Luca's POV
War council. Every pack leader, warrior, and strategist gathered.
I sit beside Rian—equal partners, united front.
"Kaine will attack again," Damon says. "Soon. He's wounded and desperate."
"Good. Desperate makes mistakes." Rian's hand finds mine under the table. "We'll be ready."
"What about the Luna's magic?" someone asks. "Can we rely on it?"
"You can rely on me," I say firmly. "I won't let the pack down."
Murmurs of approval.
We strategize for hours. Defense positions, attack formations, emergency protocols. It's overwhelming but necessary.
After everyone leaves, Rian pulls me close.
"You were perfect in there. So confident."
"I'm terrified."
"I know. But you hid it well." He kisses me softly. "That's what leadership is. Being scared but strong anyway."
"Like you."
"Like us." He rests his forehead against mine. "We're in this together. No matter what happens tomorrow."
"Don't talk like you're going to die."
"I'm not planning to." His smile is soft. "But if something goes wrong—"
"It won't."
"But if it does, know that you were the best thing that ever happened to me. Worth everything. Even the guilt of forcing you."
Tears burn my eyes. "Stop. We're both surviving this."
"Promise me something." His eyes are intense. "If I fall, you run. You survive."
"I'm not leaving you—"
"Promise me, Luca. The pack needs their Luna. I need to know you'll live."
"Only if you promise the same. If I fall, you keep living."
He's quiet, then nods. "Deal. We both survive, or we both live on for each other."
"Deal."
That night, we don't sleep. We make love repeatedly—desperate, tender, fierce, gentle. Storing up memories, affirming our bond, loving each other like it's the last time.
"I choose you," I breathe as we move together. "Every day, every moment. I choose you."
"I choose you too," he gasps. "Forever. Beyond death. Beyond everything."
When dawn breaks, we're still wrapped together, exhausted and complete.
"Ready?" he asks.
"No. But let's do it anyway."
We dress in silence. He helps me buckle protective gear. I help him with his.
"Whatever happens," he says, cupping my face. "I love you."
"I love you too." I kiss him deeply. "Now let's go end this."
Outside, the pack is assembled. Warriors in position, defenses raised, everyone ready.
Rian addresses them, powerful and commanding. "Today, we end Kaine's threat. Today, we protect our home, our family, our Luna. Today, we fight as one!"
The pack howls approval.
I stand beside him, magic already tingling in my fingertips.
"Together?" I ask quietly.
"Together," he confirms.
Then the final battle begins.