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.

a good place.” She

back slowly, “This all happened because

between Apophis, Aleric, Bastet, Me, Helios and Royce, and although I don’t

us, it would be

became a victim

If we blame people for something they have no hand in, we will always be the losers. My prince was an

looks away. “I talked to Uncle. I’m

who

head away and I wrap my arms around her again. This time it

it’s easier said than done… but you are

the Coven of England. It’s time I do my part and I know the

you’ll move to the Coven?” I ask, my heart

The children need me. I can’t

could use

very true. We do need to

the pack. What have you

her hair as we step apart. “I’m proud of you Sky… I know killing someone is… I don’t know. I killed Sephora and I don’t regret

put Mama Red into a deep

Whatever she did was dark, that much I know, but when Mama Mari had asked her, Dad

was thinking earlier

did kill my

asks quietly. “I know the pain it brings when a bond is broken, although I

frown, shaking my head

break inside of me. It’s weird but there was no gut-wrenching pain… Whatever was between us was already past the point

knowing he had to do that to not only his brother but

my upper arm a gentle squeeze.

((

look up to see Heaven. standing there holding a mug of hot chocolate,

oversized shirt and I feel like

punched in the neck when

Chris’s. 5

as she wraps

I can’t begin to

Uncle Liam, who smiles gently

might also want

a mug to

say, taking it from

smiles as Heaven moves back,

N

chocolate and Liam offers her the

a warm

“Thanks,” Raihana says.

time.” He replies before

steps once more, and I take a seat next

I’m sorry for your loss…” I

to Tatum earlier, but he’s become quieter and

this before.

someone so

before.

afraid of death… but I’m

on

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

She’s giving us space.

fine.” She says quietly, staring at the grass in

going to force you as these things happen at their own fucking time, but

turns her head, looking into my eyes and I can see her pain, and for a moment I feel I’m suffocating in it before she

matter who hurts me, no 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

breaks before she

head, her tears splashing into her

chocolate. 16

the mug from her shaking

fool.” A voice says from

to see Rayhan

the soot on him, meaning he just got back now. He’s in a pair of

around her, kissing the

he’s not here, then I will be. I’ll always be here for you, Heaven. Just like I’ll be there for

he says quietly as she hugs

Thank God for that…

Uncle.” She

back and wrinkling her nose.

rubble…”

wry smile.

many?” I ask

to know how many

persons are

before Heaven tilts her

she wipes her

takes a tissue from her pocket and blows her

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

taking pictures of you

my eyes

me? What pictures?” Rayhan asks, cocking

Oh SHIT. 3

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