Chapter 28:
Malik: “Is everything okay, love?”
Accalia: “As much as I would love to continue…we should really be heading back.”
Malik: “No, you're right. Let's go. (in the woods)”
Accalia: “What's happening?! Is Kai gonna be okay?!”
Akna: “I'm afraid not. He's not responding to any of our treatments.”
In Accalia’s head: Kai.
Amara: “Move!!”
Yura: “Excuse me?”
Amara: “You heard me. I said move out of my way!! I won't let you leave me like this.”
Accalia: “Amara what are you doing?!”
Amara: “The only thing I can do.”
Malik: “If you mark him now, then both of you will never be able to find your true mates.”
Amara: “He is my true mate. I was just scared. Scared to love again but I will not lose him like this. I promise Kai, when you wake up I'll never reject you again. I love you the way you were always meant to be left. Me and you, until the end.”
Kai: “Amara?!”
Amara: “KAI!!! You're back!!”
Kai: “Where have I been and why does my neck hurt?”
Amara: “Just shut up and kiss me.”
In Kai’s head: Now I know that I'm dead.”
Ruth: “Malik, Accalia!! Thank goodness we found you.”
Accalia: “Ruth, what's wrong?”
Ruth: “Malik, it's your mother.”
Malik: “How are you feeling, mom?”
Rose: “I feel cold.”
Malik: “We did it mom, we won.”
Rose: “I know and I'm so proud of you. I'm glad you're safe.”
Malik: “We can go home now.”
Accalia: “Malik, I don’t think luna Rose is coming back with us.”
Malik: “What the hell, Accalia?! Why would you say such a thing?! My mom is fine, she's gonna get through this.”
Rose: “My baby boy, I'm gonna miss you so much.”
Malik: “Why are you talking like that?! Stop it.”
Accalia: “Malik…”
Malik: “NO, ACCALIA!! Why are you saying goodbye?!”
Rose: “It's not goodbye forever. We'll be reunited one day, I promise. And besides, this world doesn't need me anymore. This pack has a new Luna and the war has been won.”
Malik: “I need you.”
Rose: “Baby, listen to me. You have family and friends that adore you. They are your main priority right now. Be the leader I knew you were always destined to be. You've changed so much this past year and I'm so proud to call you my son. Watching you grow has been my biggest accomplishment. But I'm tired. It's time for me to rest now.”
Malik: “I love you so much, mom.”
Rose: “I love you, my son. Accalia?”
Accalia: “Yes, luna Rose?”
Rose: “Promise me something?”
Accalia: “Anything.”
Rose: “Look after everyone for me. Move on and be happy. Leave this place and find a new home. You're home.”
Accalia: “I promise you, I will.”
Rose: “Good.”
In Rose’s head: I’ll see you soon, Vilkas.
In Accalia’s head: Before any of us could return back to the pack house, there were a couple of things that needed to be addressed. Starting with the leftovers from Gunner’s old pack. (the next day). Once, I considered these individuals family. Not anymore. No amount of pleading was going to save them. They chose where their loyalties lied a long time ago. So instead of ripping out their throats right there and then, I decided to punish them exactly how they punished me. I banished them. They could go as they pleased, as long as it wasn't on Canadian soil. One thing that still remained a mystery was the whereabouts of Hope, Axel and Elya. As hard as we tried, we just couldn't locate them. Regardless of me and Elya’s history, I hope she was okay. Maybe they made it out and moved on? Looks like we'll never know. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't persuade Cole to stay. The loss of Milena took a heavy toll on him and he didn't wanna be anywhere that reminded him of her. He decided to move and start a new life somewhere else.
Accalia: “Please Cole, stay. I want you to be a part of my pack.”
Cole: “I’m sorry, Accalia but I can't. Staying here is too painful. Please try to understand.”
Accalia: “I understand. Take care of yourself, Cole.”
Cole: “You too, Accalia. You'll make an amazing queen.”
In Accalia’s head: I feel like I just lost the last piece I had left of Milena. (later that night). There was one final task we had left to achieve that night. We all stood there silently watching my old home slowly burning down to the ground. I finally felt like I could breathe again. This very memory is fading away before my very eyes. It was a bittersweet moment. This is where I grew up after all. This is where most of me and Milena’s memories existed but she will live on through my memories. Just like that, we all said goodbye to the Sawtooth Pack once and for all. (a few days later). A few days past before Malik finally gathered enough strength to lay his mother to rest. He chose the most meaningful burial placement for her. Her home. The home she made with the love of her life and raised her babies. Malik kept insinuating that he was okay, but we’re mates. I could feel his anguish. Losing his mother was the hardest challenge Malik has ever had to face. I tried my best to reassure him that he doesn't have to carry this burden alone. Luna Rose meant something to all of us. A friend, a mother. If it wasn't for her kindness and opening up her heart and home I wouldn't be here right now. She was the kind of Luna I aspired to be. I hope luna Rose is happy, wherever she is. Reunited once again with her one true love.
Malik: “Goodbye, mom.”
