The past two days had been a bittersweet blur for Bryan, Aiden, and Kira. They spent every second they could together, doing everything together, while Ryker took over the pack, handling pack duties and allowing them the time they needed. They cherished every moment as if they were trying to memorize every laugh, every smile, and every touch.They would walk through the woods, talk for hours and tease each other. Bryan and Aiden would laugh at Kira's jokes, even though some were terrible. They cooked together, danced in the kitchen after dismissing all the maids, and in the living room they would simply stay there all night watching movies and enjoying each other's company.Yet, beneath all that happiness, there was a heavy sadness. They knew their time together was running out, but no one spoke of it. Each hug, each kiss, and every whispered "I love you" felt like a farewell.The second day came, and it slipped by faster than they expected. Now, as night fell, it came with what w
Leaving Morane's home some minutes after Kira had left the pack, Bryan and Aiden stepped into the mansion, their faces cold and holding no emotion. They walked in like they were robots controlled by a remote.Elara and Orion, who stood waiting in the hallway, spotted them as they walked in, and Elara's hands fidgeted nervously. She could already sense the pain within her sons and tried to reach out to them."Darling…" She called softly, her voice trembling as she reached for Bryan, but he walked past her without a word, like he couldn't see her."Aiden," Orion called out, his voice firm but filled with concern. But Aiden did the same, not answering and just walking."I don't know about this," Elara said to Orion as she watched her sons climb the stairs. "I really don't know.""They need time," Orion said, placing a comforting hand on Elara's shoulder, his expression showing how worried he was. "Everything will be fine."Reaching the top, Bryan walked straight to the bedroom, entered i
Kira, seated in the back seat, became exhausted from all the crying. She had put on her dark shades to cover her eyes, not wanting to draw any attention to herself when she boards her flight.She had cried the entire way, and now that they had gotten to the airport, she tried to calm herself, although her trembling lips slightly gave her away.Ryker, who had been driving, sighed heavily as he put the car in park, stopping at the drop-off area of the airport. He stepped out of the car silently, the night air welcoming him.Opening the trunk, he carefully pulled out Kira's bags. The bags were large, but she had packed a few things. Bryan and Aiden had insisted on setting up a bank account for her and filling it with more money than she would have ever expected, and even when she had resisted, not wanting to accept it, they wouldn't take no for an answer.Now, finances were not a problem for her. She would not have to worry about that for a long time.Standing by the car after placing t
Kira didn't stop walking even when she noticed she was being followed. She noticed the person was very quiet and knew how to remain quiet, but their presence was still close enough for her to know that they were there.She tightened her grip on her bags; her senses heightened. Instead of creating awareness and acting like she knew she was being followed, she slowed her breathing.As she did that, she adjusted her head slightly, tilting it as if she was listening to the soft sounds of the woods and enjoying the soft breeze. But, at the corner of her eye, she caught a faint glimpse of the person."What are they doing?" She asked herself inwardly, as she was already expecting the person to attack, but it didn't seem like the person was going too or was trying hard enough to remain invisible. "Or are they trying to follow me to my destination? Hmm.""Amateur," she thought while still walking as she shifted her grip, preparing herself. Then, as quick as ever, she let the bags drop to the g
Kira gave a grateful nod to Baba Razz and made her way to the door he had pointed to. When she reached, she opened the bathroom door, stepped inside and closed it behind her. The space was small but functional. It had the necessary things a bathroom should have despite it being small, and it was also stocked with basic toiletries, which Kira was grateful for. It was like Baba Razz had already prepared everything she would need before she even arrived."I wonder what he is," Kira whispered to herself as she set her belongings down, getting ready to shower.After a few minutes, she was done. She reached for her towel where she hung it, cleaned her body, wore her fresh clothes, and then hung the towel back; her sponge already hung too.As she stepped out of the bathroom, a delicious, savory aroma filled her nostrils. She could perceive the scent of roasted meat, simmering spices and freshly baked bread.The scent was unmistakably inviting, and her stomach rumbled softly in response to
