Ch. 346..350: The Rogue is a Female Alpha chapter 346-350

Back Where 346

She had said I should bring him home, and I did. The ashes of my father rode with me in the urn when I returned to my kingdom.

At the royal stable I alighted, then went straight to the catacombs. Many tombs lined the hall; my father’s niche was empty.

Lycans bury their dead, we do not burn them, but I wanted him to suffer. That was why I have lit the torch, watched his body burn to ash, and placed the urn where he never belonged.

But tonight I brought him back him. I placed the urn now in his tomb where he truly belongs and closed the tomb gently, stood there a long moment, then turned and walked away.

Strangely, a weight lifted off me after that. Still, I knew more awaited me tonight.

On my way to the dining hall I opened the letter Jurrek Bane had given me. I read, and my steps faltered. It was correspondence between Varyn Ashmere and Kaela Yadev.

Varyn asked a favor, repayment for being sold to Blackwater five years ago. The price he requested was a potion that would end a pregnancy without killing the mother.

Kaela’s reply sent a chill through me. She said she had a crooked healer who could make such a potion, and she would send it through Kostyra, Zephyrine’s aunt.

I stood very still. Kaela Yadev, again.

I continued, quieter now, and stopped short. My brother sat alone in the dining hall, his fixed on the

empty table.

eyes

Hades had always had many lovers back in the realm; he never stayed with one woman. There is a harem in his home. But now, for the first time he fell for one woman but death is too cruel.

I hadn’t seen him sad most of the time. He has the ability to mask his emotions through jest and jokes but this time, he looked hollowed out by loss.

I walk to sit across him in the dinning table and silence stretched between us until He spoke after a long, stunned breath.

“I still can’t believe she’s truly gone, Apex. She was with us that night.” His voice broke. “We sat together with Zephyrine; she poured the drink, we ate, we talked, and I held Young Black. For a few hours it felt like the realm hadn’t fallen. We had a sliver of happiness, and then she was

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gone. Worse… she died not knowing about our pup growing inside her. I can’t…”

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I reached for his hand before he could fall apart and squeezed. His fingers were cold; he bowed his head but I held on and Slowly, he steadied.

“I can’t take her out of this kingdom. She died here as my woman. Young Black is my son. I will adopt him and give him everything a father should.”

I met his eyes.

“Your wish is my heart’s desire, Brother Hades. She will have a fitting burial, one befitting royalty. She was a good woman; I regret not paying her more attention. When our kingdom is afflicted by famine, she was a light in the dark. Young Black will grow up with both the realm and here as his homes. No one will take that from him.”

Those words steadied him more. He set his jaw and sigh shakily.

“I must avenge her death, Apex. I know you won’t want to shed the war–strategist’s blood because he is an Ashmere, but I do not care. I will…‘

“Zephyrine will take care of him,” I said gently. “You know how fierce she is; trust her with the mission.” I passed him the letter I’d read. “Instead, we should go after the one who truly tormented your woman. Kaela Yadev. She killed your woman’s mother, shattered her pack, and tormented her life until the end.”

Hades read the letters, then looked up slowly.

“Isn’t she the daughter of Uncle Dareth’s mistress, the woman who came here to claim royal names?”

“Yes,” I nodded.

He exhaled, cold and slow.

“Death is too merciful. Let her live in regret.” ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ FindN()vel.net

“Slaughter everyone dear to her and leave her?” I offered.

“More like it,” he said. “Let her carry ailments and remorse forever. Isolation. Let regret be her company.”

We shared a look and the silence agreed.

“Mearez will know what can be used,” I said. “She’s a healer, if anyone can devise it…”

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“She will. He answered, and passed the letter across to me. “And tonight, Salo and his daughter.”

Hades‘ voice dropped. “Those two … I will slaughter them myself.”

I glanced into the shadows where Chantel watched. I nodded once.

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“Salo and his daughter aren’t in Ash Pack,” I told my brother. “I can’t sense them here. They’re somewhere else in the empire.”

Hades‘ jaw tightened.

“Then bring them here.”

“We will.” I said, and turned my head to Chantel with an order. “Follow their scent and energy. Drag them here tonight.”

Chantel bowed, unreadable. The plan settled like iron between us. Tonight scores will be settled.

Back Where 347

We hadn’t left the dining hall after our agreement with my sisters when heavy footsteps thundered in. A man was shoved inside and dropped to his knees.

