Page 43 of Wolf Proclaimed

With renewed strength, Gretel’s voice was full of strength, “Yes, I can… I will not fail…”

Their reluctant nods, the slight easing of tense shoulders, and the newfound determination in my sister's eyes spoke louder than any words could have. This was our first step toward our future, sculpted not by conflict but by unity and love.

With renewed strength, Gretel turned to Syriah first, "Laurent will take you to the vast deserts far from the mountains," her voice rang clear. Syriah glanced at Laurent, their eyes communicating a silent understanding.

"Petra," Gretel turned to my sister, "Dane will lead you through the cavern tunnels within the mountains, so deep they nearly touch the world's core." Petra's brow furrowed, but she gave a curt nod, accepting the inevitability.

"Jezebel," Gretel continued, "Damian will guide you and your child into the rainforests of the other continent." Jezebel clutched Damian's hand. Their baby was cradled in her other arm.

Artemis was next. Gretel's gaze softened as she looked at her. "Luna and I will keep you here with us in the mountains," she said. Luna gave Artemis' hand a reassuring squeeze.

Finally, Gretel turned her attention to me. "Mira," she said, her eyes clouding with exhaustion, "if my magic fades, I might need yours. So, you and Bastian will be the last to leave. He will take you to the seashore, far away from all this chaos."

I felt Bastian's hand slip into mine, his grip firm yet comforting. I returned the squeeze, silently communicating my acceptance.

As Gretel’s strength seemed to dwindle with each passing moment, her skin growing paler and her eyes a little more glassy, she remained resolute. Her plan was unfolding, and we were all its vital parts. My heart, heavy with the impending separation, nonetheless understood the necessity of it all. This was the path toward healing, peace, and a future unburdened by the tormented specters of our past.

Summoning the last remnants of my own magic, I opened a portal to oversee my sisters’ departures. The portal shimmered a circular window to other lands and our imminent farewells. Artemis, standing by my side with Luna's arm wrapped securely around her, also leaned in to watch.

First, we saw Syriah and Laurent, their figures gradually taking form amidst the dunes of a vast, golden desert. Their faces were marked by fierce determination as they journeyed in this strange new land.

Then, the view shifted, revealing Petra and Dane descending into the shadowy depths of the mountain's caverns. Their faces were lit by the faint glow of luminescent fungi, casting an otherworldly glow on their determined faces.

The portal's scene again morphed to show Jezebel, Damian, and their little one. They were in a lush rainforest, the dense foliage rustling with unseen life. They looked awed and peaceful, ready to discover a new life in this vibrant wilderness.

Each farewell was a stab of pain and a spark of hope in my chest. My resilient and determined sisters were ready to face this new chapter, their mates steadfast by their sides. And despite the miles that would separate us, I could take solace in the fact that this was the beginning of a new journey, one where we all could finally find peace.

As the final scene within the portal dimmed, I summoned the strength to close it. The room immediately fell into silence, save for the muted crackling of the fireplace. I turned to Gretel, noting the weariness etched deep into her features. She wasn't ready to send Bastian and me yet, and my turmoil echoed her hesitation.

"Mira," Gretel's voice was but a whisper, fraught with exhaustion.

"Yes, mother?" I responded softly, my heart aching for her.

"I wish we had more time... time for you to truly know me, for me to witness your future," her eyes filled with regret and longing.

I smiled, moving to her side and gently taking her hand. "This isn't a goodbye, mother. It's just a pause. A pause for us to heal and find our peace."

She returned my smile with a weak one, her hand squeezing mine gently. "Promise me you'll remember, Mira. Remember everything."

"I promise," I whispered, the weight of the promise settling heavily in my heart.

As my eyes met Bastian's, his loving gaze offered solace. He stepped towards me, his hand warm and comforting as it enveloped mine.

"Are you ready?" he asked his voice low, concern radiating from his eyes.

I shook my head, eyes drawn to Artemis, Luna, and Gretel. "Not yet... I'm not ready to leave them." My voice quivered with the strain of parting.

Bastian nodded, pulling me close. "We have time, Mira. We'll leave when you're ready."

And as we stood there, witnessing the end of the era and the scattering of the shifters, I realized this was a new beginning. A future free of past strife beckoned us, offering peace and healing. It was our time to create a different story in our corners of the world, woven with threads of peace, love, and unity.

As Bastian drew me close, I found myself stealing a final look at Artemis, Luna, and Gretel, etching their faces into my memory. Magic Mountain, our shared home and battlefield, was drained of its inhabitants. We were not just leaving our home, but each other. The ties that connected us, solid and unbreakable, were stretched thin, threatening to snap as each sister was transported to a distant location.

Artemis, robust and unwavering, was left behind without a mate. However, her connection with Luna and Gretel was not lost. I could see them forming a powerful triumvirate, ready to brave the solitude of the mountains.

The sharp pang of isolation pierced my heart. The reality was harsh and unyielding—we were heading towards an unforeseen future where we might not see each other again. The physical distance was just the beginning; we were about to embark on individual journeys that took us far from the chaotic lives we had known.

"This is for the best, isn't it?" I whispered to Bastian, my voice shaking. His comforting squeeze was the only reply, but it was enough. We were making a necessary, daunting sacrifice, all for the promise of peace. But understanding that didn't make it any easier.

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