Hector's pov

“It must have been so tough for you. I really don't know how to express how I feel right now. My words fail me. But in my honor as the Lycan King , I'll see to it that the Halo clan is well taken care of.”

“We're indebted to the Lycan pack.”

“I want you to assist in supervising the supplies that will be sent out. I want everything organized, mobilized and sent out with immediate effect. I see no reason for any delay. Put your mind at rest Hector. The Halo clan are in safe hands now.”

“You indeed are a great king. May the moon goddess repay you and your pack for your kind gesture.”

“Don't mention. I think you need to discuss this with your mother. Someone has to accompany the troop that will be sent out in a few days time. And she's in the best position to go with them, while you stay here as we proceed in our search for a solution. What do you think about it?”

“It's a nice suggestion, Lycan King. I'll discuss it with her immediately when I go back to the guest chamber. Though I'd love to go with them to go check on my people's welfare. Then come back again.”

“The supplies will be sent at intervals. So even if you don't go with the first troop, you can always go with the others. I need you to be here while we hear from the moon goddess through the seer. Your mother can go back and help organize the supplies that will be sent in your absence.”

“How soon will food and medical supplies be sent out?” Hector asked.

“If we work with the speed of light, it should be out in a few days. How long did it take you to get here?”

“It took some days because of the attack we encountered on our way. But I have some worries.”

“What are you worried about?”

“The dangers on the way. I knew how much we suffered. We were ambushed by bandits and I lost all my maid servants and guards that embarked on this journey with me. The journey isn't going to be easy because we have enemies waiting for an opportunity to pounce on us like prey.”

“Hmmm, you have nothing to worry about. Our warriors consist of the strongest and valiant. We have never recorded defeat and this time around, this journey will be a success. So please put your heart to rest. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. But just to put your mind at ease, I'll have a larger company of warriors sent out.”

Malakai and Hector talked for some time. They walked as they talked.

“I’ll need you to draft a list of the food supplies you think will be good enough. If you need help, I'll have Koslov assist you every step of the way. And you have to be fast in drafting it, you know time is not on our side here. Make sure you are fine with this list by tomorrow morning. I'll need to have the list reviewed and we start sorting them out.”

“I'll do just that.”

“I think we should stop here for now. I'll leave you to focus on drafting the supply list while I go to my lovely wife. I know she must be waiting for me.”

“I'm sorry for stealing you away from the queen for this long. Thank you so much for everything.”

Just as they were about to part ways, the head maid was strolling with Harriet and Harrietta.

“Daddy, daddy.” They shout for joy as they sighted him from afar. They ran to hug him.

“Good day your majesty. I'm sorry but I have to take the prince and the princess to their chambers immediately.”

“Alright, you may go. Go with the maid to your chambers , I'll come see you once I'm done . Okay?”

“Alright daddy, we loved you.” They gave him a kiss on the chin and left with the maid.

Hector who was completely stunned and blown away by the striking resemblance of the prince and princess with him. He kept staring at them as left with the maid. He stared so hard that even when they were far gone from them, he was still lost. Malakai had to snap his finger tip to bring Hector back to reality.

“Hector– are you there?”

“Oh yeah , sorry I got carried away. Those kids …”

“Oh you mean my kids. They are Harriet and Harrietta by name. They are the blessings from the moon goddess to seal my blissful union with Hireath, my love.”

“They are lovely. And there's something unique about them.”

“Hahaha… that should be my uniqueness then. Like the popular saying, the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.”

“Indeed. It's my first time ever seeing them. I only heard of them but seeing them was just so fulfilling. You're indeed a lucky man. I really envy you.”

“Not to worry. I strongly believe that you'll be able to raise a wonderful family like mine but first we have to restore the Halo clan back to its glory.”

“I don't think I'll be able to have a family because I failed woefully at the only opportunity I had. I should just focus on saving my clan. I don't think I deserve to be happy with a family. That is my punishment and I have already accepted my fate.”

“Hector , I don't like how you are being harsh on yourself. We make mistakes and it's okay for us to. But our mistakes should never deprive us from living a normal, happy and healthy life. Our imperfections shouldn't be enough reason for us to wish ourselves evil.”

“I really wish I can forgive myself but even if I do forgive myself. I'll be saddled with bearing the guilt till I die. That is the burden I have chosen to bear for life. I don't deserve to be forgiven. I wish I could say more but I'm sure with time, I'll be able to open up to you someday.”

“I'm always here for you Hector. Whenever you want to discuss, I'm always open . Feel free okay?”

“It feels so reassuring to know that I have someone I can talk to in my down moments. I'll keep this at the back of my mind.”

“Alright, I'll have to head back in now. Let's continue tomorrow.”

“Thank you so much. Take care.”

Malakai leaves but Hector still stands at that spot pondering over how much the kids look like him.

“What really happened when Hiraeth was banished? Is he missing out on something? Is there more to the story than he knows?”