Lucian, Eliza, and my father were all kept in the same cells I’d been trapped in. We were taking better care of them, as they each had someone who cared about them. I avoided Eliza, unsure about how to speak to her. Overwhelming feelings of betrayal and anger clouded my thoughts whenever I thought of her. It would take me a while to work through my them, and I didn’t want to say something I’d regret. Lucian welcomed my company, praising my efforts for peace. He was hopeful and content with his sentencing, excited to be released into a different world.
I stuck around to be certain my father got the end he deserved. There was no desire to watch, but I needed to be sure he was gone for good. I loved my brother, but I couldn’t trust he’d carry it out. Jackson loved my father and recognized good in him I was convinced didn’t exist. Unfortunately, that put me in an awkward position. I knew what this would be costing both Jackson and his mother. In this regard, I would be a villain. I’d been the one to suggest injection, and I knew Jackson would never forget it.
Eli insisted on watching. He knew it wouldn’t bring Gabby back, but it felt like justice. Jackson’s mother had been called and she preferred we do it while she was away, not wanting to have to watch. I understood that. If Gabby had died away from me, maybe I’d have escaped the nightmares. Jackson joined Eli, the two of them having very different experiences. When Eli came out, I gave Jackson some distance. He deserved to be alone with him for a while.
I only entered the room for a moment. I listened for a heartbeat and heard nothing from him. Jackson sobbed quietly next to the body. My eyes focused on my father’s body, an unfamiliar feeling swirling around inside me. I wasn’t sad to be rid of him, but I was sad for all I lost. Once upon a time, I'd loved and looked up to him. That part would always be with me, but the rest I was letting go. With a heavy sigh, I released the anger I had. He was gone.
✽✽✽
My fingers traced over the leather of the chair I was in. The room was filled with the scent of an apple cinnamon candle. My stomach was in knots as I heard the door opening. I’d been waiting in Jackson’s office for him before we left. I’d avoided him for the few days after my father’s execution, but I couldn’t leave without a goodbye.
The door closed heavily, the thud echoing in the air. He gazed at me; his expression guarded. Maybe I was hoping he would speak first because I realized too late, I didn’t have a plan. His eyes turned to the books along the wall as he sighed.
“You don’t owe me an apology, Selene.”
I frowned at him ready to shoot back that I was aware I didn’t, but I stopped. I felt immensely guilty for what happened. Why else would I be here if not to apologize? I hesitated, the silence unbearable. He sat on his couch, waiting for me to speak. “I feel like I should.”
“I know the feeling, but it doesn’t matter now. He’s gone and everything is over with.”
I leaned forward in the chair, “Are you okay?”
“You know the answer to that.”
I ignored the anger behind his words, rewording my question. “Will you be okay?”
“His death happened for a reason. I understand it and know it had to be like this. I will get through this death. I just wish I wasn’t losing everyone else in the process.”
“You aren’t losing any of us. This time won’t be like last time, I promise. We’ll call and visit and stay in touch as often as possible. When our land is finished, you can even come and stay for a bit.”
A small smile appeared on his face as he nodded, “I’d really like that.”
CHAPTER 46
Sebastian and I took a small crew with Eli to the island to create the sire bond. I wasn’t stoked to bite them all, but it had been my plan, so I didn’t complain. Even though it was disgusting. My teeth were sore by the end of it, and I was glad when I was able to be done. My command was through our connection, making sure it stuck in each of their minds. We tested it with a simple command from me, followed by one from Eli. Seeing them listen to him made me happy. He would live a life like the one he’d been meant to with Gabby. He’d be in charge; and I knew he’d be a wonderful leader. We left him there to organize while the rest of the lycans packed up and prepared to leave.
✽✽✽
I found my way to the Moon Pool; sad I wouldn’t get to spend more time here. It felt like everything I wanted was always within my reach when it got taken away. I was sick of feeling this way. For once, I wanted to hold onto something good and get to keep it.
“Figured I might find you out here.” I sighed. Here I was, wallowing in self-pity about how I never got anything good, and what should happen? My mate walks in, reminding me how wrong I am.
I smiled at him, the realization enough to lift my spirits a little. “I might never see this place again.” I teared up a little at the thought. I’d fallen for him on this island. Everything felt wonderful and right here.
“You will. The wendigos aren’t immortal. Eventually the ones with wolfsbane will die out and we will return.” He stopped in front of me. “This break will be good for us, I think. It was a genius idea.”
“I’m just sad.”
He nodded in agreement, then pulled me to sit down next to him. “Are you okay with what happened to your father?”
I shrugged, numb to the idea already. “I’m not sad about it, anymore. I didn’t trust him alive. He was capable of too much.” An idea came to me. “Would you have voted against it?”
His eyes sparkled, a slight smile on his face. “You know me well. I wanted to keep you from going through what I did with my father.”
I ran a finger over his cheek, his beard tickling my skin. “He had to be stopped; I understand that.”
He had an arm around my waist, and I leaned against his shoulder. We sat there in silence, water brushing over our feet. He was my good thing, my new beginning. All the losses didn’t matter because it brought me to him. I felt like I could be happy again, but Gabby still lingered in my mind. If I continued to see her in my dreams, would I ever move on? Could I move forward even if she left my dreams?
The pool glowed brighter like in my dreams, appearing as if a light was shining from the bottom. “What the-?” Sebastian cut off as something came through the top. She was beautiful and cloaked in light, gliding to where we sat.
