Born To Rule

Later that same night

Malik: “Great hunt you guys. Kai, tour stamina is improving. All those extra training sessions are really paying off.”

Kai: “Thanks, man. After all, I have the best teacher.”

Coleton: “Gross.”

Cheyenne: “Who's up for a little late night snack? Meet me back here and say an hour??”

Malik: “Sounds good. I'll go see if Accalia is hungry.”

Lakota: “MALIK!!”

Malik: “Lakota, what's wrong?!”

Lakota: “It’s Accalia…she’s gone.”

Malik: “ACCALIA?!”

Lakota: “What's the baby doing here alone?”

Malik: “I need to find my mate.”

Cheyenne: “What about your son?”

Malik: “Watch him for me while the rest of us look for Accalia.”

Cheyenne: “Yes, alpha. There, there, little one. Everything will be okay. (in the woods)”

Malik’s Mindlink: “Any sign of her yet?”

Pack’s Mindlink: “Negative, alpha.”

Malik: “You haven't found her yet have you?”

Lakota: “No trace of her. It doesn't help that the rain has washed away most of her scent.”

Malik: “I don't understand why I can't track her. We’re mated, surely I’d be able to locate her.”

Lakota: “Unless she doesn't wanna be found. Maybe she's masking her scent?”

Malik: “Don't be stupid. Why would Accalia mask her own scent if she's been kidnapped?!”

Lakota: “Maybe somebody didn't take her.”

Malik: “What are you saying?!”

Lakota: “I think Accalia left on her own accord.”

Malik: “And why would she do such a thing?!”

Lakota: “I can't speak for my sister. I don't think Accalia has been happy for a while.”

Malik: “So she just leaves me and her newborn?!”

Lakota: “I'm sorry. (one month later on the balcony)”

Amara: “Malik? I know you're struggling but you really need to eat something. If not for yourself, then for your son. Fine. (in the living room)”

Lakota: “Anything?”

Amara: “Not a word. He's completely shut everyone out.”

Ruth: “The poor little pup doesn't even have a name.”

Kai: “At least he's got us looking out for him.”

Lakota: He doesn't need us, he needs his parents. It's been one month and he's already grown.”

Ruth: “He really has.”

Cheyenna: “It doesn't help that werewolves have a faster growth rate compared to humans. Time will be Accalia and Malik’s worst enemy. Their son will be grown before they know it.”

Coleton: “What can we do? We've lost both of our leaders.”

Amara: “All we can do is pray to the moon goddess and hope that somehow she can reunite our broken family. (on the balcony - Malik’s flashback)

Malik’s Wolf: “Where are you going?”

In Malik’s head: Back to the pack house. I need to see the truth for myself. It’s gone.

Malik’s Wolf: “What's gone?!”

In Malik’s head: This is where we kept our passports. Accalia’s missing. She really did leave us.

Lakota: “MALIK!! STOP THIS!!”

Malik: “GET OFF ME LAKOTA!!”

Lakota: “No. If you wanna hit me, then go right ahead but I won't let you do this to yourself.”

Malik: “I’m…I’m sorry.”

Lakota: “It’s okay, brother. I’ve got you. (present time)”

In Malik’s head: Where are you? (at a beach house in Greece)

In Accalia’s head: It's been one month and yet it still feels strange being here without him.

Sesi: “Then why don't we return back to our mate and pup?”

In Accalia’s head: I've already told you a million times, Sesi. They are better off without me. I think we both know that. (Sesi whines - witches cabin)

Malik: “Might explaining to me why you all thought it was appropriate bringing me here against my fucking will?”

Cheyenne: “Malik, please…it wasn't like that.”

Malik: “I wasn't speaking to you.”

Lakota: “If you must know, we did it because we ran out of options and if you don't wanna talk to us, then maybe you'll talk to them.”

Malik: “What is there to talk about? Accalia abandoned her son and mate, case closed.”

Yura: “It’s okay, Lakota. I'll take it from here. Not everything is as black and white as you make things seem to be.”

Malik: “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

Yura: “Have you really thought about why she left? Wouldn't you think that it took everything she had for Accalia to just leave?”

