Haven't Seen The Light In A While

Melody

The morning sun spilled across the mountains, casting the pack lands in a golden glow. Birds sang softly outside the windows as if the world had woken to celebrate us.

Our wedding day.

I stood in front of the mirror in the guest suite, hands trembling as I adjusted the collar of my shirt for the fifth time. The reflection staring back at me barely felt like me—clean, radiant, glowing in a way I still wasn't used to. The marks from the past weren't gone. But today, they were outshone by something brighter.

Love.

"Still fidgeting?" Rory asked from behind me, amusement in his voice. "You look perfect, baby."

I turned to find him lounging against the doorframe in his fitted navy-blue suit, red hair swept back, a single silver ring glinting on his finger—my ring.

Vince followed in after him, adjusting the cuffs of his jacket. "He's allowed to be nervous," he said, flashing me a grin. "He's about to become Luna."

"Officially," Odin added, stepping in with his usual quiet calm. He walked over and smoothed my collar, kissing my temple softly. "You're ready."

Before I could fall apart completely, Sam entered the room. The others slipped out to give us a moment, and suddenly it was just us—Alpha and future Luna, standing a heartbeat apart.

He looked unfairly beautiful, like something out of a dream in his tailored black suit with silver trim, a soft blue boutonniere pinned to his lapel to match mine.

"Mel," he whispered, reaching out to take my hand.

"Yeah?"

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life than this," he said. "You. Us. All of it."

I swallowed past the lump in my throat and nodded. "Me too."

And when we walked down the aisle—me on Rory's arm, the others standing tall at the altar—there wasn't a single trace of fear in my chest. 

The ceremony was soft and heartfelt, filled with whispered vows, trembling hands, and a kiss that sent the entire pack into a howl of celebration.

I was Luna.

⸻

Later — The Afterparty

The ballroom glittered with lights strung overhead like stars, and laughter filled every corner. The tables were draped in white and silver, candles flickering, the air thick with joy and pack pride.

I'd never danced so much and smiled this hard. My mates never left my side for long, taking turns spinning me across the floor, kissing my cheeks, and whispering how proud they were.

Eventually, needing a breath, I drifted to the bar where a familiar beta handed me a drink.

"Compliments of Katrina," he said as he set the glass down. "She mentioned it was your favorite."

I blinked, surprised. "Oh... I didn't think she would be here."

The bartender shrugged and walked away. Perhaps this was her way of signaling a truce. I hesitated for a moment, then took a small sip. The drink was fine—fruity with a hint of bitterness.

But a few minutes later, my limbs felt heavier. My balance teetered. The room blurred.

Something's wrong.

My heart pounded. I tried to look for Sam—Vince—anyone—but the crowd spun like a carousel, faces melting together.

A hand grabbed my arm.