The air in the mountains carried a quiet stillness that evening, the kind that felt like the calm before a storm. The pack had dispersed after the day's trials, some still murmuring about the looming shadows, while others retreated to their cabins to rest. Kate lingered near the firepit, staring into the flickering flames, her mind heavy with everything that had happened.
The crackle of twigs behind her made her turn. Brison approached, his expression soft, but his presence as commanding as ever. He held two steaming mugs in his hands.
"Thought you could use this," he said, handing her one.
Kate took the mug, the warmth of the drink seeping into her fingers. "Thanks."
Brison sat beside her, close enough that their knees brushed. For a moment, they simply sat in silence, the crackle of the fire and the rustle of the trees filling the space between them.
"You were incredible today," Brison said finally, his voice low.
Kate glanced at him, her cheeks flushing at the sincerity in his tone. "I didn't win all the challenges."
"That doesn't matter," Brison said firmly. "You showed them your strength, your determination. You proved that you're not just my mate—you're their Luna. Even Lyra saw it."
Kate let out a soft laugh. "I think I surprised her more than anyone."
Brison smiled, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "You surprised all of us. But not me. I always knew you had it in you."
Kate turned to him, her heart swelling at the way he looked at her, like she was the only person in the world. "I couldn't have done it without you," she admitted.
"You give me too much credit," Brison said, shaking his head. "You've always had this fire inside you, Kate. I've just been lucky enough to see it up close."
Kate's gaze softened, her heart pounding as the space between them seemed to shrink. "Brison… when you said we're mates, it felt like everything suddenly made sense. Like I was meant to be here with you."
"You were," Brison murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. His touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she felt the bond between them pulsing, alive and electric.
"I've waited my whole life to find you," Brison said, his eyes locked on hers. "And now that I have, I'm not letting go."
Kate's breath hitched as Brison leaned closer, his warmth wrapping around her like a cocoon. The world around them seemed to fade, the firelight casting a golden glow over his face.
When his lips met hers, it was soft at first, tentative, as if he were savoring the moment. But as the kiss deepened, Kate felt a surge of emotion—love, desire, and an unshakable sense of belonging.
Brison pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers. "I love you, Kate," he whispered.
Tears pricked at her eyes as she smiled, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her. "I love you too, Brison."
For the first time in days, Kate felt a sense of peace. Whatever challenges lay ahead—Lyra, the shadows, the weight of becoming Luna—she knew they would face them together.
As they sat by the fire, their bond stronger than ever, Kate realized that Brison wasn't just her mate. He was her home.