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.

sure he’s in a good place.” She

slowly, “This all happened

don’t want to admit it, but this was a fight between Apophis, Aleric, Bastet, Me, Helios and Royce, and

it would be

became a victim of

no hand in, we will always be the losers. My prince was an Alpha, a warrior and a protector. He

she looks away. “I talked to Uncle. I’m

of those who

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

a queen, and I know it’s easier said than

as she looks at me. “I am. I will take my place as the head of the Coven of England. It’s time I do my part and I know the workload will keep me busy and my mind off

to the Coven?” I ask, my heart

need me. I can’t abandon them.” She says, “Plus, I

nod. “Guess Heaven could use the witchy

need to up it

What have you

we step apart. “I’m proud of you Sky… I know killing someone is… I don’t know. I killed

Mama Red into a deep slumber

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, Dad had told her to drop it, saying it doesn’t

thinking earlier that although

kill

know the pain it brings when a bond is

frown, shaking

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

to do that

a gentle squeeze. Things will get

((

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

an oversized shirt and I

the neck when I realise

Chris’s. 5

as she wraps her arms around her

pain. I

Uncle Liam, who smiles gently

also

a mug to

say, taking it

as Heaven

N

Liam offers

giving her a warm smile.

“Thanks,” Raihana says.

He replies

more, and I take a seat

I’m sorry for

to Tatum earlier, but

done this

so

before.

afraid of death… but

on those left

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

She’s giving us space.

staring at the grass in front

fucking time, but when you’re ready, let it out. Scream, shout, cry. Do whatever

eyes and I can see her pain, and for a moment

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 he

voice breaks before

her tears

chocolate. 16

mug from her shaking hands, not knowing

voice says

to see Rayhan

shirtless, and I can still see the soot on him, meaning he just got back now. He’s in a

wraps his arms around her, kissing the top

then I will be. I’ll always be here for you, Heaven. Just like I’ll be there for

promise you that,” he says quietly as she

Thank God for that…

Uncle.” She whispers,

and wrinkling her nose. “You smell

the rubble…”

wry smile.

I ask

know

All missing persons are accounted

fall silent before Heaven

she

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

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

not taking pictures of you to sell.”

my eyes open.

me? What pictures?” Rayhan

Oh SHIT. 3

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