EPILOGUE (THE END)
ROXANNE
A YEAR LATER.
It’s shocking how a year has passed, yet the souls of the dead remain with us, their memories fresh and haunting. The pain, the struggles, the healing—none of it has come easy. Losing someone you knew is like losing a part of yourself. It leaves a hole in your life, a constant ache that never truly fades. Each day feels like a battle to keep your sanity, to remember who you are without them.
I walked slowly, each step heavy with sorrow, to the graves of Lilith and Kara. The ground was soft beneath my feet, the scent of damp earth mingling with the fresh aroma of the carnations and lilies I carried. After much contemplation, we decided to bury Lilith in Red Moon, beside her dead mate. Tears slipped down my cheeks, but I brushed them away quickly. Ryker mustn't see me cry.
As I laid the flowers on the graves, memories of Lilith’s fierce spirit and Kara’s gentle smile flooded my mind. The pain of their loss was still raw, a wound that had not yet begun to heal. Ryker came up beside me, wrapping a comforting arm around my shoulders. I leaned into him, drawing strength from his presence.
"We'll never be the same again, will we?" I whispered, my voice trembling.
"No, we won't," he replied softly. "But we will heal, Roxanne. In time, we will heal.”
I liked how honest he was.
We walked in silence to the far grave, where Beta Miles lay. His betrayal still cut deep, a fresh scar on our hearts. We placed flowers there too and stood in quiet reflection.
As we turned to leave, we almost collided with Chloe and Zane. They smiled at us, and Chloe held her toddler in her arms.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice tinged with surprise.
Zane and Ryker exchanged respectful nods. Zane then said, "We brought flowers for Lilith's death anniversary.”
"That was thoughtful," I told him.
I hugged Chloe and carried her daughter, Celeste. She was a healthy baby girl, and she smiled up at me. It was warm and innocent and it tugged at my heartstrings.
Chloe beamed at me. "I’m so excited to see you again, Roxanne. I brought your favourite homemade food.”
My heart lifted a little. In just a year, I had worked on my relationship with White Moon, and it was going well. They all treated me with respect now.
Zane didn't waste any time and he joined us. Unlike me, he was the stronger one. Maybe it was just the thing about men. I had no idea how they did it but they were strong. We left the cemetery and went to Ryker’s villa, our footsteps echoing in the silence of the afternoon.
***
That night was the Lunar Peak's festival, hosted by Red Moon. The air was alive with anticipation, the sky a deep indigo blanket dotted with stars. The pack house was decorated with twinkling lights and vibrant flowers. Soft music played in the background, a melody that seemed to resonate with the night, adding a layer of enchantment to the atmosphere.
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my dress. I looked beautiful, the reflection staring back at me almost unrecognisable. I had avoided staring at myself for long for it seemed as though I was staring at Lilith.
Ryker came in, looking splendid in his outfit. He walked up to me and hugged me from behind. I leaned in his embrace as he kissed me gently on the cheek.
"You are the most beautiful woman ever," he said, his voice filled with love.
I smiled and leaned into him. "And you are the most handsome man.”
His bright crimson eyes stared at me from the mirror. “You're so gorgeous,” he whispered.
I blushed. Of course my body was good at betraying me.
“Are you ready to go yet?” He asked.
I shook my head, “just a minute.”
I opened my jewellery box and took out Lilith's necklace. As she had wanted, I had changed the initials to L.C. A smile appeared on my lips as I put it on. I had kept it away for a year, since Lilith's death. The necromancer had been right—I didn't hear the whisperings anymore or feel strange.
I understood Lilith's anger now. She felt alone and rejected because her life had been given to me. She had a right to be angry. But now, I was determined to protect what she couldn’t.
Linking arms with Ryker, we went to the garden where the festival was held. The night was cool, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. Colin Wyatt and his Luna were also present. Everyone had mended their rivalries, and things were looking up.
As we danced slowly, I wondered what the future held for us. The soft glow of lanterns cast a warm light over the gathering, the laughter and chatter of our friends and allies creating a comforting backdrop. When the music ended, we separated, still holding onto the connection that had grown between us.
Suddenly, I felt strange. My heart tightened, and I felt a magnetic pull. The aroma of coffee filled my nostrils, and I felt my fangs sticking out. I followed the scent until I found Ryker. He looked as though he had been searching for me too.
His gaze locked onto mine, and a smile curved on my lips. "Mate," we whispered, and right there, we accepted each other.
A round of applause and cheers erupted from every angle as we kissed hungrily. Ryker declared me the Luna of Red Moon pack. It was a moment of triumph, and we lived it.
As we danced slowly again, as partners this time, I suddenly blacked out. I saw a grave breaking open, dust and earth scattering, and then finally, a hand sticking out. I read the name on the gravestone. I heard a silent hum and my eyes sprang open.
"Lilith," the voices from the necklace whispered.