The battlefield was eerily quiet.
Ash floated down like snow, and the once-roaring winds had calmed to a soft breeze. The bodies of the fallen—witches, werewolves, and warlocks alike—lay scattered across the scorched earth. Healing wolves moved quickly among them, tending to the injured, whispering prayers for the dead.
Callista stood at the center of it all, her body trembling from exhaustion. Her magic was drained, her soul stretched thin, but she was still standing. Lucien supported her, his arm securely around her waist, his eyes scanning the remnants of the chaos they had just survived.
Nearby, Elira crouched beside Sabrina's unconscious form. The dark witch was bound in ancient chains pulsing with magic, her power sealed temporarily.
"She's still alive," Elira murmured.
"She needs to be," Callista said hoarsely. "She'll answer for everything."
The remaining witches approached cautiously, their gazes shifting between Sabrina and Callista. Some were filled with awe, others with lingering fear. One of the elders stepped forward—an aged witch with silver hair and a deep scar across her jaw.
"You... awakened a power we thought extinct," the elder said. "Both wolf and witch... as one."
Callista met her gaze. "I didn't ask for it. But I chose to use it."
A moment of silence passed—then the elder bowed her head low. "Then we will follow your lead. The era of division is over."
One by one, the witches followed, bowing. The werewolves joined in, heads lowered in respect. Callista looked around, overwhelmed by the unity, the acceptance, and finally, peace.
Lucien leaned close. "They're looking at you like a queen."
She gave a tired chuckle. "I don't know about that... but maybe it's time someone ruled for the right reasons."
"You're their Luna," he said. "And something more."
Callista turned to face him, the firelight dancing in her weary eyes. "We're not done yet. There's rebuilding to do. Healing. Justice."
"We'll do it together," Lucien said, taking her hand. "Always."
The full moon shone overhead, casting silver light on a new beginning.