Page 107 of My Only Luna

“You are the finest Luna I have ever met. You were there for these people even when things were horrible. Thank you,” Scarlett says quietly. Candice smiles softly.

“No need to thank me. That is what we do. We are strong women. We keep fighting.”

Scarlett nods as Candice takes her hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “My grandfather would have been so proud of you too,” Scarlett whispers.

“Indeed,” she says.

“Did I ever see him?” I ask.

Her eyes sadden as she shakes her head. “No, Zidane killed him before he even found his mate. Speaking of Jessica, how is she?”

“She’s good. Married and in love.” Scarlett’s words are tense. “She never mentioned you.”

Candice sighs and shakes her head “How would she have? We never met. I was locked away the moment your grandfather was murdered. I was only told Zidane’s mate and children left and died when they tried to escape,” she admits, adjusting herself on her cushions, masking her wince before she pats her bedsheet.

I can tell she’s still in a lot of pain. According to the reports I had checked this morning, she will never completely heal, even when she leaves the hospital. Some injuries never heal and there’s nothing that can be done about them.

Scarlett remains quiet; it is a vicious cycle. Zidane hadn’t even spared the woman who gave birth to him.

“Will you come home with us?” Scarlett asks now, her words hesitant, as if preparing for her refusal.

Candice is one of the members who said nothing. She smiles sadly and takes Scarlett’s hand in her own.

“I would love to, but I can’t. This pack… this land meant so much to your grandfather. I understand why you are doing what you are, and I think it’s a good idea. The horrors that occurred here… no one wants to remember. But there was a time before the witch, before Zidane, that this place was full of love and happiness. You two are mates. Combining your packs is the best thing to do.”

“I… understand.” Scarlett nods.

Candice smiles sadly at Scarlett before she looks at me, then back at her granddaughter. “Thank you for understanding, dear. I do have a request if you are alright with it. I would like if you could leave me a small square of land. There’s a small cottage your grandfather built years ago, before he was alpha, on the edge of the territory. It does need a bit of fixing, but I would love to make it my home and remain here,” she says quietly.

The two women lock eyes, and I can sense Scarlett’s sadness, but there’s also acceptance as she nods. “Pick wherever you want. Whatever you want, it’s yours. I would love to visit and learn more about my grandfather, about his family before him. Your family too.”

“Thank you for understanding, dear. But I will join your pack though because I will not become a rogue, but I will remain a lone wolf,” Candice says. “For as long as I have left, anyway.”

“I understand, but it could be dangerous out here alone,” Isay. The woman waves her hand weakly.

“It doesn’t matter. If I’m meant to die, then I will.” Scarlett and I exchange looks. Although her choice isn’t the most ideal, I can’t force her and we will respect her wishes. Scarlett has, and so will I. “So, the first Alpha Female we have heard of has now taken her place. How does it feel?”

Candice’s change of topic is clear.

“I don’t really know; they say I’m special or a blessing with my fast healing and the ability to mortally wound others… but what’s the point of these powers when I couldn’t even save my friend from dying in my arms?” Scarlett voices quietly, her tone is full of pain and bitterness. I can feel her pain, and it mixes with my own. Candice looks at her sympathetically.

“You are not Selene – you cannot grant life, child. Each wolf is given healing beyond a human’s capability, but we are not immortal. You survived your father only because of your healing, and because of that, you have saved so many lives from Zidane.”

She’s right. Although Scarlett’s gift may not be what she would have preferred, it saved her life, and I will forever be grateful for it.

Liam’s death is not on you,I say through the mind-link.

He died to protect me,she answers softly.

“You are special. The Goddess bestowed this gift upon you. Accept it, appreciate it, and don’t question it,” Candice says. Scarlett simply nods as I caress her arms. Candice gives her a final encouraging smile. “Now, let’s leave all this and tell me what you plan to do next?”

We begin telling her what we have planned, and the older woman listens, a small smile on her face, her hand never once letting go of Scarlett’s.

We live on for those who are still here and we don’t forget those we have lost…

Liam… thanks.

A Traitor

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