The Blood and the Moon

Goodbye

Max screamed at the full moon with guttural sounds. Nissa wailed at the death of her dear sister. All the vampires and werewolves gathered around Holly to lament a fallen hero. She was family to the vampires and a friend to the werewolves. After all, she sacrificed herself for a werewolf. Something no one thought would happen until now. The wolves howled at the moon as a way of mourning. Noah didn't know what to say or do, but he knew his brother needed him, so he hugged him without saying anything.

The next day, his community put him on a pedestal and called him a champion for "ending the war" by killing Silas. In reality, Holly saved his life in the most heroic way. She also helped the werewolves and made a good plan to end the war, even if it failed. She completely changed his world and he thought she deserved credit for her actions and sacrifice. A funeral set up by Nissa and Max was held for Holly at Haven. Both vampires and werewolves attended. They weren't happy with each other, but it was the first time both supernatural creatures were together and not fighting. 

Now with Silas Cade out of the picture, Nissa took the throne and began implementing new rules on how vampires will treat werewolves. She wasn't happy about having the reigns because she felt Holly deserved the opportunity more. Nevertheless, Nissa tried to rule the vampires in a way that would honor her sister. Besides, being a leader felt natural for Nissa. She liked telling people what to do.

As a result of the war, Chief Haywood and Lady Nissa decided to make a peace treaty and live their lives in their own separate place with no involvement. Nissa knew Holly would've wanted everyone to get along, but it would take time after all the trauma everyone went through. However, this treaty was a first step and it would get better.

Max packed his clothes and belongings, and Noah came in to check on him.

"Where are you going?" Noah asked.

"Off this island," Max responded. "You know that."

"Please don't go," Noah started to cry. "Why can't you stay? You're surrounded by people who love you."

"They don't love me. They thought I was a disappointment, then I killed Silas and now they love me. No one actually cares about me dear brother."

"I do."

"I know and I'm thankful. But I don't belong here anymore. I just wanted to make sure you were safe and able to live a happy teen life. With no drinking I might add."

Noah didn't care about his brother scolding him. He hugged Max as tight as he could, making Max unable to breathe. The brothers shared a moment of embrace while Max's shirt got wet from Noah's tears. Max grabbed something from his closet.

"Here's my last jar of mead," Max said, handing it to Noah.

"You just said-"

"I know, but I didn't think you'd be crying about it," Max joked. Noah was not amused by his joke.

"When will you come back?"

Max paused for a moment before answering.

"Before you know it."

Once Max finished packing his stuff and rations, he took off into the woods. He arrived at the boat he made and noticed someone following him.

"Don't try to stop me," Max said to his father.

"I won't. I know if I tell you to do something, you won't do it," Chief Haywood said with a mix of humor and annoyance. "I came here to give you this map before you leave so that you can find your way back to us."

Max took the map but gave the Chief a bored expression.

"I'm sorry I wasn't the father you needed, son."

"Thanks, dad. I really needed to hear that. I'm sorry I couldn't be the wolf you wanted me to be. I'm a different kind a wolf. A lone wolf."

"You will never be alone. I should have done more as a father for you. To make you feel like you weren't alone and part of the community. I just wasn't put in an ideal situation."

 "You'll have an easier time now with one son."

Even though Chief Haywood was hurt by this comment, he was glad Max was building his own life. Max put the map in his backpack and began rowing away.

A week passed and Max found Holly's family burial. He was sad to see how young the Hendrik children were when they died. He couldn't imagine what Holly went through. He then with his bare hands buried Holly with her family; right next to her beloved dog Sean.

Months later, Max was in New York City playing his telecaster guitar on the street. He was still learning, but he got tips every now and then. He was still struggling to adjust to normal life among humans. He wasn't used to people being chipper and productive. The hardest part for him was the new technology. Luckily, he made some friends on the streets to help him out. Many open mics later, he published his music. He wrote an entire album dedicated to Holly about their love story. Max wanted the whole world to know how amazing Holly was. Max had no regrets in his life and lived it to the fullest because one day, he would join Holly in the afterlife.