The moon was high in the night as the flames reached their tips toward the dark sky. The pyres lit the night as the loss of Aki and Brenton was mourned by all. Iliya stood before her eldest son's pyre with teary eyes as she watched Aki's soul be released to the moon. Syri stood beside his mother silently, his eyes sad and distant as the flames engulfing his brother's body danced in his brown eyes.

It had been three days since Jae had returned with Syri. The tragic deaths of the beta and rho and the evil scheme of Black Moon's crown prince and princess had spread throughout the packs like wildfire. Being the lone survivor of his siblings, San received the heat of the backlash from the packs as they condemned Black Moon for its actions and demanded justice be served. Jae did what he could to clear San's name, but the omega insisted he issue a formal apology and right the wrongs done by his family.

"Are you certain you want to leave so soon?" Jae had inquired of Black Moon's omega prince as San prepared to depart for his pack the morning that followed the fiery fight in the forest.

"Ae," San answered confidently. The omega's heart hurt as he stood by the door that would lead him onto a treacherous road from which he could not return. He had fought all his life to be accepted by his family, his pack. And when the chance came for him to leave it all behind, he took it without a second's hesitation. But now, here he was, jumping out of the pan and into the fire.

It was almost laughable to San how fast things could change. It was only the night before that San was running for his life away from his brother and sister. And now, just a few hours later, he was getting ready to ride back into the chaos that was now his pack. But it was his pack. With his parents gone, there was no one left to lead Black Moon except for San.

"Let me issue a formal apology for the crimes committed by my sister and brother. I will also lead Black Moon to years of peace and accord between packs," San stated as he dipped his head to Jae. "I am truly sorry for the tragic deaths caused by my pack." The sincerity in San's voice moved Jae. The omega was honest in his apology and wanted to right his pack's wrongs.

"Have a safe journey," Jae bid the omega before resting his hand on San's shoulder. "You have my support, San." San lifted his head to see the Alpha looking at him gently. "You will be a good Alpha. I look forward to the years of peace between Crimson Night and Black Moon."

Jae's words warmed San's heart and gave him the courage he needed to face the wrongs committed by his pack. "Thank you, Alpha Jae. I hope to live up to your expectations."

Jae looked on as San exited through the heavy wooden doors and mounted the horse that was waiting for him before riding off back toward his pack. Jae had high hopes for the omega who was to become an Alpha. It would not be easy for San to gain the council's approval to become Black Moon's Alpha, but as there was no other heir to the throne, they would have no choice but to accept San as their pack's leader.

After watching San safely exit the palace grounds, Jae returned to the castle to resume his meeting with the council to discuss how to punish the surviving wolves of Black Moon who had invaded their land and murdered their pack members.

After mostly recovering, San was quick to return to Black Moon to handle the uproar that had erupted during the few days he was missing. The formal apology to Crimson Night had been issued that night, and Black Moon decreed they would enter a five-century truce of peace with the four other packs and vowed to not lift a single finger against the wolves of another pack.

Reem had recovered from his injuries enough to attend the cremation of his brother, and he watched the flames grow with wet eyes. The members of the pann who had joined Jae in fighting the invaders from Black Moon stood behind their leader as they mourned the loss of their lieutenant.

With the threat from Black Moon gone, Armina released the pann from their contract to protect the Ante Luna and allowed them to return to their lair in the heart of the forest. Reem had remained silent since the death of his brother and was preparing to leave the castle with not a word to anyone other than his team of pann. However, the approach of Syri while on his way out stopped the rho in his tracks.

Reem's gaze softened as he saw the zeta walk up to him with his head lowered. Reem gestured for his team to disperse and leave him alone with the zeta for a moment as Syri reached him. The zeta's hands were clasped together and hung in front of him as he bowed his head to the rho.

"I am so sorry..." Syri choked out as a tear rolled from his eye, "...for your loss."

