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“I was forced to be your lover and do atrocious things under your rule.” Emotion laces his voice, and he doesn’t bother to hide it as he finally faces his own captor. “I won’t let another suffer like I did.” Magic swells around us as he calls his power. My heart breaks for him, hearing him share his pain aloud, and I prepare myself in case I need to assist. This is his battle though, so I refrain, simply placing my hand on his back so he knows I’m here should he need me.
Taking in the two of us standing shoulder to shoulder, she attempts to get to her feet once more. “You piece of—”
With a flick of his wrist, an almost invisible stream of magic flies towards the queen, hitting her in the temple. Falling like a sack of potatoes, she slumps to the floor, her body limp. It seems I wasn’t the only one who was fed up with hearing her voice.
“She’s not dead,” Kano says quietly, not taking his eyes off her body. “I just knocked her out. You should kill her before she wakes.”
Shaking my head, I give him my full attention, squeezing his hand until he looks at me. “Her death is yours.” I mean it. While part of me wanted to be the one to end it, Kano has been suffering under her hand for far longer than I have, and I feel like he needs this to begin to heal.
Scanning his face, I see a mix of emotions, I realise how hard this is for him. The queen practically raised him, so although he now hates her, she’s been a huge part of his life, and the idea of killing her is much more difficult than he expected. Taking a deep breath, he slowly releases it, his decision made.
“No.” Shaking his head, he grips my hand tightly. “You have as much claim as I do. Let’s do it together.”
I nod, and we turn back to the queen’s body, walking over with surprisingly steady steps. Raising a hand, I call my magic to me and create a blade for us. I meet his gaze and hold it out, and without hesitation, he grips the handle. My heart pounds in my chest, but somehow, having Kano at my side is a huge comfort.
Holding onto the dagger of stars, we raise it above her body and plunge it into her heart, killing the witch queen.
ChapterThirty
After the queen died, the control over the stadium seemed to shift. The fighting stopped almost immediately, with those who worked for the council or queen either running away or surrendering.
It’s been a week now since that final battle, and life has been a whirlwind. My little pack of my mates, Kano, Luna, and my father have stayed in the city, trying to help everyone adjust to their new lives without the council looming over them. To my surprise, several packs who stayed away are now moving to the city, repopulating it after so many died in battle.
Ivar is like my shadow, staying close and watching me with adoring eyes. There’s nothing romantic about the way he feels about me, but he worships the ground I walk on since I showed him the full extent of my powers.
Many assumed that I’d be taking on the council’s role once they were killed off, something that I very quickly dismissed. Being in charge is not something I’ve ever wanted, despite what my power might tempt me with. I can’t wait to find a new home for us, somewhere quiet in the woods, away from the craziness of the city. For now, though, we’re needed here.
Many of the witches who supported me wanted to stay in the city and create a new life for themselves. Haven had become a prison for many, and now that they have their freedom, they don’t want to go back to a place with so many horrific memories. The animosity between the witches and werewolves isn’t going to go away overnight, but huge steps have been made, and I think it might actually be possible for them to live in harmony.
Belua disappeared after the battle, and I’ve not seen her since, but sometimes I swear I see a glimpse of golden eyes in the forest, which is exactly where I am now.
“They are going to send out a search party if we don’t go back soon,” Nicolai teases, but unfortunately, there is truth behind his words.
Life in the city is chaotic, and many look to my mates and me when making big decisions, despite us trying to avoid leadership roles. Occasionally, I have to escape into the forest around the city so I can surround myself with nature and get away from the hustle and bustle.
Being reunited with all of my mates was an emotional experience, and since then, I’ve not been able to be away from any of them for long without anxiety consuming me. They seem to feel the same way, and because of that, I always have at least one of them with me at all times. This will ease with time, but for now, this works.
“I know.” I sigh, my reply reluctant as I think of all the work that awaits me. I’m not a city girl, and there’s nothing I love more than running through the forest. “Just give me five more minutes,” I call over my shoulder and leave him leaning against one of the tree trunks. I weave my way farther into the forest, Star looping joyfully around the trees.
I don’t go far, still able to see my mate through the trees, but the deeper I go, the calmer I feel. Brushing my fingers over the rough bark, I tip my head back and take a deep breath.
A warm presence settles over me, and I smile before my eyes even lock on the glowing form of the goddess. I’ve not felt her much since the battle, so being able to actually see her here fills my heart.
“Little moon.” Smiling widely, she greets me warmly. “Are you ready to take your position beside me where you belong?”
Any warmth that I felt thanks to her arrival vanishes like a bucket of icy water has been poured over me. I gape at her shimmery form. I can’t have heard her right.
“What?” It’s not eloquent, but I can’t think past the sudden panic that’s settling over me. From what she’s saying, it sounds like… like she’s going to take me away.
“You’re part goddess, and you’ve proven yourself worthy of your powers.” The look she gives me is sympathetic, but it’s clear she thinks I’m going to jump at the chance to be a goddess. “It is time for you to ascend.”
Is this truly what my future has in store for me? Becoming a goddess and embracing my powers? There’s one very important factor that’s preventing me from being excited though. “But what about my mates? My pack?”
“You would have to leave them behind. You can watch them from above, but you wouldn’t be able to continue having a relationship with them.”
No. There’s no way I could leave them. They are my fated mates, the goddess chose them for me, I can’t give them up now. It would destroy them and give me nothing to live for. I’m not a goddess. My mind rebels against the idea, throwing me into complete panic.
Picking up on my turbulent emotions, the goddess frowns, watching me with a contemplative expression. “Ultimately, it’s your choice. Accept your place as a goddess amongst the stars or stay here on Earth.” Before I can answer, she holds up her hand. “I will warn you though, if you choose that path, you would have to give up your powers.”