Kira watched as Baba Razz left the room, heading into his bedroom. She remained standing as she waited for him while wondering what he was up to. Seconds passed, then minutes. She was about to go check if he was okay since he was taking too long, but then he came out carrying a medium-sized foam—just big enough to fit the not-too-big space of his cabin's living room."Help me move those carved chairs and the table," he said to her, the foam balanced in his arms.Kira showed no hesitation and moved the chairs and the table against the wall, allowing enough space in the center of the room.Once the space was clear, Baba Razz placed the foam on the floor with a small grunt. He pressed down afterward on it slightly, wanting to make sure it was settled properly and comfortable enough.Quietly, after he was done, he turned and walked back into his bedroom, and just as soon as he went in, he came back out with a pillow tucked under one arm and a blanket draped over the other. "Here," he s
Footsteps."Good morning, Baba Razz," Kira greeted from where she stood in the kitchen when she heard him walk into the living room."Good morning, Kira. Hope you had a good rest," he replied as he sat down on his chair."I did, thank you and you?" She asked, while she moved around the kitchen, doing goddess knows what."Same. My night was good; thank you, and what are you doing?" Baba Razz inquired, although he was already aware of what she was doing, but still."Heating up yesterday's leftovers for breakfast," She answered. "That is okay, right? Come and sit; breakfast is served.""You didn't even give me a chance to answer if it's okay or not," Baba Razz muttered as he got up and went to the dining table, taking his seat."Okay... I will just have yours then," Kira said and reached out to take his bowl, but he stopped her, giving her a look that said, "Clearly, I'm just joking."Scoffing, Kira took her seat. "I thought you weren't hungry," she said. "I could have just added that t
Kira stared at Baba Razz dumbfounded. She decided to wait a bit, thinking, "Maybe that's not the end." But when he didn't continue and stared back at her, she sat up straight and asked. "Don't tell me… that's the end?""Yes. The end," Baba Razz answered casually. "Do you mind getting me another glass of water?" He added."I do… very much mind," Kira responded, her eyes still wide from how dumbfounded she was. "You are not getting any water with that ending of yours. Lilith could not have possibly died like that.""Well, she did. She died. Just like that," he said, knowing fully well it didn't sit well with her. "I said I would try to make it a happy ending, but we don't always get what we want now, do we?""I guess we don't," Kira answered after some minutes of letting his words sink in, his words reminding her of her own situation. "But still, if there is a chance for a happy ending, we should take it.""We should," Baba Razz agreed. "Now, do I get that glass of water?" He asked aga
Once again, the silence fell heavily on them after Lucinda was done talking, and Kira closed her eyes for a little moment, taking in a deep breath and letting it all out.Her chest rose and fell slowly as she absorbed everything, right from the pain she saw in Lucinda's eyes, the loss, her bloodline, and everything else. She didn't rush to speak. Instead, she let the silence stretch a few more seconds as she grounded herself and also wanted to find a way to reason with Lucinda.After the few seconds passed, she opened her eyes, her gaze locked onto Lucinda's, who was currently watching her with a blank expression. As for Kira, her eyes had no anger, just calm, and a deep, aching empathy.She couldn't lie, she understood why Lucinda was doing what she was doing, but for Bryan and Aiden to suffer for it also didn't seem fair to them."I am truly sorry that you both had to go through all this," she started, her voice warm and gentle. "I know my words aren't enough to heal you from that
Kira's face, which initially had the expression that she had guessed right, twisted to shock and from shock to visible confusion, her brows drawing together and her eyes darting over Lucinda's form as though she was trying to put the pieces together.There was a long stretch of silence between them, which Kira broke as she asked a question slowly and unsure. "I don't understand. Her twin sister?""Yes," Lucinda answered simply, watching Kira's confused state.Kira gave a short, humorless smile, not one out of amusement, but the one that was more like one of those reactions when something becomes too complicated to make sense."Even though you are her twin sister," she said. "I still do not understand how you are here. What exactly is going on? And why are you here?""I know that you know the answer to that question, and what you are thinking is right," Lucinda confirmed. "This is my revenge for my sister."For a good three minutes, Kira didn't say anything and just stared. Then she
At the first light of dawn, Kira's eyes opened, and she got up from her bed.The night before, after leaving the living room, she had headed upstairs, but then remembered she had to go get her weapons, and so, she made a quiet detour and went out to go see her horse."Hey," she whispered as she brushed her hand along his mane, smiling gently while looking at him.Kai responded with a low grunt and nudged her shoulder, happy to see his rider.Tied to his saddle, was a dark leather roll—her weapons pack.A warhorse like Kai didn't just carry a rider; he was also trained to carry a small arsenal for her, and Kira was genuinely grateful that no one had touched her stuff, as she rubbed Kai's mane for a little longer before taking what she needed.The leather roll was fastened to the side of his saddle, just behind the stirrup. It contained her bag of knives, her quiver of arrows, and her sword.Kira unhooked them carefully, one by one, checking each with her hands in the dim, stable light.
