Chapter 356 The Dinner After

Chapter 356: Chapter 356 The Dinner After

Talia’s POV

The gathering had ended, and the great hall had slowly emptied.

I watched the wolves file out, with their voices low and somber. Aldric had stepped down, and the weight of that decision hung in the air like a heavy fog. I could see the tears on some faces, and the quiet nods of respect on others. Gillian stood at the front, still looking stunned, and still holding the weight of his new position.

I walked to my mother, and I took her hand. "Are you okay, Mother?"

She nodded, and I saw the tears in her eyes. "He has been a part of this pack for so long, Talia. It is hard to imagine it without him."

I squeezed her hand. "He will still be here, mother. He is just stepping back."

Piper walked to us, and I saw the sadness in her eyes. "I only just got to know him, and now he is stepping down."

I smiled. "He is not going anywhere, Piper. He will still be here to annoy you."

Piper laughed, and I saw the warmth in her eyes. "I would not mind that."

Aldric walked to us, and I saw the smile on his tired face. "I have instructed the servants to prepare a family dinner in the private hall," he said. "I want all of you to join me."

I looked at him, and I felt the warmth spreading through my chest. "You did not have to do that, Grandfather."

He shook his head. "I wanted to. Tonight is important, and we should be together."

Gillian turned to leave, and I saw the hesitation in his steps. He was trying to slip away quietly, to give us space, but he did not move very far.

Aldric’s voice stopped him. "Gillian."

Gillian froze, and I saw him turn slowly. "Yes, Elder Aldric?"

Aldric walked to him, and I saw the warmth in his old eyes. "Where do you think you are going?"

Gillian’s eyes widened. "I... I did not want to intrude. This is a family dinner."

Aldric walked to him and placed his hand on Gillian’s shoulder. "You are family, Gillian, and you are an elder now. So you will join us."

Gillian shook his head. "Elder Aldric, I am honored, but I do not want to impose. I can eat later in the pack hall."

Aldric’s voice was firm but kind. "Gillian, you are not imposing. You are one of us, and I will not take no for an answer."

Gillian looked at him, and I saw the conflict on his face. Then he nodded slowly. "Thank you, Elder Aldric. I would be honored to join you."

Jax grinned, and I saw the mischief in his eyes. "Welcome to the family, Gillian. Fair warning: we are all a little crazy."

Piper rolled her eyes. "Speak for yourself, Jax."

Jax placed his hand over his heart. "I am the sanest one here, Piper. Everyone knows that."

Silas shook his head. "No one knows that, Jax. Because it is not true."

Jax sighed dramatically. "I am surrounded by traitors."

I laughed, and I felt the warmth spreading through my chest.

Aldric smiled, and I saw the peace in his eyes. "Come. Let us eat together.”

We walked to the private dining hall, and I saw the table already set. Aldric was there, sitting at the head of the table, and I saw the exhaustion on his face. But he was smiling.

Kaelen walked to me, and I felt his hand on my back. "He looks tired."

I nodded. "He has earned his rest."

Jax, Silas, and Cain filed in, their voices low and respectful. Piper sat beside Jax, and I saw the way he looked at her, and the way his hand brushed against hers. Gillian entered last, and his face was still pale with shock.

Aldric looked at him, and I saw the warmth in his eyes. "Sit, Gillian. You are family now."

Gillian nodded, and I saw the gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Elder Aldric."

We ate together, and the conversation was warm and full of life.

Jax leaned forward, and I saw the grin spreading across his face. "You know, I have been thinking. If we survive this battle, I am going to open a tavern. A place where wolves can come, drink, and tell stories."

Piper snorted, and I saw the disbelief on her face. "A tavern? Jax, you cannot even cook."

Jax placed his hand over his heart. "I will not be cooking, Piper. I will be managing. There is a difference."

Silas shook his head, and I saw the dry smile on his face. "Managing what? The chaos?"

Jax pointed at him. "Exactly, Silas. Chaos management. It is a skill."

Piper laughed, and I saw the joy on her face. "You are impossible, Jax."

Jax grinned. "I know, Piper. That is why you love me."

Piper rolled her eyes, but I saw the smile she was trying to hide. "I tolerate you, Jax. There is a difference."

Silas spoke, and his voice was calm. "I have traveled to many places, and seen many things. But I have never seen a wolf as persistent as Jax."

Jax bowed his head dramatically. "I take that as a compliment, Silas."

Cain spoke, his voice low and steady. "Persistent is one word for it."

Jax gasped, and I saw the mock offense on his face. "Cain! You spoke! And it was to insult me!"

Cain’s mouth twitched, the closest thing to a smile I had ever seen from him. "I was stating a fact."

I laughed, and I felt the warmth spreading through my chest. "You are all impossible."

Aldric watched us, and I saw the peace in his old eyes. He was smiling, and I could see the love on his face.

Gillian spoke, his voice hesitant. "Is it always like this?"

Jax looked at him, and I saw the grin on his face. "Always, Gillian. You will get used to it."

Gillian smiled, and I saw the tension leaving his shoulders. "I think I would like that."