31.2 MARCOS

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Suddenly, out of the corner of my eyes, a light appeared beside them, causing everyone to bow their heads respectfully

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Suddenly, out of the corner of my eyes, a light appeared beside them, causing everyone to bow their heads respectfully.

My family and I were unaware of who stood beside us until I felt a tender hand on my shoulder and heard the sweet voice I recognized as Atabey's.

As my teary eyes turned to her, I saw Atabey, the Moon Goddess, standing with an ethereal presence. Her long, black hair cascaded down her back, shimmering like the night sky. She wore a flowing white dress that sparkled with the light of a thousand stars.

Atabey nodded and signaled me to move. I realized then that she had a glow surrounding her body, and beside her, with the same glow, stood my parents' wolves, Javier's, and Star and Sol's family. I stood up, letting Phoenix's head lie softly on the ground. I bowed respectfully, as did the rest of my family.

Atabey shook her head in dismissal and said, looking at all the wolves surrounding us, her eyes filled with gentle compassion.
"Rise, my children. Your bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Each wolf let out a howl of gratitude, their howls echoing through the battlefield. She bent closer to Phoenix, her eyes filled with tears as she passed her hand through his blood-matted fur.

Her hand glowed with a soft white light, and she whispered, "You fought well, my pup."

To our astonishment, Phoenix stirred, letting out a painful whimper. The happiness that surged through us as we saw my son open his eyes and rise from the ground, completely healed, was indescribable.

Baine leaped onto his mate, licking him all over while letting out joyful whines, his tail wagging furiously.

The Goddess stood up and signaled us to follow her-my family, Azriel, Max, and Elder Jonas.

We walked a little further as the rest celebrated Phoenix's return to the living.

Attabey suddenly stopped and turned towards us, her eyes shimmering with pride. She sighed and said, "I'm so proud of all of you."

She then turned to Elder Jonas, her expression softening. "You, my son, I have no words to describe the pride I feel because of you and Torin. Even knowing what would happen, you stayed strong and let it unfold as it was meant to, despite the struggle to keep it hidden. I will grant you a gift for this and everything you've endured."

Elder Jonas looked at the Goddess with a questioning gaze, his brow furrowed. "What do you mean, mother? I don't wish for anything for myself, only that my race finally lives in peace."

Atabey chuckled softly and walked closer to the Elder, placing her hand gently on his forehead. She whispered, "May you find peace and live a fruitful life."

Surprised, we watched Elder Jonas's body transform into a younger version, probably around his late thirties.

Jonas's widened in shock, and when everything was done, she whispered something in his ear that made him gasp, his hand flying to his mouth.

Afterward, she nodded to Star and Sol, who returned the gesture with solemn nods. The light around her and our families' wolves grew brighter, signaling their departure.

Papi Mateo and my mother Sierra walked to my side. I shifted back to Onix, allowing him and me to say the last goodbye to our parents.

Javier did the same, shifting back to Rolf.

Star and Sol were with their family, saying their final farewells and rubbing their bodies against their loved ones. The Goddess closed her eyes, and the wolves howled as they approached her side.

I shifted back to my human form, tears streaming down my face, my chest heaving with the weight of my grief.

We last heard Atabey whispering, "The war was won, but the fight is not over yet. I'm leaving my loving creation in your capable hands." With that, they were gone.

My heartfelt sadness and happiness, grateful to see my parents' wolves one last time.

To my surprise, I saw Star and Sol making their way to the edge of the charred forest. Onix followed them, Rolf walking beside us. His fur bristled with tension, and his eyes were clouded with sorrow.

I could feel the rest of the pack and allies following us. Through the pack link, I could sense the heavyweight in the hearts and the sadness of my pack members at the site of the forest's destruction.

Their howls of anguish echoed through the desolate landscape, a mournful symphony of loss and despair.

The forest had been more than just a home; it was a part of their essence, where they had forged bonds and found peace. Now, it lay in ruins, a stark reminder of the brutality of war. Even my heart was sad as I watched the destruction through Onix's eyes.

The once vibrant and lush forest was now a desolate wasteland, with blackened trees and smoldering ashes stretching as far as the eye could see. The air was thick with the acrid scent of burned wood. The once towering trees, now reduced to smoldering stumps, filled the night with a pungent aroma that clung to the nostrils.

The aftermath of the war had left a scar on the land, and it was up to us to heal it.

"Trust our mate and Sol," Onix's voice came through our private link.

We all gasped as we saw Star close his silver eyes and howl to the moon. His silver fur shimmered under the pale light of the crescent moon, and a soft, soothing glow began to emanate from him.

The moonlight intensified, casting a gentle, silvery hue over the forest as rain started falling.

Star's howl was powerful; his expression was calm determination, his ears perked up, and his tail held high.

The smell of fresh rain and the lingering scent of smoke created a bittersweet aroma filling the air.

Sol stepped forward. His golden eyes blazed with determination as he howled to the sky, his powerful paws hitting the ground with force. His nostrils flared, and his chest heaved with each breath, his body language exuding confidence and strength.

His presence radiated warmth and light, and the air around us seemed to hum with energy. Beams of sunlight pierced through the darkened sky, illuminating the forest with a brilliant, golden glow. His eyes narrowed in focus, his lips curling into a fierce snarl.

My breath caught in my throat as we watched in awe as they channeled their powers, intertwining the energies.

The ground beneath them began to tremble, and tiny green shoots emerged from the ashes. Once lifeless and charred, the trees started to regenerate, their branches reaching toward the sky with renewed vigor. Flowers bloomed, their vibrant colors painting the landscape with hope and life.

As the forest slowly came back to life, Onix puffed his chest with pride, as did Rolf at what our mates had done, as we let out a powerful howl to the moon, followed by the howls of our pack members and allies as a thank you to the Moon Goddess.

The air was filled with a sense of renewal and tranquility. The once-burned land was now a sanctuary of life and beauty, symbolizing hope and resilience.

Our mates had given the forest a second chance and, in doing so, had strengthened the bond between our pack and allies...

Fin

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AN: Two epilogues are left for this book to be completed

Votes and comments will be appreciated

Later today or tomorrow, I will upload.

10/5/24

LG

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