“You won’t treat my father like that!” Kiara cried as she burst through the doorway, her voice raw and trembling. Behind her, my ever–dutiful bodyguard followed, ignoring every command from Kiara to stop.

Kiara lunged to help her father but froze when she saw us seated at the table. Her face drained of color. She staggered back and tried to flee, only to collide with Chantel, who had quietly blocked her path. She fell hard, scraping her elbow.

“You won’t treat me like this, you wicked people!” she spat, and the word made my skin crawl. Wicked. How hollow it sounded coming from her lips. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn Find[ɴ]ovel.net

She scrambled to her feet, trapped beneath the weight of the room’s gaze.

Then the doorway opened, and my father appeared, steady despite his failing body.

Instantly, the hall fell silent. My sisters and I rose as one. None of us had summoned him, yet he had felt Salo’s presence and forced himself from bed to witness it.

When Salo saw him, he erupted.

“I wasn’t the only one at fault! Call out that traitor Dareth, he sold the realm’s secrets to the wolves! He’s the reason they came!”

At the name Dareth, we all exchanged glances. I motioned for a guard, who soon returned with Uncle Dareth, Aunt Eiryn, and their three children. The hall stiffened.

“What is this?” Dareth demanded, eyes darting away, guilt flickering across his face.

1 stepped forward to offer my father a chair. He refused at first, then took my hand and sank into it with a heavy sigh. Even though I no longer sees the time of death, I know my father is fading and It would only be a matter of hours now.

“You betrayed us, Dareth!” Salo hissed from his knees. “You told that Ashmere that Apex is a full–blooded demon, that his true home lies in the realm! You did it because he denied you inheritance!”

“Lies,” Dareth shot back, voice sharp. “When Varyn sent a letter to the demon king, who

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intercepted it and sent the reply? You did. You told him the Lycan portal was sealed and showed him where to strike. You plotted our downfall and now accuse me?”

“You stood to gain!” Kiara snapped. “You were promised the Lycan throne n return for betraying our secrets. You’d sell your nephew’s birthright for a crown you’d never truly hold.”

“And you are the one to talk. You,” Dareth spat, eyes flashing, “wanted the realm destroyed because Hades refused to marry you. You’d rather watch everything burn than be denied.”

By then, no further proof was needed. The guilty had exposed themselves with every word. Judgment would come.

My father’s hand tightened around mine. I sank to one knee before him and heard his fading whisper.

“You and your brother have heard enough. I leave judgment to you. Afterward… come to me. We will speak before my farewell.”

With that, he rose, and my mother led him away, leaving Salo and Kiara at our mercy, and Dareth standing still, unflinching in false pride.

That night, I watched my brother and sisters. We already knew what had to be done. Mearez, the healer, the gentle one, had agreed to take on darker work this once, to undo what the traitors had brought upon us. Her face was quiet, resolute. She understood the cost.

Kiara begged for mercy, words tumbling like water, apologies, promises, prayers.

The same woman who had once called me wicked, who accused me of killing my own mother, now clutched at my knees. I turned away. Mercy for her would be mercy wasted.

By dawn, two deaths were recorded. Traitors, that was how history would remember them. Salo and his daughter were stoned by surviving demons until life left their bodies. As for Uncle Dareth, he was exiled from the Lycan kingdom, but not sent away empty–handed.

We know he have no place to go except to the Blackbridge Pack, to the woman who had used him to gain gold bars and information. And he carried with him a contagion Mearez created, a slow, personal plague that would eat at him. It would spread, but not to the innocent. It would simply destroy him, piece by piece and those we wanted, until nothing remained.

After that night, I waited, for the one woman who still held my heart. For Zephyrine. Because peace had come at too high a price, and its cost still weighed heavy on my soul.

Back Where 348

When night descended, I was in my bedchamber, getting ready. Sitting before the mirror, I didn’t wait for any ceremony.

I dressed quickly because I knew Varyn had already left after the words I’d said to him earlier. It didn’t bother me. He should know hell was coming, and if he wasn’t careful, he’d burn in the crossfire.

I pulled my hair into a tight ponytail, laced up my war boots, and fastened the bracers on my forearms before reaching for my sword.

“Come with me,” I told Blue. She obeyed at once, half walking, half running to match my pace.

We were almost out of the hall when Deasyn suddenly appeared, blocking my way. I stopped before her. Content originally comes from Find★Novel.net

The way she looked at me, it was as if she no longer recognized me. But the feeling was mutual. I didn’t recognize her anymore either.

“Zephyr…” she began, but I had no time for words.

