Nine white tails sprouted out from behind Tiller, his ears twitching. “I agree, I’m sorely tired of fighting.”
The four faced Alek, who’d sensed their movement.
“It feels like the old days,” Malcolm said smiling. “The Jackals once again on the hunt.”
Castian shot him a look. “Please, save the lame sayings for when I don’t have to endure them.”
“Whatever.” In a flash he stood before them a full wolf, his teeth bared. “Let’s go.”
They ran toward Alek.
All of them intended to subdue him and return his senses.
Lesson Learned
LANIAS
Dying wasn’t easy.
Lanias knew this from the first time she’d nearly died. Her limbs heavy, her heart slowly coming to a standstill. At that time, she’d thought it was a fair enough ending for someone like her.
Now though, she felt it was the most unfair timing. She was drowning in the inky blankness as she sank. There were so many things she’d wanted to say to Alek. The words tasted bitter on her lips now.
She thought about what she had wanted for herself, why she didn’t search for him earlier.
Why weren’t they in love much sooner?
The answer to that was most likely. It wasn’t time yet.
She could never have become her true self if she’d met him earlier than was meant.
The ebb of time was a scary thing, the idea of Alek living on without her angered her. She wanted to fight death. She wanted to scream, but it was too late.
The wound Zaharis had dealt her was a bad one.
The old her would have never taken such a risk instead she would have left Alek to be the target. She was so stupid, but at the same time she didn’t regret it.
As she sank deeper into unconsciousness, the sound of her own thoughts began to fade and slowly grew dim. She attempted to lift her arm, but it was impossible. As the world fell away her eyes slowly closed. Even now she barely felt the tears that slipped down her cheeks.
She’d wanted to see her sister in a wedding dress. Kai would grow up never knowing the benefits of having a stylish aunt like her. The world would never appreciate a well put together outfit again.
“You’re going to give up that easily?”
Lanias’ eyes strained open.
The sunlight poured in; her mother stood before her once more. The sound of children playing filled the silence. Looking around she looked at her mother blankly.
“Is this heaven?”
Her mother laughed, still looking outside. “No, it’s not. Don’t you remember what your father said? You’re too attached to this mortal time.”
Lanias’ brow creased. “I’m sorry, I still don’t understand that remark.”
Her mother turned her gaze toward her. “You’re the last of the children of Methuselah. You call yourself a Witch, but what are you really?”
“I’m a half-breed?” Lanias answered, growing frustrated. “What else?”
“You’re more than any of those things,” Her mother said walking toward her. Her form slowly being wrapped up in light. Her features grew less distinguishable.
