PREQUEL: Royal Ancestors

100 Years Later

“Is it time?” Beatrice asked as she leaned over the Moon Goddess’ looking glass.

“Yes, my child, it is time.” Selene smiled.

“Finally.” Arlo walked up behind his mate and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her cheek.

“Mom?” Austin walked up to their parents with a puzzled expression.

“Send me. I want to help.” Ember said, running up to her parents.

“Selene decides who returns, my darling.” Beatrice laughed at her daughter’s eagerness.

“Ember, I would like to send you as the wolf for our new Queen. Her name will be Austyn Merriweather.” Selene smiled at Austin and Ember whose eyes went wide.

“The new Queen will be named after me?” Austin said in surprise.

“You were denied the chance to rule your kingdom, young king, and I thought it a fitting honor.” Selene patted Austin’s cheek.

“It’s a great honor, Moon Goddess, thank you.” Austin grinned.

“And, Arlo, I think that the young future Alpha of the Hayes bloodline could use your guidance. He will be the first of the packs to take control.” Selen said, turning towards Arlo.

“Yes, Lady Selene, I would be honored to help.” Arlo bowed his head in respect.

“Beatrice, I need you here to help guide the packs from above. You know that I’m not allowed to interact but there are no rules for you, my child.” Selene said, giggling as she thought of her clever work around to the old Gods’ rules.

“Yes, of course.” Beatrice smiled.

“Look upon your legacy, my children.” Selene waved her hand over the looking glass and the images started to change.

Arlo and Beatrice saw their great-granddaughter, Austyn-Rose growing in grace and power with the future King, Leo Storm. They saw the birth of a new realm under a new name, the House of Storm. They saw the grandchildren of their closest friends and allies form together to stand up for a cause most sacred indeed, love.

August Hayes, Noah Landry, Finn Oxford, and Knox Greystone had the hearts of the past royal guards, that was true, but they also had the benefit of learning from the mistakes of their ancestors, even if they didn’t know it. Their souls were born from war and devastation, their hearts molded from battle tested steel, and their destinies laid out long before their births.

“Let the world know peace.” Beatrice said as Arlo wrapped his arm around her waist and their children stood on either side of their parents.

“Let us know peace.” Arlo said, kissing his mate passionately.