A thick layer of sparkling snow blankets the ground outside the cabin. Blue swathes of light coats its silvery surface as the blue hour descends. Crisp alpine and fir perfume the cold air. It feels sharp and clear as I inhale its fresh scent, catching the hints of the scents gathering behind me.

I step out into the wintery wonderland and lean against the outside pole. I watch in fond silence as snow lazily falls from the sky. The tiny flakes dance past my face before settling on dark, wet wood.

A shiver passes through me as the wind picks up. Dizzying swirls of snow rise from the growing snow banks. Low visibility lasts for only a few seconds before the world settles once again.

"Lottie..." a voice rumbles behind me. A set of arms slides around the curve of my waist and pulls me close. I lean back into his chest, eyes fluttering as I take in his heady scent of sandalwood and musk. "Come inside. We're almost ready."

I angle my face to look at Namjoon and press a kiss upon his soft lips. "A few more minutes?" I plea.

His dark brown eyes soften, giving away to endearment. "Of course." He returns my kiss, light and sweet.

"We have quite the feast in here," I comment with a smile as the door closes quietly behind us.

We stand outside in the frozen world, melded together at the seams.

"They've been cooking all day," Namjoon replies. "They haven't let me in. I'm banned from the kitchen." He pouts visibly, pulling a laugh out of me.

"Aww, my poor baby," I coo as I squeeze his large hands in mine. "Can't stand being left out?"

He puts out his bottom lip further and lowers his head into my shoulder. He nuzzles me for a moment, his light stubble ticking the base of my neck. Goosebumps rush over my skin at the sensation. I giggle lightly and push back on him.

"It's not fair," he complains with the hint of a smile.

"I'll talk to them," I threaten playfully. "They'll have to listen."

Namjoon laughs quietly as he continues to nose at my neck, scenting me as his own. "Our Luna," he says. "The most powerful of them all."

My heart swells at the title, taking pride in how he says it. How much it means to them. How much it now means to me.

I am the Bangtan Pack's Luna. The hearth and heart of the home. I don't want to be anything else in this world.

In Calemari, I showcased a newfound power. According to the others raised in well-established packs, Lunas and Sols have a rare ability to exert their will over others like an Alpha. It has to do with their influx of hormones and a touch of the supernatural, an ancient power bestowed upon them by Hestia.

"It's rare, but that's our Luna," Yoongi said when he explained.

A chorus of cheerful laughter comes from the house.

The windows are aglow with warm, buttery light. Frost curls over its glass yet it does nothing to penetrate the radiance from within. Shadows of my fellow packmates move in and out of view. Occasionally, their shadows crash into each other, welcoming them into their arms. A beautiful rhythm of love thrums through the foundations of the cabin.

It's a mysterious thing, love.

I shiver again and Namjoon nudges me to move back to the house. "We should go in. They are almost ready."

I nod, though my eye catches on the memorial stone placed near the side of the house. It's placed near the gardens, where the roses will bloom eternal.

Our memorial for Rosalie, the Luna of the Nightwalkers.

The hatred I feel for the Nightwalkers still lingers in my bones to this day. The trauma they brought upon our pack, the death they wrought, it rots inside my darkest nightmares.

Rosalie didn't deserve to die. She didn't deserve to be treated like property. I wish we could've saved her, more than anything.

We honor her memory and sacrifice every day.

I wish we could've done more.

We will do more.

The Nightwalkers are gone, but there are other violent packs lying in wait. There will always be evil in the world.

Except we'll be ready for them. We'll protect our own and the innocents around us. The humans and wolves who suffer on account of their greed.

Namjoon swore an oath to protect our territory and to offer aid to the ones around us. The attack in Calemari brought distant packs together. Alliances were forged during the tumultuous times, bonds that refuse to be broken.

If we stay together, we could prevent further loss of life.

The fall of humanity and wolves alike will never happen again.

"Are you alright, Lottie?" Namjoon asks.

"I am," I answer, honestly. I guide him into the house with a soft look, adoring Namjoon and his strength. He's the best alpha I could ever ask for. Trusting him was the best decision of my life. "Let's go eat."

When we enter the house, I'm greeted with a whirlwind of hugs and kisses. I have to bat the youngest boys off to even attempt removing my shoes.

"Mine!" Jungkook explains, sweeping me off my feet.

I yelp as my legs kick up into the air. "Kook!" I whack his chest, laughing until I'm breathless. "Let go of me!"

Jungkook flashes me a wild grin and takes off. Jimin and Taehyung howl behind him and give chase.

We ran through the living room with all the sound of a thunderstorm. Jungkook dodges Taehyung's lunge and spins out of Jimin's reaching arm. He keeps me steadily aloft in his arms, all to himself.

As he runs around the couch's corner, Taehyung tackles us into the cushions.

We roll and play together, laughing and pushing until we're dizzy with laughter.

"There's my darling mates." Jin comes into view and gives Jungkook a playful jab to the stomach. "Bundles of energy, aren't you?"