Malik: “She's the most powerful hybrid to ever walk this earth. What could possibly be so bad?”

Yura: “Try not to see it from that point of view, but rather a female's perspective.”

Malik: “A female's perspective?”

Yura: “When Accalia returned home, how did she interact with your son?”

Malik: “She seemed nervous and on edge. She didn't wanna hold him. I don't think she even wanted to be around him. Accalia kept to herself and would sleep throughout odd hours of the day. I thought she was just tired from the pregnancy and labor.”

Yura: “Sadly, multiple females experience what Accalia is going through.”

Malik: “Which is what exactly?”

Yura: “Humans call it postpartum depression. Every woman is different, but in the end, they all find it difficult, sometimes impossible to bond with their children. The most beautiful moment of their life is transformed into a nightmare. Only they find it hard to escape.”

In Malik’s head: Accalia…(at the beach house later that day)

In Accalia’s head: Looks like we're in for another sleepless night, girls.

Sesi: “Seems that way.”

Lyca: “Well maybe if you two weren't chatting away then you would actually be able to sleep.”

In Accalia’s head: Fuck this, I'm going for a walk.

Sesi: “Where are you going?”

In Accalia’s head: Anywhere but here, Sesi. Since my birth, I've always had to face deposition, deceit, lies and death. And yet, despite all of that, I overcame every struggle this is something completely new. For the first time in my life, I failed. Failed at being a mother and a wife. I thought coming out here would make me feel better but it hasn't. I miss my family.

Accalia: “MOM?!”

Lilith: “Hello, my daughter.”

Accalia: “Why are you being so nice to me? You should be ashamed.”

Lilith: “Quite the opposite, you've given me a beautiful grandson.”

Accalia: “Yeah, the grandson I gave birth to and then abandoned.”

Lilith: “You listen here young lady, stop being so hard on yourself. No one said being a parent was gonna be easy, but that doesn't mean that things can't get better.”

Accalia: “It's too late, they would never accept me back.”

Lilith: “You don't know unless you try.”

Accalia: “I don't know if I can.”

Lilith: “Why not? What are you so afraid of?”

Accalia: “EVERYTHING?! A monster like me doesn't deserve something as pure as him.”

Lilith: “So that's what this is really about?”

Accalia: “Not just that, I don't seem to have any maternal instincts. I feel so cold towards my own son. I feel afraid to be rejected by his love.”

Lilith: “How wrong you are, my sweet daughter. I'm sorry. I know this is all new to you. It's not like you've been brought up to know what to do. Truth is, no parent knows what they're really doing. We just take it one day at a time and I know you've faced much rejection in your life but in the eyes of your son, you'll be his entire world. We grow to love many people in this planet but we only have one mother. Go back to him. Hold him, love him, cherish every second with him.”

Accalia: “I will. Thank you, mom. (the next day in the nursery). Hello, little one. Remember me? Wow, look at you.”

In Accalia’s head: This was the first time that I properly held my baby and identified all his perfect little features. At first glance, I thought my son looked mostly like his father but I was wrong. He was my double. We shared the same yellow, olive skin and cool gray eyes. He also had thick black hair that was soft as silk.

Accalia: “My, how you've grown since the last time I saw you.”

In Accalia’s head: He had the squishiest little rolls covering most of his body and the cutest round belly. He fit perfectly into my hands and I felt instantly that's where he belonged.

Accalia: “I'm sorry. I promise you from now on that I'll be the mother you deserve.”

In Accalia’s head: To my amazement, my son gently opened his eyes and gazed right up at me. He stared deeply into my eyes with the sweetest look of pure love on his face. He knew that I was his mother. We looked at one another until his eyes closed once more and he fell back asleep.

Accalia: “I won't let anyone harm you…Lucian. My little Lucian.”

Malik: “That's a perfect name.”

In Accalia’s head: In the months that followed, many changes came and went. Yura decided that it was finally time to step down as head of her clan and initiate Kirima in her place. A beautiful ceremony was held for her right of passage. From now, Kirima would also be my pack's personal healer.

Accalia: “Do you have the silliest daddy in the whole world?”