It was simple. She chose her man, I chose mine. Whether they were right or wrong no longer mattered, we were too deeply in love to see reason.

Outside, I found Jurrek Bane waiting. But he wasn’t the only one. The people of Ash Pack had begun to notice the cracks.

They had heard the declarations earlier that day. They had seen Lycannar’s wings, and they knew now that while he might be the Lycan King, there was more to him than their eyes

could grasp.

“Stay with Jurrek until I return,” I said to Blue, my tone leaving no room for argument. She bowed, her eyes full of worry. I turned to Jurrek, who gave a firm nod.

“I will keep her safe until you return, Zephyr,” he promised.

I turned to leave, but he caught my wrist, searching my eyes one last time. “Please… be careful.”

A lump rose in my throat, but I said nothing. I gripped my sword tighter and went to Le Fey, my spirit guard, ever ready and waiting.

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I mounted him quickly, and the cry that tore from his throat before we soared into the sky was a glorious, haunting sound.

We flew straight toward the Wolf Fortress, heart steady, mind resolved. No hesitation. No doubt. I wanted to end their armies, to give every creature reason to tremble at the name Apex.

I wanted regret to be their first thought whenever they dared to raise a sword against anything tied to Lycannar, or to demons.

As the fortress came into view, I saw the torches and the waiting legions. Arrows were drawn the moment they spotted me. Varyn, who had gone ahead, clearly had one purpose, to see Le Fey destroyed.

But he should have known better. Le Fey wasn’t some mortal beast. He was a spirit guard, a gift of life from the Moon Goddess herself, bound to serve me all my days as Alpha. No mere arrow could pierce his scales.

I lunged downward, and as their rain of arrows filled the sky. I answered with a storm of fire. The wails that followed were deafening, but I didn’t stop.

I urged Le Fey toward the next wave of soldiers and unleashed another breath of flame, scorching, devouring. Some died instantly; the rest would never heal.

We crossed over the walls of the fabled Wolf Fortress, the one said to be impenetrable. Not to

me.

I landed hard, my boots hitting the ground just as I drew my sword, slashing through any man who dared stand before me.

I made for the council chambers. My steps faltered when I passed a half–open door. I paused, exhaled, then pushed it open.

And there they were, the last two council members. Lady Sylvara and Lord Eryndor. Hiding. Foolishly believing the council room would be their safest place.

I advanced, my sword leaving a trail of blood behind. Before I could reach them, Lord Eryndor spoke, fear cracking his voice.

“What do you want from us, Zephyr? Gold?”

“My mate is wealthy,” I replied coldly, not slowing down.

“Fine! We’ll release your pack from the council’s hold and…”

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The rest of his words died as my blade cut through his throat. His eyes widened in disbelief, and then he fell, lifeless.

“I don’t need any pack released from council control,” I murmured, turning toward Lady Sylvara. “I’m going to be the Lycan Queen. I don’t need the pack anymore.”

I stepped closer, and she backed away, trembling.

“Maybe we were right all along,” she hissed bitterly. “The Ashmeres are too dangerous. We should’ve annihilated every last one of you when we had the chance.”

I nodded once.

“You should have.”

Then I ended her too. Her body fell with a dull thud, and for a fleeting moment, a rush of grim satisfaction filled me.

But then it hit me, a flicker of weakness. My heart lurched, and my gaze fell to my hands. The tremor came again, sharp, cold.

No… My Alpha strength.

I rushed outside, dizzy, my strength fading. Le Fey had done his part, the armies were gone, the fortress burning. Yet there was still no sign of Varyn.

1 staggered toward Le Fey, forcing my limbs to move. But just as I mount him, a blade flashed out of nowhere, aimed straight at me. My vision swam. I tried to command Le Fey to fly, but what came next stole the air from my lungs.

Le Fey’s body began to wither before my eyes. The sword came for my chest, and I barely saw it, until someone shoved me aside.

The strike landed.

I hit the ground hard, gasping, my eyes fixed on my fading spirit guard, and on the figure who

had taken the blow meant for me.

Moon.

My gods.

Back Where 349

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When night descended, I was in my bedchamber, getting ready. Sitting before the mirror, I didn’t wait for any ceremony.

I dressed quickly because I knew Varyn had already left after the words I’d said to him earlier. It didn’t bother me. He should know hell was coming, and if he wasn’t careful, he’d burn in the crossfire.

I pulled my hair into a tight ponytail, laced up my war boots, and fastened the bracers on my forearms before reaching for my sword.