"I'm hungry," Taehyung pouts as he rolls off the couch.

"Always hungry," Jin complains with a smirk. He reaches over to ruffle Taehyung's fluffy dark hair. "Never satisfied, are you, honey?"

Taehyung preens and presses up into Jin's open palm like an overeager puppy. He closes his eyes as he relishes the gentle pats.

"We're almost done!" Yoongi calls from the kitchen. "Have everyone get the table ready!"

I jump out of Jimin's comfortable lap, freshly scented and heart aglow, and run into the kitchen. Jimin whines behind me, but I flash him a quick smile over my shoulder, begging him to chase me.

Jimin scrambles to his feet and does so, much to my delight.
He catches me in the doorway of the kitchen. He lifts me off the ground, hugging my body close to his. "Got you," he whispers into my ear.

A shiver runs down the length of my spine.

I smile secretly as he presses possessive kisses onto my neck. "I'll need to be faster," I challenge.

"You'll never escape me," Jimin replies, low and sensual as he suckles at my skin, threatening a hickey. "You're mine."

My eyelids flutter as I allow my emotions to unfurl for him. Embracing the sweet heat blossoming in my stomach. Allowing it to settle over my mind like a dreamy haze instead of fearing it.

"Oh that feels good," Jimin groans as he holds me tighter.

"I want to make my mate feel good," I answer, pressing up onto my toes to extend my neck further up.

"Uh oh, is it heat time already?" Hobi teases from nearby.

Jimin and I giggle in spite of ourselves.

"I love this Lottie," Yoongi comments as he stands over a blazing hot stove. His dark hair curls beautifully over his face, a blush resting on his smooth cheeks. "So confident."

Butterflies flutter in my chest from the praise.

Namjoon pokes his head into the kitchen only to be shooed out by all of his hyungs.

"You're not allowed in here!" Hobi shouts playfully. He gives Namjoon a gentle push and a big kiss on the mouth. "You're supposed to be taking a break!"

"And the stove is angry with you," Yoongi adds.

Namjoon complains, but eventually gives into their command with a small smile.

They're forcing him to take a break. To take things easy. I love them for it.

I help Jimin set the table. We bring out plates, bowls, silverware, and thick ceramic mugs. Yoongi's smokey bourbon scent mixes harmoniously with the mulled wine he stirs at the stove.

The spices dance across my tongue as I inhale it all in. Star anise, cinnamon, and the warm, drunken scent of wine fill the air. It makes me feel drunk simply by breathing. He balanced the spice and alcohol perfectly, sweetening it to be enjoyable mug after mug.

He'd spent years perfecting his recipe.

It's one of my favorite parts of winter.

"The Dumple is almost ready!" Hobi announces. He spurs a round of cheers and applause from us as he opens the pot. A rush of steam rises from within showing the pale white dumpling of all dumplings.

One dumpling to rule them all.

The Dumple.

Distracted from our tasks, we scurry over to catch a glimpse of the behemoth of a dumpling. We giggle excitedly as he prods it with a spoon. It is filled to the brim with meat and vegetables. Its surface is perfectly boiled and smooth.

"It's glorious," I say excitedly, bouncing behind Hobi as he puts the finishing touches on it.

Hobi straightens at the praise, wearing the biggest smile. "Thanks!" He bats away the cloud of steam in front of him. "I hope it's everything we imagined."

I kiss him on the cheek, careful not to distract him from his task. Kissing while cooking, although tempting, must be done carefully. "It will be. You did great."

It is a labor of love to get the Dumple out of its massive pot. It takes several of us spotting and holding thick towels to roll it onto the platter. It was unsurprisingly heavy, but it still proved difficult to transfer.

During the chaos, Jin removes two loaf pans from the oven. They'd been warming while the other parts of the meal were being prepared. The bread is soft as sponges with a buttery coat on its top. Its sweet smell envelopes the kitchen, earning happy hums of approval from the rest of the pack.

Once everything is done cooking, the pack helps serve the food.

The Dumple is crowned as the star of the meal. It lays in a bed of lettuce and vegetables to add to its presentation points. Hobi lays a few sprigs of herbs on its top as well and declares it perfect. It had to weigh over five pounds.

Though it looked large enough to feed an army, I knew it would only last a few seconds in this pack.

Glazed carrots, honeyed pork, baked potatoes, broth soup, and more laid across the table in a wonderful feast. One bread loaf is set out, though it won't last long judging by Jungkook's readied butter knife. Mugs are laid out for each member, filled to the brim with sweet, hot wine.

I light a few of our clean wax candles and set them throughout the kitchen to add to the atmosphere.

The blue hour fades and darkness glares through the frosted glass, yet it cannot touch us with the hazy glow of candles and love.

Namjoon stands at the head of the table. His body is bathed in the golden glow, turning him more god than man, dripping in ichor and dust. He lifts his mug to us with a broad smile, eyes alight with unrestrained happiness.