My mouth dropped open in awe. I knew if I reached out to touch her, my hand would connect with nothing. “My children.” Her voice was like music, her smile like the sun. This was the moon goddess. “You’ve both endured more than you should have, and for that I am sorry. I never anticipated what either of your fathers would turn into. They grew out of my control.” Her hand moved to my face, and I felt warmth spreading along my cheek.
“Why are you here?” Sebastian’s voice was filled with awe, gazing at the goddess, mesmerized.
Her smile never went away. “I’m here to give Selene the gift I promised her.” She moved to reveal my sister, and I froze in disbelief. She couldn’t really be giving her back. “You’ve done well, child. I thought you deserved some help moving forward.”
Help? I couldn’t think straight as Gabby came over, becoming less see-through the closer she got. She was real, and she was here. I pinched myself to test if this was a dream or not. “Why? How?”
The goddess raised an eyebrow, “I think you’ll figure out why.” She glanced back at Sebastian, “You two couldn’t be more perfect for each other. You’ve nothing but love in your future, enjoy it.” With those last words, she disappeared, leaving Gabby.
I didn’t waste any time sweeping her up into a hug, tears spilling out. “Did you know this would happen?”
She hugged me back, then pulled away to look at me, tears on her face. “No, she just told me I was going to be helping you.” Gabby turned to Sebastian. “Hi.”
He smiled at her, “Hi, I’m Sebastian.”
A noise of surprise came out of his mouth as she reached over and pulled him into a hug. “I feel like I already know you!” Sebastian glanced at me, questio
ning her words.
I shrugged, “I see her in my dreams. We talk about things.”
I was drunk with happiness as we sat by the Moon Pool catching up. The day passed quickly as the 3 of us talked and laughed. It all felt right again. I had the two people I needed most in this world.
✽✽✽
“She isn’t coming back with us.” I realized, walking to the ship with Sebastian. We’d spent more than a week on the island, and everything had gone beautifully. It had restored hope in my mind. This new chapter of my life was exciting to think about. I’d been nearly inseparable from Gabby, basking in the time I had with her. She’d been reunited with Eli her first night back. I’d given them some distance until she came looking for me, and everything returned to how it had been 10 years ago.
“What do you mean?” He pulled me from my thoughts gently.
“She was always meant to help me. That’s why she came back, but she’s supposed to stay here with Eli. Half wolf and lycan, she’s the best person to lead the wendigos. Gabby was always meant to be alpha.”
“Why give her back at all if you aren’t even meant to be with her?” Our people were loading up the ship, ready to return to the mainland for their fresh start. The air was alive with excitement. I shared it with them. I would get a fresh start, too.
I shook my head at him. “I didn’t get her back until her purpose had been created. No one ever told me what she was supposed to help with. It’s no coincidence she came back after we helped the wendigos. Besides, she mentioned her life is tied to Eli’s. They’re meant to be together.”
“I get what she’s helping with, but I don’t understand it being a gift. You’ve never healed from her death, Selene. It’s a gift to give her up after she’s been returned to you?”
I hesitated, having never admitted it aloud. “I never would’ve healed from her death. I’d never have allowed myself to be happy with you. I didn’t fail her if she’s here and alive with Eli. My life is no longer consumed with her loss.”
“That still doesn’t sound like a very good gift to me.”
As the last of our people were boarding the ships, Eli and Gabby came over to us. She smiled sadly at me, and I nodded to let her know that I knew and understood.
Sebastian shook Eli’s hand. “Take good care of my island, okay?”
Eli nodded, “As long as you take care of Selene.”
“You know I will.”
Gabby lunged at him for a hug. “I’m glad I got to meet you.”
“Me too. I feel like I can finally understand a piece of Selene I’d been missing.”
She giggled, “Duh, I’m her twin. I complete her.”
He laughed, too, not disagreeing. He turned to me. “I’ll let you say goodbye.” He walked toward the ship to give us some space.
I didn’t try to fight the tears. I’d only gotten her back for a brief time, but it was enough. I smiled, my hand brushing some of her hair away. “Stay safe, okay? I need you alive.”
Her eyes mirrored mine, nodding at me. “I promise I’ll visit.”
I pulled her in for a hug, body shaking as I cried. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. You did good, Selene. I’m really proud of you. Go enjoy your life.”
When I found the strength to pull away from her, I smiled at Eli. He nodded at me, vowing silently to keep her safe. Our hands stayed connected until the distance was too great. I couldn’t help the gasp when we separated. This was it. I looked behind me at Sebastian, waiting for me to board the boat. With a deep breath, I left her behind and walked toward him.
I’d never been able to put her memory behind me, but here I was physically walking away. Every step was heavy. There was a time I’d have done anything to have her back with me. It had felt like I couldn’t live without her and would die at the loss. She was my favorite person in the entire world, but she was no longer the one I needed.
The goddess had given Gabby as a gift. She was meant to help me, but not in the way any of us had thought. It was a gift because she no longer loomed over me. Gabby had been a black cloud of misfortune and failure that had followed me everywhere. I was glad to have her back and didn’t love her any less, but I was free now. I looked up at Sebastian.
Sebastian was my future and would be forever. Gabby was my sister, and I’d never truly lose her. He was who I needed now. This was the life I’d been born to have. I had people I loved, and a mate who made me happier than I ever thought I could be. I took his hand in mine when I reached him, ready to begin our life.
About The Author
Angelina Kanan
Angelina Kanan is a young college student who’s always had a love for art. From singing and acting to cooking and knitting, she’s constantly looking for fresh ways to be inspired. It made sense when she finally returned to writing and began working on Fantasy Romance. After growing up reading and creating, she found the perfect way to express herself.
If you'd like to stay up to date on more books, visit her website at angelinakanan.com
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