Brenton's death had been weighing on Syri ever since he saw the rho's blonde head motionless on the ground. Guilty for dragging Reem and Brenton along on the rescue mission, Syri apologized for causing Brenton's death by bowing ninety degrees before the rho.

"Are you well...Ante Luna?" Was all Reem said as Syri bowed in front of him.

Squeezing his eyes shut to keep his tears at bay, Syri answered, "I am, thanks to you and... Brenton."

"Then that's all I could ask for," Reem said, causing Syri to stand straight and gaze at him with reddened eyes.

"Wha-what do you mean?"

Reem let the zeta take a moment to compose himself as Syri was on the verge of breaking into tears. "Brenton and I responded to a request to protect you. And protect you we did." Syri's eyes filled to the brim as Reem added, "I know Brenton would prefer you to stand here before me now than him."

Not able to hold them back anymore, tears streamed down Syri's cheeks as Reem walked up to him and set his hand on his shoulder. "Giving his life for you was Brenton's choice. So, treasure the life that was given for you and live yours to the fullest. That is how you may repay me, Ante Luna."

With that, Reem left Syri's side and joined his team of pann in leaving the palace and returning to their home in the trees. Burying his face in his hands, Syri cried for the loss of his friend and protector until he was able to sort out his emotions and bow after the rho until Reem was out of sight.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

"Come here, let me take a look at that, Little One." Estan motioned for the quiet zeta to sit beside him as Syri entered his office. Following the gamma's instructions, Syri followed Estan to one of the examination beds and sat on the soft mattress while the gamma gathered his medical supplies and began unwrapping the cloth that covered the gashes across Syri's chest.

Estan's heart ached as he looked at Syri's saddened expression. Ever since Syri woke after the fiery fight, he had been quiet and only smiled when he was with Jae. Sensitive to Syri's fragile state, Estan was careful to be gentle and affectionate toward the zeta. Losing his brother took a toll on Syri, and it would take time for Syri to heal. So, Estan decided to wait patiently for Syri to recover emotionally and remain by his side to help whenever and wherever he was needed.

"How are you doing, Little One?" Estan inquired softly as he cleaned and redressed Syri's wounds.

"I'm getting better..." Syri answered quietly. His eyes were still red from the tears he had cried the night before during Aki's cremation, and Estan could tell that any small words could easily call back the tears and open up the flow once more.

So, the gamma put on a smile and offered, "Why don't we take a walk in the garden? It's supposed to snow tomorrow, so the winter blooms will be covered up by the snow soon. We should go see them again before they're covered."

Not opposed to seeing the pretty blooms, Syri nodded in agreement and followed Estan out of the infirmary and through the palace until they reached the garden. Realizing the zeta had forgotten to grab his robe before heading into the chilly outdoors, Estan linked Yejin and asked his mate for some assistance. However, what arrived as his "assistance" could not have been more perfect.

Syri was silent as he looked at the white and pale blue flowers that covered the garden ground. The zeta did not notice as the gamma slowed his pace and began trailing behind the zeta until warmth covered his shoulders. "Hm?" Looking up in confusion, Syri turned to see Jae standing behind him while laying his cloak over his shoulders.

"Jae," Syri greeted with a smile causing the Alpha to gaze down at him softly.

"Hey, love," Jae returned as he wrapped his arm around Syri and brought the zeta close to him.

Wahhh, my mate is so smart. Estan watched the couple walk through the flowers with a smile as he praised his mate. When I asked for assistance I thought you'd bring out a blanket or something. But...this, this is perfect. Thanks, love.

Anything for you, babe. Yejin's voice was soft as he replied over the link.

It's good that they spend as much time together as they can. Syri needs the support, and it will be good for his emotional healing.

Mm, agreed. So, now that Jae is there, does that mean my love is free for a bit?

Estan smiled to himself when he heard Yejin's question. Ae, I have all the time in the world for you, my love.

Perfect. I'm on my way!