Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 383

Talia’s POV

I nodded, and Nolan and I followed Derek outside. The late afternoon sun came through the trees, casting moving patches of light and shadow along the Silverfang border. At the edge of the territory, Henry, Colin, and Landon waited. I could see pride, uncertainty, and a bit of sadness on their faces.

Henry stepped forward first, bowing his head. “Luna,” He stopped, correcting himself with a sheepish smile. “My queen.”

I smiled, trying to show Henry I was both grateful and reassuring. “Either is fine, Henry,” I said softly, hoping to make the change from my old role to my new one a little easier.

He shook his head, his expression growing more serious. “No, you deserve to be called by the proper title,” he said.

I looked at Henry, wanting to be both serious and kind. “Henry, you’ve always supported me, even when I lost my position as Luna in Shadowclaw. When others didn’t believe in me, you spoke up and helped me when I needed it. You defied your own Alpha to help keep me safe. That’s why I trust you. Today, I’m happy to announce that you are the new Alpha of Shadowclaw. You really deserve it.”

Henry blinked in surprise. “Are you serious?" he asked.

"Yes," I said. "I'm serious about this."

"I’m honored, but…" His voice faded, and I saw disbelief and humility in his eyes. He ran his hand through his hair, searching for what to say.

“I’m not asking, Henry. Don't make me have to command you into accepting," I said.

Henry hesitated for only a moment before he dropped to one knee and bowed his head. "I accept, my queen. I won’t let you down."

I let out a nervous laugh. “You don’t have to be so formal.”

“Of course he should be formal. This is a big deal,” Nolan said, stepping up and clapping Henry on the back with a grin. “You’ve earned this, Henry. You’ll lead Shadowclaw with the strength and heart it needs.” Nolan’s voice was steady, like he had been waiting for this day too.

“Rise, Alpha Henry,” I said, giving him a respectful nod. Henry stood up, and I could see the pride in the way he held himself.

Colin grinned and shook Henry’s hand. “Congratulations, Alpha Henry. It is good to finally officially call you that. You’ve done well leading Shadowclaw on your own.”

Landon nodded. “Honestly, you should have been Alpha from the beginning, but I’m glad it’s finally happened.”

“Reminiscing?” Nolan asked.

I nodded. “Feels like a lifetime ago, I was in here stressing over whether you liked me or not. So much has changed in such a little time," I said.

We stepped out into the chilly morning air and found Solon and Leslie waiting on the porch, their faces showing both excitement and sadness.

Leslie hugged me tightly. “Make sure you’re back in four months when the baby arrives,” she said softly. She hugged me tight for another second before she let go.

“There’s no way I’d miss it,” I promised.

Then I turned my attention to Solon. He pulled me into a hug. “You will be safe on the way back,” he said.

“And you make sure to take it easy,” I said as I pointed a pretend-stern finger at him, but couldn’t hide my smile. “If I hear you’re not following Leslie’s treatment or you haven’t gotten better when I get back, you’ll be in big trouble.”

Solon grinned and saluted playfully. “I promise, Alpha Queen.”