The Luna's Alpha {COMPLETED}

XVI. The Hunt

As I followed Rin down to the training field my heart broke at the dozens of bodies that were placed on wooden pyres. All of them were covered in a white sheet with moon lilies placed in their hands.

"Are you sure you wish to do this?" Rin asked as he placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.

Sucking in a breath I nodded.

"I have to. For all of them," I replied. "Can you hold him?" I asked Rin as I handed him William.

"Of course," Rin answered, taking the small baby from my arms.

Taking the torch from one of the warriors I walked towards the first pyre. I knew from the faint scent that it was Mia. Somehow, in all of the chaos when Octavius attacked, she'd hidden William and two other children in the attic before running back to the field.

"Mia, what on in the Gods name am I going to do without you?" I whispered, smiling sadly at my friends body.

"I hope you find peace," I whispered.

Lighting the bottom of the pyre I stepped back as flames engulfed it. Dark smoke rising to the Heavens as clouds started to gather. Holding my head high I walked to the next pyre, lighting them one by one. Praying that each of them found some form of peace in the afterlife.

As I approached the last two rows of pyres my heart cracked. The pyres at the back were for the children. The ones that had been caught up in the chaos and slaughtered.

"I can do this," I whispered to myself. I had to do this. For them.

Forcing myself to move forward I walked to the children's pyres. My torch wavering as the weight of seemed to pull me to the ground. Walking from pyre to pyre I lit each one, trying not to collapse with grief. Walking back to Rin I turned around and stared at the pyres as they burnt, the flames moving in a vicious dance as smoke rose to the sky.

Looking up at the sky my heart skipped a few beats as the dark clouds above us seemed to dance with silver light. Shaking my head I looked back out at the pyres my heart hammering in my chest as I watched lightening dance in the clouds.

"Do you think-?" I asked Rin, looking at him with hopeful eyes.

"Probably. The Hunt does collect the souls of those that died in battle or war," he answered as he looked up at the sky.

The wind howled in our ears, sounding almost like the blow of a horn. The clap of thunder and lightening announced their arrival. As the first clap of thunder sounded, hooves hit the hard ground. Dark horses appeared almost out of nowhere, their riders wore black capes that were tattered at the ends.

There were at least a dozen riders here, racing around the pyres, pulling white wisps from the flames. Looking over to Rin I opened my mouth only to be interrupted.

"Go find him. I'll look after William," Rin spoke, holding the sleeping baby close to his chest.

Nodding my feet carried me across the field, my eyes looking from face to face trying to find him. I had to find him. As a horse pulled in front of me I skidded to a halt, falling onto my ass as I looked up at the hooded rider. The rider shouted something to another rider before dismounting his steed.

"Clumsy as always, my Luna," a familiar voice teased.

A gloved hand extended towards me, taking the gloves hand I could feel small sparks of electricity buzzing between us. My eyes watered as I threw myself at him, holding him close as I sobbed. River chuckled as he wrapped his arms around my shoulders, holding me close. Breathing in deeply I whimpered, as realisation hit me. His scent was no longer mint and fallen snow, but instead he smelt like death and blood.

"I know, I'm sorry," River whispered, running a hand through my hair.

"River I'm-"

River chuckled as he leaned back, wiping away stray tears. "I know. I know Scarlett," he whispered. His blue eyes full of sadness as he stared down at me.

"I can't do this without you," I whispered.

"Yes you can, you always have help from friends and you know you do," River answered, smiling gently at me as his thumb stroked my cheeks.

"Didn't Mani make a deal with Gwynn though?" I asked, frowning slightly.

"He did, but Octavius... well fighting in a kitchen wasn't the best idea. Ya know, it's got knives and things throughout it," River laughed.

"He killed you?"

"No, I was on the brink of death. One of the riders had been waiting for me. The same rider also killed Octavius," River answered.

"Good," I mumbled, I'd wondered what happened to him.

River looked over his shoulder, his smile dropping with dread as he turned back to me.

"I have to go now Scar," River whispered.

"I'll see you again, right?" I asked, hope blooming in my chest.

River smiled sadly at me as he pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead.

"No, I can't Scarlett. I want to but... there are rules. I'm allowed to say goodbye and that's it," he answered, crushing the hope that had bloomed in my chest.

"Never?" I asked.

"I'm sorry Scarlett, I'll watch over you and the baby. I promise," River answered, leaning his forehead against mine.

Taking in a shaky breath I leaned up and pressed a kiss to Rivers lips. Trying to savour this bittersweet moment. What felt like a lifetime ended far too quickly as River smiled sadly at me.

"I have to go Scarlett," River whispered.

"I know, go," I mumbled, watching River as he mounted the horse.

I watched him fiercely as he adjusted the reins, between the forefingers and middle fingers and held in place by his thumbs. I had to take in every detail of him. I needed to remember him. The dark blonde hair that was more the colour of snow, blue eyes that reminded me of the sea after a storm. Callused hands from years of fighting and training. And silver scars that marked his hands, his arms and back.

"Wait!" I screamed, running to Rivers horse, grabbing hold of the stirrup.

"I... I need a name," I shouted, looking up at River.

Smiling River leaned down, whispering a name in my ear. I smiled, closing my eyes tightly.

"It's perfect," I whispered as I took a step back.

"I have to go. Remember my Luna, I love you. Both of you," River spoke smiling down at me.

"We love you, too," I answered, smiling up at River as he kicked the horses sides.

A clap of thunder sounded as the River and the other riders rode towards the woods. Lightening struck down in front of the riders and like the storm, the vanished. Closing my eyes I prayed that River would be safe. That he'd be okay.

Letting out a sigh of relief I placed my hands on my stomach where our pup was.

"Lachie," I whispered, smiling at my hands.