It's the lightest I've ever seen him.

The others settle into their seats and take up their mugs. We raise them to Namjoon, awaiting his toast with eager eyes and happy hearts.

"We're gathered here today to celebrate the turning of the new year! To celebrate another year spent in our home."

Namjoon meets each of our gazes, fond and gentle. I remember those eyes when he asked me to join his pack. Those eyes, feverish with desire between my legs.

Those tawny brown eyes drew me into the best decision of my life.

"I'm more than grateful to have you all with me. I'm honored to be your alpha and mate. I couldn't ask for anyone else to follow me. I live to serve you, my mates. You're my heart, my life. So thank you," he bows to us, reverent and devoted, "thank you for your love."

We bow our heads in return. I don't think we could be more in love with him.

"To Alpha Namjoon!" Jungkook cheers as he hoists his mug. "The best alpha we could ever dream of!"

We cheer and howl in unison, filling our home with the sound of our voices.

Namjoon blushes in spite of himself. An adorable twinkle flashes in his eyes as he lifts his mug to his lips. "Thank you," he says shyly, then takes a drink of the mulled wine.

We drink together and savor the taste of Yoongi's perfected drink.

With a start, the pack dives into the feast. Namjoon makes a show of cutting the Dumple and serves each messy piece to us. It tastes of heaven, it lives up to its glorious name.

We feast until our stomachs feel like exploding. Though I caught a few of the boys sneaking seconds and thirds, despite it all. They are truly bottomless pits.

I sink into my chair with a full belly, sighing loudly. "That was amazing. Thank you, guys."

Yoongi collects my plate and bends to kiss my forehead. "You're welcome, pup."

I reach out to take his hand, urging him to stay. He pauses before he leaves and kisses me again. "Soon," he promises.

I whine, but I allow him to slip through my fingers.

At my side, Jin leans close, all roses and spice, and pokes at my side. "Need something, darling?"

I catch his hand and press kisses to his knuckles. "Just want to show my love," I admit.

"Soon," Jin locks eyes with me, surprisingly heated, "let's help clean up, shall we?"

After we clean the kitchen, the pack moves into the living room to settle down for the night. It only takes a few moments for limbs to entangle and blankets to be thrown over heated bodies. We pull every available fluffy item to form the perfect nest for us in the center of the room.

I tuck myself between Namjoon and Hobi in the massive nest of pillows and blankets. Hobi coos and wraps me up in his slender arms to cuddle better.

The others gather around us in a circular formation. We transform into one, giant nest of comfortable werewolves.

Sleepy shadows of flame dance across the wooden walls. Quietly, the embers of the fireplace crackle and pop.

With the scents of the pack around me, I rest in their embrace as my eyelids droop. My stomach is almost uncomfortably full and a sweet drunken taste still covers my lips.

At my side, Yoongi leans over and drags his basket of knitting close to himself. I watch him sleepily as he continues his current project, a burgundy scarf. The soft clicking of the needles eases something in my brain.

It's calming to watch him knit.

He doesn't even need to look down. He smiles warmly at me in return as he knits away with precision.

"I love watching you knit," Jimin mumbles, resting his head on Yoongi's thigh.

Yoongi briefly reaches down to ruffle his hair in response.

I close my eyes as Namjoon kisses my cheek, tender and soft. While resting in the presence of my mates, I whisper, "Home."

Namjoon hums in agreement.

"Our home."

Outside the window, the wind howls up a blizzard, but I'm not afraid of what the winter will bring.

Whatever the world throws at us, we'll be ready.

"Good night, my loves," Hobi says fondly as Taehyung and Jungkook inch closer to his body, seeking out the beta's warmth.

"Good night."

And I fall into a deep sleep, surrounded by my pack, safe and sound.

A/N: First, thank you all so much for reading Winter of Orphic Love! This began as a self-indulgent project to provide comfort during finals week! This story has lived and breathed within me and I am so happy to have the chance to share it all with you! I fell deeply in love with Charlotte and the pack, with both the gentle and terrifying apocalypse, with their deep love for each other! This fic, in a way, saved me, and I hope it brings you as much joy and comfort as it brings me!

Second, I want to thank you all for your patience! It's been a long journey, to say the least. Winter of Orphic Love took three years to write. In those years, I graduated with my bachelor's degree and master's degree, moved to a new city, and started a new job. I planned on writing this chapter sooner, but I had some surprise medical news that took over my life for a bit. The full explanation is in "culture shock" in the third chapter on AO3, if you're curious! So thank you for your endless patience!

Thank you to all my friends who helped support me! To those who helped me plot deep into the night and fangirl over how devastatingly hot Yoongi and his bourbon scent is! To those who encouraged me to keep writing! DM, this is for you! <3

If you want to follow me on twitter for writing updates, baking days, and shenanigans, find me at hoyaxgloss7 !

Thank you all so much! I love you all! Remember to take care of yourselves! Drink water and rest! <3