The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven novel Chapter 408

Chapter 408: The Cost of Going Home

Meredith.

The journey to the Eastern border felt endless.

The night was thick with smoke and silence, the city of Duskmoor shrinking behind us with every mile.

When our cars finally slowed and stopped, I felt a strange ache in my chest—a mix of exhaustion, relief, and something heavier I couldn’t name.

The air outside was cold when I stepped out. The woods whispered softly beneath the full moon, the scent of pine mixing with the faint metallic trace of blood still clinging to my skin.

Ahead of us, the rest of our people were already gathered—rows of vehicles lined neatly under the moonlight, warriors and families standing close together, waiting for our arrival.

I barely had time to look before five familiar figures came running toward me.

"My Lady!"

Deidra reached me first, nearly throwing her arms around me before remembering herself and stopping short, her eyes wide with tears and relief. Cora wasn’t as restrained—she hugged me tightly, and soon the others joined in.

I let them. Their warmth broke something inside me that I didn’t realize had hardened.

"You are safe," Deidra said breathlessly, pulling back to look at me. "We were so worried—there were explosions, smoke, and—"

"I’m fine," I assured them, my voice soft but steady. "The war is over now."

They smiled through tears, nodding, though I could see the fear still lingering in their eyes.

Behind me, Draven’s presence drew everyone’s attention. The murmurs quieted as he stepped forward, tall and composed, the weight of leadership pressing on every line of his face.

He didn’t speak immediately. He looked over the crowd first—faces that had followed him through blood and fire, that trusted him without question.

When he finally did speak, his voice carried through the clearing, deep and resolute.

"We have all made it this far," he began. "We have survived the fire of Duskmoor. But not all of us came back."

A stillness fell over everyone. Even the wind seemed to pause.

Draven’s gaze dropped briefly, then lifted again, sharp and commanding. "Two of our warriors fell tonight in the line of duty—defending our cause, and making sure the humans will never raise another monster from our blood again."

A low murmur rippled through the crowd—pain, sorrow, and pride all tangled together.

Deidra lowered her head beside me. I could hear Cora whisper a quiet prayer.

Even Dennis, standing to one side, had gone silent, his usual smirk gone, replaced by a clenched jaw.

Draven let the silence stretch for a moment before he spoke again.

"They gave their lives so that our kind could return home in joy, knowing that our enemies have been dealt with. We will not forget them. Their names will be carried back to Stormveil, honoured with the highest rites."

A collective sound rose—soft, reverent, unified.

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