In Accalia’s head: Luna Rosa’s last words to me were ‘leave this place and find your new home. You're home’ and we did just that. However, establishing a new territory of our own was far more difficult than I could have ever anticipated. Large plots of land were already claimed by either humans or other packs. After the destruction Lyca caused, I decided to keep our pack completely separate from humans for good. Things were better off this way. I needed to ensure the safety of my pack and protect the secret of werewolves and other mythical creatures. We would go back to being no more than a scary story a child would read before bed, or a folklore tales passed down through many generations to come. (many months later). It might have took a little longer than any of us first predicted but we finally did it. We built our own home and together, formed a new pack with a new name. We were now known as the Ash-Blood Pack. Here we all are. My family. My crazy, dysfunctional pack filled with hybrids, werewolves, vampires and witches. Akna and Yura decided not to live within the main house and to reside in their cabin close to our territory border. When Ruth and Coleton asked to join my pack, I didn't hesitate to say yes. They earned my loyalty the moment they helped us in battle. None of the others seemed to mind and they have fitted in to our lifestyle well. Since vampires don't sleep, Coleton and Ruth have made exceptional allies patrolling the pack borders at night. Kai and Amara have been inseparable since becoming a mated pair. They have barely left the room. Gross. After all his efforts, Kai finally got his dream girl and I couldn't have been happier for both of them. Not long after our new pack was formed, I asked Amara if she wanted to be my beta and lucky enough for me, she jumped at the opportunity. It was by far the best decision I've made since becoming the new luna. There they go again. Who would've thought that Lakota was my older brother? Or better yet, that Cheyenne was his mate?! Their relationship has been a slow process. They are both very shy and reserved but who could blame them after knowing what backgrounds they both come from. Maybe that's why the moon goddess paired them together? So they could bring out the beauty in one another. Since the events of what happened, Cheyenne understands completely and holds no grudges. She was more apologetic for what I had to endure which only made me feel ten times worse. As for me and Lakota, we finally found each other. We were siblings. He later explained to me that the reason he left the old pack house the day I drank Amara’s blood was because of that moment, he knew who I was. By becoming bonded to the pack, gave Lakota the insight he needed to confirm who I was. Since our ordeal, our bond became so much stronger with every passing day. He's told me so many amazing stories he has of our parents. I feel honored to be the daughter of Lilith and Logan. Despite all of the obstacles thrown our way, me and Malik managed to rise from the ashes and overcome them. Around two years ago, I was left out in the cold, banished for a crime I didn't commit. Now I was surrounded by love and security. Luna of my very own pack and I had the wolf of my dreams to help me rule by my side. I decided to keep my identity a secret from other wolves to keep us all safe. Me and Malik were the most powerful werewolves in existence and with that power comes greed and envy. There is no telling who could potentially try to hunt us down for our powers, or worse…to destroy us. The night I was born, I was not famous for my royal birth but for my abduction. No one knew if I was dead or alive and that's the way I want things to remain. Me and my family can finally start living our lives in peace without the fear of Gunner and his pack. I have been given a second chance at life and I couldn't think the moon goddess enough. (witches cabin). After Kirima regained her strength, all the witches came together to help me understand and master my new powers. But before that can happen, I need to regain control of my two wolves that lived within me. To do this, they had to put me into a trance-like state so that I could regularly communicate with Sesi and Lyca. According to Yura, I would be able to communicate and use my powers and my human form and werewolf form. This power is called cloaking…the power to hide the presence of oneself, other beings or locations, preventing others from discovering one's location. Disintegration: The power to destroy objects by breaking them into small particles. Energy ball generation: the power to create the project balls of energy which resemble electrical discharges from one's hand. Enhanced durability: the power to withstand physical or magical harm that would otherwise prove lethal. Emotional energy manipulation: the power to convert emotion into raw energy. Healing: the power to restore the sick and the injured, depending on the sobriety. And teleportation: the power to move from one place to another instantaneously. Although I was training to use these powers correctly, there were other powers I was forbidden to use. Touch of death: the power to kill living beings instantly by transferring a powerful demonic virus through a touch. Memory inducement: the power to force victims to recall their most painful memories. The power of Resurrection: the power to resurrect the dead. The price for using dark magic such as these would be my eternal soul. The most evil beings end up below and I don't want to be one of them. (a few days later)
Lyca: “I'm bored of these views. I wanna go hunting.”
Accalia: “But we only just got here.”
Sesi: “She never likes to do anything relaxing.”
Lyca: “Was I talking to you?!”
Accalia: “Okay you two, that's enough. I swear it's like putting up with a couple of pups.”
Lyca: “Who are you calling a pup?!”
Sesi: “You know you love us really.”
Accalia: “I really do.”
Lyca: “Um, yeah…love and stuff. Mate is coming. I wonder if he'll do that position I like.”
Accalia: “Okay, that's enough out of you, Lyca.”
Lyca: “What? I'm only following my instincts.”
Sesi: “Take off his clothes.”
In Accalia’s head: Sesi, you too?!
Sesi: “Sorry, Accalia. But Lyca's right. We're only following our instincts.”
Lyca: “I'm always right.”