“Come with me,” I told Blue. She obeyed at once, half walking, half running to match my pace.

We were almost out of the hall when Deasyn suddenly appeared, blocking my way. I stopped before her. Content originally comes from Find★Novel.net

The way she looked at me, it was as if she no longer recognized me. But the feeling was mutual. I didn’t recognize her anymore either.

“Zephyr…” she began, but I had no time for words.

It was simple. She chose her man, I chose mine. Whether they were right or wrong no longer mattered, we were too deeply in love to see reason.

Outside, I found Jurrek Bane waiting. But he wasn’t the only one. The people of Ash Pack had begun to notice the cracks.

They had heard the declarations earlier that day. They had seen Lycannar’s wings, and they knew now that while he might be the Lycan King, there was more to him than their eyes

could grasp.

“Stay with Jurrek until I return,” I said to Blue, my tone leaving no room for argument. She bowed, her eyes full of worry. I turned to Jurrek, who gave a firm nod.

“I will keep her safe until you return, Zephyr,” he promised.

I turned to leave, but he caught my wrist, searching my eyes one last time. “Please… be careful.”

A lump rose in my throat, but I said nothing. I gripped my sword tighter and went to Le Fey, my spirit guard, ever ready and waiting.

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I mounted him quickly, and the cry that tore from his throat before we soared into the sky was a glorious, haunting sound.

We flew straight toward the Wolf Fortress, heart steady, mind resolved. No hesitation. No doubt. I wanted to end their armies, to give every creature reason to tremble at the name Apex.

I wanted regret to be their first thought whenever they dared to raise a sword against anything tied to Lycannar, or to demons.

As the fortress came into view, I saw the torches and the waiting legions. Arrows were drawn the moment they spotted me. Varyn, who had gone ahead, clearly had one purpose, to see Le Fey destroyed.

But he should have known better. Le Fey wasn’t some mortal beast. He was a spirit guard, a gift of life from the Moon Goddess herself, bound to serve me all my days as Alpha. No mere arrow could pierce his scales.

I lunged downward, and as their rain of arrows filled the sky. I answered with a storm of fire. The wails that followed were deafening, but I didn’t stop.

I urged Le Fey toward the next wave of soldiers and unleashed another breath of flame, scorching, devouring. Some died instantly; the rest would never heal.

We crossed over the walls of the fabled Wolf Fortress, the one said to be impenetrable. Not to

me.

I landed hard, my boots hitting the ground just as I drew my sword, slashing through any man who dared stand before me.

I made for the council chambers. My steps faltered when I passed a half–open door. I paused, exhaled, then pushed it open.

And there they were, the last two council members. Lady Sylvara and Lord Eryndor. Hiding. Foolishly believing the council room would be their safest place.

I advanced, my sword leaving a trail of blood behind. Before I could reach them, Lord Eryndor spoke, fear cracking his voice.

“What do you want from us, Zephyr? Gold?”

“My mate is wealthy,” I replied coldly, not slowing down.

“Fine! We’ll release your pack from the council’s hold and…”

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The rest of his words died as my blade cut through his throat. His eyes widened in disbelief, and then he fell, lifeless.

“I don’t need any pack released from council control,” I murmured, turning toward Lady Sylvara. “I’m going to be the Lycan Queen. I don’t need the pack anymore.”

I stepped closer, and she backed away, trembling.

“Maybe we were right all along,” she hissed bitterly. “The Ashmeres are too dangerous. We should’ve annihilated every last one of you when we had the chance.”

I nodded once.

“You should have.”

Then I ended her too. Her body fell with a dull thud, and for a fleeting moment, a rush of grim satisfaction filled me.

But then it hit me, a flicker of weakness. My heart lurched, and my gaze fell to my hands. The tremor came again, sharp, cold.

No… My Alpha strength.

I rushed outside, dizzy, my strength fading. Le Fey had done his part, the armies were gone, the fortress burning. Yet there was still no sign of Varyn.

1 staggered toward Le Fey, forcing my limbs to move. But just as I mount him, a blade flashed out of nowhere, aimed straight at me. My vision swam. I tried to command Le Fey to fly, but what came next stole the air from my lungs.

Le Fey’s body began to wither before my eyes. The sword came for my chest, and I barely saw it, until someone shoved me aside.

The strike landed.

I hit the ground hard, gasping, my eyes fixed on my fading spirit guard, and on the figure who

had taken the blow meant for me.

Moon.

My gods.

