(Amaia)

The horrors I witnessed in those inhumane dungeons, the sighs and cries I heard, became an eternal part of me. Once I freed every trapped soul and sent them to safety, I levelled and demolished everything I found related to that wretched royal family.

I hover in the air, watching the rubble settle, slowly. The air is dusty, but it is heavy with the scent of our victory. I know our forces are winning too and now that I am done here, the last nail in the coffin needs to be hammered.

I land swiftly and Rigel instantly takes me into his arms. His cold hands are holding my face.

"You know how proud I am of you and everything you have done?" Rigel truly understands the darkness I embody now.

"We came here to eliminate evil and free the innocent people. Only their forces remain. Let’s get that done and head home."

Mintaka rubs my back. "Let’s."

Opening the portal with the last of my strength we arrive outside Istrale where the battle is raging between the forces of Istrale and ours.

The night has fallen. A full moon has surfaced, washing everything in its glow.

The ground is littered with bodies from both sides, but I can tell Istrale has lost most of its forces. The damage on our side is far less.

The spells are flying. Weapons clashing, werewolves and vampires tearing apart the Istrale army. Their advanced weapons lay broken, their army depleted on the verge of defeat.

I find Natianu duelling with King Orion. Blood has smeared his face. Does he know what I did with his mate and children?

Saiph and Alnitak are beside their father, under his protective shield.

King Hathial Kane and Queen Adrnia are finishing off the Reavers of Dread Army.

"Go," I tell Rigel, gesturing with my head towards his parents. He should be fighting alongside them.

With a small kiss on my cheek, he rushes forward joining them, becoming their strength.

Mintaka stays beside me, his battleaxe already in action.

My eyes waver to where my brother and my father are fighting alongside each other too. Their majestic wings spread. The moonlight reflects off their wings. They are gliding in the air and knocking the monsters unconscious, the Istrale army has brought along. We know too well that these monsters are real people underneath. My magic can heal them, return them to their original state, as I did with my brother.

I have enough strength left for just one final attack. Concentration will be needed. Monsters need to be healed, the Dread Army obliterated, Natianu to be brought to his knees and our forces remaining scratch-free.

I take one final flight, my hands lift, arms stretch, wings wave behind me, charging up with my electric powers. It spreads over my whole body, lighting the air around me.

Somehow everyone notices. The battle below halts for a second and all eyes lift towards me. Some in reverence, some in awe and others in pure malice.

Guns shoot at me but my wings form a protective barrier, letting nothing get closer.

And then I explode like a bomb. Letting my darkness mingle with light. It spreads out like a wave of a tsunami and entombs everyone and everything underneath.

Every last bit of strength is snapped from my body. My head spins and I stare up before tumbling towards the ground.

Red---the moon has turned strawberry red just as was deducted in the prophecy.

I have done it. I fulfilled the prophecy.

Someone catches me in his strong arms before I hit it but I lose consciousness before the dust even settles.

Peace.

Finally, I can rest, the war is over.

We won.

My eyes slowly open and I find myself in my bed, covered in a blanket. My head is throbbing, my eyes are heavy.

"How are you feeling?" The foreign voice has my head turning to find my father of all people sitting beside me on the chair.

Annoyance creeps up on my face and a sadness descends on his.

"I know, I am the last person you wish to see but can we speak?" He humbly asks.

I wish to see my mates and brother but I give him a nod, trying to sit up.

He helps me, propping a pillow behind my back.

"Amaia, I apologise for abandoning you, people. It’s the biggest regret of my life. Something I have to live with." He shakes his head in disappointment.

"I lost your mom because of that. Please have it in your heart to forgive me. I should have tried harder." He clasps his hands together. Eyes holding a desperate plea.

Thinking from his perspective I understand he tried to do what he assumed was best for us. He didn’t know I was alive until I showed up in Istrale. But the hatred I have gathered for him over the years makes it impossible for me to see him differently.

Or maybe I have gotten so used to his absence that I don’t know how to accept him.

I intermingle my fingers and let out a small sigh.

"As a child, I used to pray every night that I could meet you. On every hurdle, I wished you would come. But you never did. Now, I don’t even know what to say."

"I understand, Amaia. Your anger, your hurt. But if you can ever bring yourself to forgive me. I will be honoured." He pauses and then adds. "Come to Saratopia with me."

That would have been my home. Now it was just a kingdom I had no association with.

"Orion is my home now. I am going to live here with my mates. Maybe one day, I will come visit you." My answer hurts him but he manages to smile.

Slowly, he stands up.

"I will look forward to having you, my daughter. It will be my greatest honour." He extends his hand towards my head, holding it above and waiting for my permission.

Slowly, I nod. That brings a smile to his face and he places it on my head.

"I am proud of the woman you have become, Amaia. An Omnifae, a protector. The world needed you."

I offer him a small smile before he leaves.

The door opens once again and my mates walk in. Grinning ear to ear. Filling my space with their unique scents. How my heart blossoms seeing them.

"We have some news for you," Alnitak rushes towards me holding his arms open, hugging me tight. While others gather all around with mischievous smiles, making me wonder what the news is.