Malik: “I think you mean the most handsome. (Rose appears as a ghost and kisses Malik)”

Accalia: “Are you okay?”

Malik: “I thought…anyway, it's dad's turn to hold Lucian.”

In Accalia’s head: My brother finally decided to follow and me and Malik’s footsteps and make an honest woman of Cheyenne. Their wedding was absolutely beautiful. I was so happy that they found each other. They really were perfect together. Despite what was said previously, Amara and Kai had the most wonderful news to share with us all. They were expecting pups of their very own. The pack was flourishing. I'm so glad they decided to start a family and not abide by the old laws. Now Lucian will have some cousins to play with.

Amara: “Kai, what's wrong?”

Kai: “I can't help myself. I just wish they were here now.”

Amara: “Calm down, before you know they will be fully grown and dating boys.”

Kai: “NO BOYS!!”

In Accalia’s head: Although I would've loved for them to stay, Ruth and Coleton decided to go their own way. I couldn't really blame them, it's not like vampires can have children so staying around to look after hyper wolf pups wasn't exactly appealing for them. They promised to return one day. No matter what, they would always remain members of our pack. Despite the circumstances of how we first met, we had all grown to love and respect them. Vampires really weren't that bad after all.

Coleton: “One day, we will return, love.”

Ruth: “One day. (in the woods)”

In Accalia’s head: One of the coolest nights of summer, we decided to come together to have a camp out to celebrate all of our accomplishments. As everyone was enjoying themselves, I'm merely stood back and observed my dysfunctional family. We were happy, united and most importantly…free. I was so grateful to the moon goddess for all the new chapters in my life. New friends. New family. For reuniting me back with my lost brother. And most importantly, for guiding me to the love of my life. Malik and Lucian where my entire world and I was never gonna lose them again.

Malik: “Hey guys, I have something that I wanna say. I wanna start off by thanking each and everyone of you. Without you all, this moment right here wouldn't be possible. With that being said, to all of you, my brothers and sisters…the loved and the lost, but not certainly not forgotten. And my most beautiful mate and pup. I love you all. Long live Ash-Blood pack!!”

In Accalia’s head: I love it. (one year later)

Malik: “What are you thinking about, little wolf?”

Accalia: “Just how perfect life is.”

Malik: “Do you know how we could make it even more perfect?”

Accalia: “Don't push your luck. I've already said how I'm happy with just the one.”

Malik: “So am I. He really has grown so much.”

Accalia: “He's already a year and a half. I wish he could stay my baby for a bit longer.”

Malik: “He will always be your baby.”

Lucian: “Silly mommy.”

In Accalia’s head: At the beginning of my journey, I felt confused, lost and trapped. I always wondered if there was more to life than simply being the omega. My story might not have had a happy beginning, but I rewrote the last chapters of my life and wound up with a fairy tale ending. Against all odds, the skinwalker and Amarok Wolf, came together to create a never-ending legacy that will stay written in the stars forever.

In Malik’s head: I hope my tail is a lesson to all. No matter how bleak things might seem, you are always destined for greatness. A few years ago, I was a shadow of my former self. Withdrawn and guarded, broken and enraged. All I wanted to do was take out my emotions on other beings. To inflict pain and suffering, not caring about the repercussions. I remember howling to the moon goddess every night, begging her to save me from myself. She answered my calls and gave me the most precious gift of all. Accalia. The things that are worth fighting for are never easy but that doesn't mean we give up. I'll always fight for this. My family. Because without them, my life would have had no meaning.

Malik: “Thank you.”

Accalia: “What for?”

Malik: “For everything. Are you ready to go home?”

Accalia: “Not yet, let me just lay here like this for a little longer.”

Malik: “Whatever you want, my queen.”

Accalia: “Did I forget to mention how much I love you?”

Malik: “Trust me, I already know.”

In Accalia’s head: And, at the end of it all, we made it. Alone we're strong, but together we're stronger. The hate of our enemies only made me and Malik’s love more powerful and from that love, we created the most precious being. I was ready now. Ready to step into the unknown and live my life as a wife and mother. And no matter what dangerous the future might bring, I knew I could do anything with my little prince and king by my side. e were born to rule.