built this, Isolde. None of it was possible without you. You gave this pack its heart." He kisses my temple. "I’ve never been prouder to call you my mate. My Luna."

Together, we watch our pack—our family—through the glass. Alive, united.

The pack is whole. Now, the real work begins.