Back Where 349

My breath hitched, my heart bled, and my strength waned. I felt the most excruciating pain as Le Fey’s eyes blinked one final time, his great wing curling around me to lift me to my feet before fading into nothingness, into the thin air.

And when he was gone, words could not describe the loneliness that followed, nor the dread that gripped me as I turned to see who had saved my life.

Slowly, I heard the sound of gagging. Varyn’s sword was buried deep in his heart. I fell to my knees beside him, trembling, gathering his head onto my lap with shaking hands.

“Oh gods…” I murmured as burning tears spilled down my face. The sorrow was raw, unbearable. “Moon, please…”

I begged, but he showed no regret. His eyes told me that much. He reached toward my cheek, but before he could touch it, his strength failed him.

“I love you, Zephyr,” he breathed, his final words carving themselves into my soul. “From the moment I saw you… till now. I’ve always loved you.”

And then his body went limp in my arms. I shook, hollow and broken, tears falling until no more would come. I knelt there for what felt like hours, the silence crushing, the weight of it all settling upon me. Read full story at find⦿novel.net

At last, I found the strength to pull the sword from his chest. Rising unsteadily, I carried him to a nearby horse and mounted with him in my arms. Together, we galloped out of what remained of the Wolf Fortress.

It was nearly dawn when the horse crossed through the gates of White Pack, the place where so many memories were made, where too much love had once been shared.

I had been gone too long, and instead of returning with joy, I came bearing the body of a fallen pack member.

My arrival drew every eye as the horse halted before the Dusks‘ household. Guards rushed to take Moon’s lifeless body from me while I dismounted, my gaze hollow, my heart heavy.

The door opened, and Nathan, Deasyn’s father, Moon’s father, stepped out, his face pale, his expression frozen in disbelief.

There are few pains deeper than that of a parent losing a child. I doubted anything could break

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a heart more completely than this.

He looked at his son, then at me, eyes wide, searching. The silence that cloaked the pack was unbearable.

Footsteps followed, and I turned to see Alpha Auedric. He stared at me, as if he could not believe I was truly standing there. We had once shared so many fond memories. Now we said goodbye with nothing but silence between us.

I turned to leave, but a voice stopped me.

“When the Lycan King was born, there was a prophecy.” It was Morwen, Deasyn’s mother, the priestess. “The prophecy said a cursed child and an Ashmere cannot be together. Their union will bring chaos to the world. And by the look of things… it’s coming true.”

Her words struck hard. I had heard that prophecy once, whispered among the council members to me. Clutching my sword, I looked back at her, my heart already resolved.

“I know,” I murmured, lowering my gaze. “Goodbye.”

With that, I walked away from the pack, heading on foot toward Ash Pack. My steps were light but heavy with sorrow, numbness clinging to me like a shadow.

I stopped when I reached the entrance, my eyes falling on the very spot where Lycannar usually tood waiting for me, back when our love was still new.

It was still fresh even now. I looked up toward Deasyn’s chamber window, and memories flooded in. Her laughter, her teasing, her endless questions.

I remembered bringing Blue along, the horses, the carriages. Moon’s embrace the day I first moved here, the way he looked at me when he thought I wasn’t watching.

I still couldn’t believe he was gone.

Leaving White Pack behind, I walked the lonely path, unhurried. But soon, I sensed it. Someone following me. I stopped and turned. There he was, the man who always thought he was right, who believed vengeance could heal him. Gaxib, Blue’s older brother.

He met my gaze, steady and certain.

“I’m taking my sister away from you,” he said firmly. “She needs to learn that siding with you, and that murderous king, is wrong”

I studied his eyes and saw what was coming. I couldn’t see the future, but I knew the chaos he would bring.

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I had let Varyn live, and it had backfired, now it came in new form, through him. If I let Gaxib go, Blue would suffer. She believed her brother had died long ago, taken by seizures. Lycannar had saved him. Princess Mearez had healed him. And now he sought revenge.

I sighed softly, glancing around the lonely path. The sound of running water reached my ears, and I knew then what must be done. His body would be best left in the river, perhaps he would finally find peace after years of wandering, bitterness, and hate.

One strike was all it took. Quick, clean, he never saw it coming. I caught him as he fell, holding him close for a moment, tears burning anew.

Because once again, another death had to be added, before peace could finally reign.

 

Back Where 350

It was already morning when I arrived back home on foot, blood all over me and, trailing down between my legs.

I walked into the pack house only to lose all strength and collapse, but Jurrek was faster.

