I - Os Dois Lados da Lua | I - Two Sides of the Moon

THE FUTURE THAT AWAITS ME

POV HOPE

I returned to human form and accepted Marco's coat, it was big enough to be long for me. I was still sore, but I felt my strength building, probably my vampire and witch powers coming back to me. The bruises started to heal, but the blood was still there.

M: - Alright guys, back to the forest, we'll be reunited soon.

The wolves obeyed him, but before he left, one of them came to me and snuggled up. I would recognize that one anywhere, there was only one wolf with fur as black as mine is white, Julio. I bent down and petted him before he went into the woods. After that Marco put his hand on my shoulder and we walked back to school together.

M: - It was impressive.

H: - It was crazy.

He laughed.

M: - How do you feel?

H: - Exhausted, but fine. It's weird, but I kind of feel glad I did it.

M: - I would be very happy if I were you.

H: - Yeah, I know, I can see.

Halfway there he took my arm and we stopped.

M: - Thanks, Hope. I don't know what you said to him, but thanks for sparing my brother.

H: - I didn't say anything, you convinced him.

M: - Even so, he could have killed him before I intervened, and he didn't.

H: - He's family, Marco. If I don't take care of the family, how are these wolves going to trust me to take care of them?

He stared at me for a moment, almost intrigued, or surprised by the answer, I don't know.

M: - Looks like I have a lot to learn from you after all.

H: - And to teach too. Now let's go in because I need a shower and some clothes.

He laughed and we headed to school.

***

I arranged with Dr. Saltzman that I would meet them all at the commemorative fire in the old mill and went upstairs alone. After a relaxing bath and changing, I was about to leave when I decided to do something first. I walked to my frame with Landon. That was a unique moment in my life that, apparently, would be eternal, I couldn't believe he wasn't there with me. I caressed her face in the photo and allowed myself to miss her for a few minutes. It was only when I started to cry that I realized I couldn't stay any longer. Remembering him with so much love was still painful, I didn't want to feel that pain just that night. I returned the photo to the dresser and headed out into the forest. Before actually going, I took back the ring that Lucius left when he surrendered, it was time to pass it on. When I arrived, everyone applauded, which made me feel embarrassed.

H: - Okay, enough of that, someone hand me a drink.

They laughed, one of the Crescents gave me a beer, and everyone went back to what they were doing. The wolves of the North East Atlantic were still somewhat isolated, I think it was contact with too many strange people in one night; Marco, Paul and Dr. Saltzman were in a corner drinking whiskey, they threw me a nod and I greeted them like that too; the Crescents were scattered around the fire; Josie and Finch, who had returned after returning to human form, were on a couch inside the mill doing couple things. I decided to go upstairs to the porch and found Lizzie, we sat together and watched the movement downstairs.

LI: - I am impressed by your animal spirit.

I laughed and offered the beer, which she declined.