Malik: “A bit excited are we?”
In Accalia’s head: Yes.
Accalia: “You wish.”
Malik: “Oh really? Don't lie to us, my little wolf. Me and Noctis can smell your wolves excitement from here.”
Accalia: “So what do you want me to do?”
Malik: “I can show you.”
Accalia: “You'll have to catch me first!!”
In Malik’s head: I love it when she's playful. (on a waterfall two months later)
Malik: “I WIN!!”
Accalia: “No fair, you cheated.”
Malik: “No need to be jealous, little wolf.”
Accalia: “I'm gonna kill you.”
Malik: “You'll have to catch me first.”
Accalia: “YOU’RE CRAZY!! That was amazing.”
Malik: “I knew you could do it.”
Accalia: “I was starting to have doubts for a second.”
Malik: “You need to give yourself more credit. You can do anything you set your mind to.”
Accalia: “I'm so lucky to have you.”
Malik: “Believe me, I'm the lucky one. I have a surprise for you.”
Accalia: “What is it?”
Malik: “Don't be mad but I might have stored spare clothes for you hidden behind the waterfall. I want you to try and shift.”
Accalia: “We've been over this. No matter how hard I try, I just can't do it. What does a werewolf with two wolves even look like?”
Malik: “Only you can find the answer to that one. I think I'm gonna let Noctis have a quick run around. Join us when you're ready.”
In Accalia’s head: Malik Made shifting look so effortless. Within seconds, he transformed into a huge, black wolf with piercing eyes. I could see how much fun Noctis was having, splashing around in the water. Just a mere sight of it was making Sesi and Lyca whimper like crazy. I had to try again, for them.
Sesi: “You can do it, Accalia.”
Lyca: “Just let the past go.”
In Accalia’s head: Let the past go.
In Malik’s head: I couldn't believe it. The most breathtaking wolf I had ever even started running beside me the most breathtaking wolf I had ever seen started running beside me. One glance and I knew it was her. Accalia had finally shifted. Accalia’s wolf form has the most striking features. She had a perfect mixture of both of her wolves. Glistening white fur from Sesi, with horse black streaks from Lyca. Accalia was gifted with bi-colored eyes. One piercing aqua blue and the other as black as the night sky. With our beautiful mark still visible. Her build was sleek and elegant. Made for speed and power. She was certainly larger than any other females I have met. I could feel Noctis’ excitement. This was the first time meeting Accalia’s wolves.
Malik: “Where to, little wolf?”
Accalia: “Anyway, as long as I'm with you. Is everything okay?”
Malik: “Everything is perfect. But remember I still have that surprise meeting for you.”
Accalia: “What is it?”
Malik: “Come and get dressed and you will see.”
Accalia: “Don't you think what you chose is a bit too fancy? MALIK, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”
Malik: “Marry me, little wolf. Be mine, forever. What do you say?”
Accalia: “Yes!!”
Malik: “I love you, my queen.”
Accalia: “I love you, my king. (later that night at the pack house)”
In Accalia’s head: Later that night, me and Malik traveled back to the pack house to announce our big news. It's safe to say that everyone was thrilled. But for me, before this night could be perfect. There was someone else I wanted to share my news with.
Accalia: “Hello, Milena.”
In Accalia’s head: Cheyenne gave me permission to choose my own personal resting area for Milena. She trusted that I would find the perfect place and I did. Every night, the sky that hovers above this field lights up with a million stars. Milena would've loved it.
Accalia: “Milena, something amazing happened. Something I've always dreamed of. This night would’ve been complete if only I could've told you in person. I miss you so much. Milena?!”
Milena: “Accalia, I've missed you.”
In Accalia’s head: Was this real? Where my eyes playing tricks on me? Was this all in my head? However, it quickly turned into reality when Milena embraced me. It was really hard. My sister. I intensely returned her embrace and held her tight. Borrowing my face burying my face into her shoulder and sobbing my heart out.
Accalia: “You came home. I always knew you would.”
Milena: “I'm afraid I can't stay.”
Accalia: “What do you mean? Where else would you go?”
Milena: “Accalia, this world is not mine anymore. I don't have the power to stay.”
Accalia: “I'm getting married.”
Milena: “I know and I'm so happy for you.”
Accalia: “How can I enjoy my wedding without you? It won't be the same.”
Milena: “Of course it will. Me and everyone else wouldn't miss you a special day for the world.”
Accalia: “The others?”
Milena: “Everyone that's ever loved you. We will all be there.”
Accalia: “I'm sorry about that day, it was all my fault.”
Milena: “No it wasn't. Everyone has their own path in life and fate decided that was mine. Helping to save you and the people I love, I would do it all over again.”
Accalia: “I love you.”
Milena: “I love you more. But I need to go now.”
Accalia: “Thank you for everything. You'll always be my best friend.”
Milena: “And you are mine.”
In Accalia’s head: And with those last words, Milena faded away. I stood there silently, staring up at the night sky. A smile formed on my face. The guilt I had carried around since that day slowly melted away. I finally felt at peace. Thank you, Milena. Until we meet again.