76. The Sounds of the Night

SKYLA.

The moon has risen, but despite the silence of the night, everyone is awake in the Rossi

mansion.

I can hear the quiet conversations, the deep discussions, the occasional shout.

Out here, I can also hear the sound of insects in the garden. The soft wind is blowing through the trees and the passing comments and

commands of the guards and others around can

be heard.

This feeling… it’s unexplainable…

I feel… content, sorrowful and…different.

I don’t even know how to explain it.

I’m sitting on the back steps, staring out into the night sky. I’ve done this so many times in my life, but today I feel like I’m no longer the Sky I once was…

My eyes sting and I tug at the sleeves of my long

-sleeved top as I exhale slowly.

Some things just stay… changing you even.

I killed my given mate.

It’s… an odd feeling…

I know I’m not a monster. I had to do what I had

to and to break the hold Apophis had on him,

and on this planet, I had to end him.

He didn’t care for me, and that was proven in those last moments. 2

He wasn’t bothered about me… but he was shocked that his brother helped kill him…

Royce is quieter, and I don’t blame him. I want to be there for him, and I will be, but he’s also being that rock for his family. Even Charlotte cried, despite refusing to let a sound escape her. 1

He’s with his mother right now, and she needs him.

She’s down on the firepower right now, and I know we will see that fiery warrior Luna again one day, but for now, she needs to heal… 2

I stare at the sky, resting my head against the

door frame.

Life.

It’s painful, beautiful, terrifying, yet for those of us who get to live another day, it’s precious…

“Meow.”

I smile as Malevolent jumps into my lap, and I cuddle her tightly. 1

“Hey Mal…” I say, stroking her head as she purrs in approval.

At least on this journey of life, I’ll always have her and Royce.

I turn when I hear footsteps behind me, sensing Raihana before I see her.

She pauses when she spots me. She’s wearing an oversize cardigan over her tiny sports bra and shorts, her arms wrapped around herself.

“Sorry, I didn’t realise our lioness was out

here.” She says with a small smile, about to leave when I stand up.

“You don’t need to leave.”

She turns back.

“Are you sure?”

She’s lost weight, and call me fucking crazy, but I feel her eyes have aged if that even makes

sense.

I nod as I walk over to her, gently letting

Malevolent down.

“I’m sorry… about Chris,” I say, ok I’m not a hugger but… I step forward, awkwardly hugging

her.

She relaxes and wraps her arms around me, giving me a squeeze.

good place.” She

move back slowly, “This all happened because of Aleric,

was a fight between Apophis, Aleric, Bastet, Me, Helios and Royce, and although I don’t want her to, if

it would be

a victim of

will always be the losers. My prince was an Alpha, a warrior and a protector. He died for

“I talked to Uncle. I’m ready to bid him

those who

my arms

it’s easier said than done… but you are a fighter,”

looks at me. “I am. I will take my place as the head of the Coven of

move to the Coven?” I ask, my heart skipping

children need me. I can’t abandon

“Guess Heaven could use the witchy

We do need to up

have you decided?” I

his place,” she says, running her fingers through her hair as we step apart. “I’m proud of you Sky… I know killing

into

Sephora’s body… well, Delsanra burned it before anyone could see it. Whatever she did was dark, that much I know, but when Mama Mari had asked her,

I was thinking earlier

kill

pain it brings when a bond is broken, although I know you two had

shaking

but there was no gut-wrenching pain… Whatever was between us was already past the point of salvaging…

that

arm a gentle squeeze. Things

((

footsteps and look up to see Heaven. standing there holding a mug of hot chocolate, with Uncle Liam beside her holding two mugs of steaming

an oversized shirt and I

punched in the neck

Chris’s. 5

baby,” Raihana says as she wraps her arms

pain. I can’t begin to imagine a world

eyes meet Uncle Liam, who

thought the Rossi Princesses might also want some hot chocolate,” he

out a mug to

taking it from

smiles as Heaven moves back,

N

chocolate and Liam offers her the

a warm

“Thanks,” Raihana says.

replies before excusing

the steps once more, and I take a seat

sorry for your loss…” I

but he’s

never done this before. I’ve

someone so close to

before.

afraid of death… but

leaves on those left

right back,” Raihana says as she walks inside, leaving the two of us

She’s giving us space.

staring at the grass

going to force you as these things happen at their own fucking time, but when you’re ready, let it out. Scream, shout, cry. Do whatever the

into my eyes and I can see her pain, and for a moment I feel I’m suffocating in

matter if I’ve messed up, or if my heart is broken or hurting, that he’ll be there. That I’ll always have him, and I can come back to him. That he’ll always have my back…. He never told me what I should do if

Her voice breaks

head, her tears splashing into her

chocolate. 16

from her shaking hands, not knowing what

voice says from behind

see Rayhan standing

he just got back now. He’s in a pair of black jeans as he

around her,

here, then I will be. I’ll always be

says quietly as she hugs him

Thank God for that…

you, Uncle.”

and wrinkling her

searching the rubble…” He replies

wry smile.

I

to know how

All missing persons

silent before Heaven tilts

as she wipes

first,” she says as she takes a tissue from her pocket and blows her

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

of

making my

pictures?” Rayhan asks, cocking

Oh SHIT. 3

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