Page 133 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

Although Uncle Leo’s not fully happy with us, he did say we took the proper measures to ensure every angle was covered, and that’s something, at least. We did, but I know it’s greatly affected Allie; she was really hoping Aunty Kiara would get her power back.

I now walk through Leo and Azura’s home, searching for her.

Heaven looks over at me. “Do you think there was ever a chance for the stolen abilities to return?” she asks.

I shake my head. “If it was what he was using to retain his youth, then I certainly don’t. I think deep down, Allie might also know that, but she’s still hurting,” I sigh softly, brushing my hair off my face.

Heaven nods before she smiles faintly. “So, you and Jayce, there seems to be some improvement there,” she says with a small smile.

I smile, my cheeks heating up, and I nod. “I think so, too; although it’s still so complicated. He’s fighting an internal battle that unfortunately I can’t fight for him.”

She tilts her head. “Hmm, that’s true; you can make it harder for him, though, which you already are without even having to try. These men…”

“Westwood men, there’s just something about them,” I say teasingly, giving her a knowing smile.

She peers at me for a moment before looking ahead and nodding. “Yeah, something so infuriating and yet… irresistible. Not one is made quite like the other.”

I laugh softly and nod. “Agreed, one hundred percent, and their perfect looks don’t help.”

She smiles in agreement as we finally locate Allie’s scent. She’s in one of the guest bedrooms, simply sitting on the floor cross-legged, staring out of the floor-to-ceiling window.

“Hey,” I say softly as I open the door, before we both step inside. Allie looks up and sighs.

“Why is it so annoying that both my friends had to go pick my stupid cousins to fall in love with? I feel as if they’ve stolen you from me.” She glowers as she turns her blistering gaze outside again.

Heaven and I exchange looks; she definitely heard the end of our conversation, even with the door closed. The power of a lycan’s hearing...

“I don’t think that’s true; regardless of men, we’re sisters for life,” Heaven says firmly as she leads the way over to Allie and sits on the floor, her legs tucked under her. I walk around Allie and sit down, crossing my legs as I turn to face her slightly.

Allie grunts, her eyes still focused outside. I gently place my hand on her knee, tilting my head so I can look into her eyes.

“Hey… I know it’s hard. I know how difficult this must be on Aunty Kiara, too. Healing was a part of her, of who she was, and I know anything I say won’t fix how you feel, but maybe this is her time to rest, for us to continue working hard so she doesn’t need to feel like she is spread so thin when she can’t be in all places. Maybe she and your dad can enjoy a little more time together without the weight of carrying so many responsibilities.”

Her frown softens slightly, and she looks me in the eye. “But it was her identity, who she was… It just feels like the world is changing way too much and way too fast.”

I nod as I shift my position so I’m sitting beside her, looking out at the garden where Grandpa Marcel’s and Uncle Leo’s children are playing. “I get that… At least by killing him, we know he isn’t a threat to harm anyone else in the same way,” I say softly.

“Exactly. Besides, one less person out there to worry about. I do think Jayce did the right thing,” Heaven says quietly.

“Yeah… I know, it’s just… I fucking hoped I could somehow help,” Allie mutters, pulling her knees up to her chest and resting her chin on them.

“You did help; we all did our part and got rid of a threat. Now, let’s look to the future. We’re going to face so many more trials and tests as life goes on. And all we can do is our best,” I say.

They both nod. “Yes, Si’s right. So, for now, let’s enjoy the victory, celebrate our wins and not focus on our losses. There will come a time when you will be able to help. After all, you are the final ruler.”

“Yeah… When the four rulers assemble behind the Adonai, the final barrier between the realms will shatter,” Allie murmurs, her eyes shadowed. “We all know what that means, right – that once I come into power, the end will be here.”

We’re all silent, foreboding settling into the pit of my stomach.

“It is true. However, as long as Dante remains strong, we are fine. We cannot control the past nor the future, so let’s live in the present and take each day as it comes,” Heaven says.

That’s all we can do…

I sigh softly and nod. Sometimes the future looks bleak, but she’s right; it’s easier to live and focus on the present.

“Yeah, I get it. I’ll try that,” Allie sighs heavily, and I rest my head on her shoulder.

“It’s going to be ok; things will get better. When we’re old and wrinkly, we’ll sit around a table and reminisce about this moment, how hard the war was, how despite it all, we made it through – victorious. One day it’ll all be over, and we’ll see the dawn of a new era,” I murmur.