Crimson Summer || Book Two

Closure

As you guys know I always put a note when I finish a book, but not this one. 

Not right away. 

I needed time to process. 

These four have been a big part of my night nearly every day for over a year and although I know this isn't goodbye, it still feels surreal. 

A side note, I would very much like to apologize to sweet Michi, who didn't deserve the lack of attention book wise. 

However because I'm not a woman, I found myself writing her from a male perspective which caught me off guard. And when I tried to be in her POV it triggered my gender dysphoria so that's what happened there. Although she's an amazing wife and parent, this is how she ended up becoming a side character. 

I should have thought about this ahead of time honestly and reversed it so she was female to male instead but I wanted to try something new and uh, paid the price for it. But yeah if y'all ever wonder why the fuck everyone I write is "gay", it's because I can't do female POV to save my life. Although I will try for Vailen, but because she's masc I think it will work out. 

Apologies out of the way, I will tell you that although they will never have another book to themselves, they'll be back. Just as Mase, Noah, Tris, Rem, Alex, and Wei came back, this quad will be back to save their kids when the time is right and I'll protect them and keep them safe.

I'm currently in the middle of writing with them when Kyson comes home with Krewbie for the first time and...

*Author rolls eyes as Tora slaps the shit out of Casper with his high school journal where he kept all of Galen's notes as they wrestle on the floor* 

They're the same even in their early forties with over twenty grandchildren. They really don't change in a private setting. I can't believe right now the triplets are in their forties, the Alex and Wei are in their late fifties, with Mase and Tris in their seventies like damn.

A few notes to say, you may notice their children graduate Antum at a different age then they did (eighteen). 

That is due to the United Technical Front, which was a contract signed between the Alpha's where school is extended for one final year, where the Anu ball will take place, and during this year the children are to focus on learning the new roles which they will serve in their prospective houses. They are sorted into their roles if not already predetermined based on preference and assigned by the alpha in a separate ceremony (why Galen was sorting through them as part of his duties).

After giving birth to Krew, Casper takes six years off from being the Crimson Warden/ Reaper to recover from his burns and spend time with his little baby boy. Because he did not know he was pregnant and risked Krew's life day in and out for five months, he feels as though Krew's existence and the fact he made it into the world both alive and healthy is a great blessing. However through his guilt, he treated Krew very differently than the other babies, extending all of his love, care, attachment, and compassion to lil Krewbie.

This isn't to say the other seven children were neglected, they have four parents, but Krew was very much Casper's baby and no one argued with him on that. Krew is carried on Casper's back or chest in a cloth sling everywhere Casper went. Often taking him with Galen on the same hike where they shared their first kiss. 

Krewbie's hair remained long like all the babies do when they are babies. It wasn't until Galen, Casper, and Tora hiked the mountain for the last time with Krew when he turned six and they had to cut his hair for the first time, that Casper revealed who Krew's other biological parent is. 

Once Krew left to Antum, Casper felt as though he had given all he could to Krew after the traumatic birth story, and went back to work. However once he retired and split his position to hand down to Vailen as Kiem, he was selected by Mason to become the next elder. A first and breach in protocol since before Casper, only retired alpha's were selected for the role and Galen was sure he was going to get it. 

But Casper years of experience in the prisons gave the elders insight as to whether or not their punishments fit the crimes the person had committed when they had to face a court of elders. His remorse, sharp critical thinking skills, and serious exterior demeanor were perfect for the role. 

Of course, with pride, Tora, Galen, and Micah very much supported him in the role, whether it be helping him learn his prayers by heart or the alchemy and spells that come with the magic of an Elder. 

Micah retires from her roles and focuses on her successful art gallery full time. 

Tora becomes hover cycle enthusiast and a mentor to the next Lunos, just as Waylon did for him but with a lot more involvement because phew...this guy needs it. 

And Galen becomes a published author with his memoir titled 'Crimson Summer' that gave the people of the Island of Kailea a one of a kind view on the lives of their perfect alphas, bringing these leaders to a relatable figure which in turn makes them beloved members of society. 

They really are out here living their best life and I couldn't be more proud of all of them so I hope you all are too. 

Love your friendly author 

Ryley Kalem Xavier