Kira folded the small paper and slipped it into her trouser pocket before she took one last glance around the marketplace, which was now busy again.Everything and Everyone had returned to normal, and with nothing much to do there, she walked, leaving the place.The boutique door swung open, the chime sounding above as she stepped inside, her eyes looking for Elara, who she finally saw near a display of long coats, holding up a deep burgundy one and checking herself in the mirror."There you are!" Elara called when she turned at the sound of the door and saw that it was Kira. "I almost went looking for you," she said, half laughing and half worried.Kira smiled and walked toward her, leaning in as she gently pecked Elara's cheek, a soft, affectionate gesture."I'm sorry, Mum," she said sweetly, brushing Elara's arm. "I'll explain everything later. Promise.""That's alright," Elara nodded, although she was clearly curious. "As long as you're okay.""I am," Kira assured her. "Now let's
The first boutique Elara and Kira had gone to was a cozy one in a quiet spot tucked between two larger stores. It was the kind that smelled of fresh clothes, freshly printed tags and soft perfumes. It wasn't too big, but it was a lovely place to shop in.Elara was currently admiring a dress she had found, twirling in front of a mirror, while Kira, who had gotten most of what she wanted from the boutique, carefully folded the items into their shopping bags.As they rounded up, they made their way to the door, their hands full of what they had bought. Taking a deep breath, Kira let the outside air clear her head—the gentle breeze needed.She was about to close the boutique door behind her when something, or rather someone, caught her eye.She noticed that it didn't sit right with her and that someone was watching them, but she didn't let it show and pretended to know.She remained calm, not bothered, and was simply observant of the person watching them as she dropped the bags into the
Kira, who was already done with her meal and was taking the last bite, paused, her expression shifting."He's dead," she said, setting her fork down."But how?" Aiden inquired. "He was old but didn't seem like someone who could be easily killed.""Well, he was killed. Easily," Kira chuckled sadly and then went on to tell them everything from when she first met Baba Razz to how he died, how he was nice to her, and his role in her meeting the elves."I felt strangely comfortable around him," she admitted. "I'm not sure how to explain it, but I don't know. His death was painful, and I did blame myself, but I knew he wouldn't want me to do that, so… yeah.""I'm sorry," Aiden muttered as he and Bryan leaned in on each side and pressed a gentle kiss to the side of her head."May his soul rest in peace," Elara added quietly. "And I'm sure he will be very proud of who you are today."Blowing Elara a kiss, Kira agreed and decided to change the topic, not wanting their happy moments to be sour.
Stepping out of the room after getting dressed, Kira felt very comfortable in the oversized clothes Bryan had given her.She had also noticed the difference in the clothes—how the shirt smelled like Bryan, while the shorts were definitely Aiden's.She wondered if they had debated over if she would wear Bryan's clothes or Aiden's before coming to the conclusion of mixing them and giving it to her.The thought was so funny that she couldn't help but giggle as she made her way down the stairs, her hair packed in a messy bun."Sorry for keeping you all waiting," she said when she walked into the dining room, everyone already in their seats waiting for her."Oh, nonsense, sweetheart," Elara said, waving for her to join them. "It's completely fine.""Yeah, it's not like we were starving or anything," Aiden added with a smile.Bryan gave him a look and just smiled while shaking his head before turning back to Kira. "Come on, sit. Quit acting like a stranger.""I am not acting like a stranger
Kira, Bryan, and Aiden walked through the pack lands, accessing the pack to ensure that everyone was safe and everything was still intact or not too bad. It had been years since she had set foot around the pack, and as they moved, they could hear the whispers from the pack members. Elders, warriors, and even children stared at her in surprise before approaching."Luna Kira, child, how have you been?" An elderly woman with gray hair that was braided neatly asked, placing a gentle hand on Kira's arm. "It is so good to see you again.""I'm very well, thank you," Kira answered while smiling, her tone soft and warm. "And how about you? How have you been holding up? Are you okay?""Yes. Yes," the woman answered, smiling back at Kira as she patted Kira's arm. "And we thank Goddess for you coming today. Everyone has heard of how you helped. We are truly grateful, Luna.""Oh, please, you don't have to thank me. It is my duty as Luna," Kira said sincerely and rubbed the old woman's hand. "Take
As the elves disappeared into the portal, Kira turned to face Bryan, Aiden, and Ryker, giving them a small smile. She was going to miss El'fiannor, Lythari, the friends she had made, the trees, every single thing, but she was also happy to be back home."So...this is Kai, my horse," she announced as if she was introducing an old friend. "Say hi," she urged them."Oh yes, hi," Bryan said quickly, laughing softly right after. "Hi Kai, very fitting name," Aiden added, laughing as well. "You suit... your rider too."Ryker, however, eyed the horse, thinking about something. "Well, he will need a proper home," he said. "I'll take him to his new place. There's a building we can turn into a stable for him.""That sounds perfect," Kira accepted and extended the reins to Ryker, who took them with ease before leading the horse away.Watching as Ryker left, Aiden turned back to Kira with a warm, eager expression. "Come on," he said, "I'm sure Mum and Dad would be very happy to see you.""As w