---- in her eyes. "This can't be!" I raised my hands, and the Moon Goddess's power erupted from me like a tidal wave. Silver light instantly covered the entire square. All the shadow wolves shrieked in the holy light, turning into black ash. "Ah!" Seraphina fell from the wolf alpha's back, her body beginning to disintegrate. "The power of shadow can never defeat the light," I said, looking at her coldly, my silver hair flying in the holy light. ''This is the price for your betrayal and jealousy." "T won't accept this!" Seraphina finally shrieked. " Why do you get all the power, and just waltz in and steal the Luna title that was mine?!" "Luna?" I scoffed. "To hell with you and your Luna title!" Seraphina completely vanished in the holy light, ---- not even a speck of ash remaining. The war was over. I turned to Kaelen. He had collapsed in a pool of blood, his life fading fast. "Why?" I knelt beside him, my voice trembling. " Why would you do this?" "Because... I love you," he gasped out, his hand tightening on mine with the last of his strength. " I'm so sorry, Lyra. I was so blind... trusting Seraphina. I hurt... you. You're... free." His hand went limp, his eyes lost their light, but his face held a peaceful smile. I looked at his calm face, a storm of emotions churning inside me. Anger, pain, relief... and a hint of sadness I didn't want to admit. But mostly, it was relief. ---- The invisible chain that had bound me for five years was completely gone. I was finally, truly free. "your Highness...""the guard approached cautiously. "Are you alright?" I stood up, my silver hair flowing in the moonlight, my eyes once again cold and firm. "I'm fine," I said, taking one last look at Kaelen. " Arrange for him to be buried with honor. He died protecting the Moonshadow Realm, after all." Three months later, I officially inherited the throne of the Moonshadow Realm, becoming the new Moonshadow Queen. At the coronation ceremony, envoys from all tribes came to pay their respects, including the new Alpha of the Blackrock Tribe. "Your Majesty, the Blackrock Tribe will forever be grateful for your mercy," the new Alpha knelt before the throne. ---- "The past is past," I said, seated on the throne, my voice majestic and cool. "I only look to the present and the future." At night, I stood alone on the highest turret of the castle, looking out over my lands. Moonlight bathed me, and I felt the immense power within. I was free, completely free. No more fated mate bond, no more emotional ties, no more shadows from the past. I was Lyra, Queen of Moonshadow, existing only for my people and my land. "Perhaps this is the best ending," I murmured to the night sky. ''Some mistakes can't be forgiven, some wounds can't be healed. But life goes on, and Ican finally, truly live."