He caught me before I hit the ground. I leaned against him, the pain unbearable, and I knew the abortion potion had begun to take effect.

Jurrek carried me to my chamber, and Blue hurried off to prepare the bathwater. My beta steadied me back on my feet, and I sighed shakily, my eyes meeting his in a quiet, heavy

moment.

“Get the carriage ready, Jurrek,” I said, my voice faint. “I will leave immediately after my bath.”

He nodded and left at once. I walked into the bath chamber, sighing as the air filled with

steam.

Blue came to ease the torn clothes off me, let down my hair, and slowly guided me toward the pool. I stepped into the water, a shaky sigh escaping my lips.

Just as she was about to begin bathing me, the sound of the door opening made us both turn. I saw Varyn standing there.

My jaw tightened. I was ready for violence, but he hadn’t come for that this time. He walked slowly toward the pool, folded up his sleeves, and took the soap from Blue’s hands to wash me himself.

Blue hesitated, but then relaxed, though she kept watch. I too stayed tense until I realized, this was farewell.

Varyn bathed me. His fingers were gentle, his touch almost apologetic. By the time he finished, the bleeding had stopped.

He helped me out of the pool and stepped aside while Blue dressed me in a clean gown and new shoes. Quietly, we returned to the bedchamber. Varyn sat on the edge of the bed while I sat before the mirror one last time.

Blue dried my hair and combed it down, letting it fall freely along my back. No jewelry. No ornament. I looked at my reflection and knew, death was coming.

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Slowly, I turned to face my brother. When our eyes met, emotion surged, and I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“My spirit guard vanished, Varyn,” I murmured. “I am no longer an Alpha.”

“I saw it,” he said softly, his voice gentle.

I love at him once more to ask one question.

“After all you have done, Are you happy?”

For a while silence stretched. He looks at me and finally shakes his head. Follow current novᴇls on Fɪnd-Novel.net

“No.” Sadness was evident in his eyes, Then his eyes searched mine to ask. “Is this farewell?”

“The final,” I whispered, my heart heavy with sorrow. “The final, dear brother.”

We stared at each other in silence, thousands of words unspoken, questions of how it came to this, how we ended up like this.

The sound of footsteps broke the moment. The door opened, and Jurrek appeared in the doorway.

“The carriage is ready,” he said, and when I looked at him fully, I saw he was dressed for relocation too. “It’s a final farewell from me as well, Varyn. I’m going with Zephyr. The Lycan Kingdom is where the love of my life lives.”

Varyn swallowed hard, his face paling, but said nothing. I rose, and Blue reached for my hand, helping me up tenderly. Together, we headed out.

In the hall, I found Isolde standing there. I walked past her at first, but stopped, turned, and went back. She was crying, weeping silently for all that had broken between us.

I embraced her, the grudges withering like smoke. When I pulled back, her eyes held only sorrow and love.

“The gods be with you, Zephyrine Ashmere,” she said, calling my full name for the first time. I swallowed down the ache and walked away.

I made my way to my parents‘ memorial hall. With a heavy heart, I pushed the door open to see the moonstone vessel that held their ashes.

For the last time, I lit the candles and went down on my knees. I prayed for them in the afterlife, not asking for anything, only thanking them, wishing them peace.

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Then I rose and walked out, Jurrek and Blue by my side. Outside, the people were already gathered to see me off.

Among them stood my aunt Kostyra and her husband, Lord Yua.

Among them too was my dearest friend, Dessyn, her face unreadable. The thread of time had long been set between us, but the bond had not survived it. It never does. And now, we would go our separate ways, forever.

I looked at her one last time and saw only misery in her eyes. I had believed she would be happy after Varyn’s return. I had believed we all would. But I was wrong.

Lycannar had been right. His vision had come to pass. He had seen my death, how it would happen, and now it was exactly so.

My mind drifted back to the time he told me how he saved Moon’s life.

I had once asked him why he was never threatened by Moon’s love for me, but he never answered. Now I understood. It’s because he had already seen how Moon would die. He knew he would not live long enough to take me from him.

The carriage waited. Silence fell. I turned to look at the pack I once called home, at the people who were once my family. My gaze lifted to the window where Varyn stood now, watching.

Many sayings are true, many are not. But one remains perfectly right.

Not all who are lost are meant to be found. Sometimes, being lost is its own kind of blessing.

I lowered my gaze and stepped into the carriage. Jurrek joined me, Blue followed, and soon the wheels began to turn.

I did not take my sword with me, because I truly believed my days of war were over. All over.