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 whispers, but

back slowly, “This all happened because of Aleric, Apophis and

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

us, it would

a victim

for something they have no hand in, we will always be the

will welcome him and treat him well.” Her voice breaks and she looks away. “I talked to Uncle. I’m ready

who have

turns her head away and I wrap my arms around

a queen, and I know it’s easier said than done… but you are

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

you’ll move to the Coven?” I ask, my

me. I can’t

Heaven could use the

do need to

have you decided?” I

will head both until Tatum is ready to take his place,” she says, running her fingers through her hair as we step apart. “I’m

into

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

thinking earlier that although

evil… I did kill my mate,” I

when a bond is broken, although I know you two had not

frown, shaking

brittle break inside of me. It’s weird but there was no gut-wrenching

he had to do that to not only his brother

gives my upper arm a gentle squeeze.

((

mug of hot chocolate, with Uncle Liam beside her

shirt

in the neck when I

Chris’s. 5

she wraps her arms

control my own pain. I can’t begin to imagine a world without

meet Uncle Liam, who smiles gently

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

a mug

taking it

smiles as Heaven moves

N

hot chocolate and Liam offers her the

giving her a

“Thanks,” Raihana says.

He replies before

once more, and I take a seat next to her, slinging

I’m sorry for your loss…” I

earlier, but he’s become quieter and closed

done this before.

losing someone so

before.

not afraid of death… but

leaves on

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

She’s giving us space.

She says quietly, staring at the grass in

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 fuck you want, but let

see her pain, and for a moment I feel I’m suffocating in it before

be there. That I’ll always

Her voice breaks

tears splashing

chocolate. 16

the mug from her shaking hands, not knowing what

fool.” A voice

turn to see

can still see the soot on him, meaning he just got back now. He’s in a pair of black jeans as he walks over and

her,

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

quietly as she hugs him back tight.

Thank God for that…

Uncle.”

her nose. “You

the rubble…” He

wry smile.

many?” I

know how many

persons

silent before Heaven tilts

as she wipes her

as she takes a tissue from her pocket and

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

not taking pictures of you to sell.”

my eyes

What pictures?” Rayhan asks, cocking

Oh SHIT. 3

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