Athena

Chapter 28

Four hundred and eighty-six aeteri. That's how many we saved, how many Erin saved that day. It's been two weeks since then and I'm still in shock. She was sixteen. I was responsible for her and now, she's gone.

We are all grieving. She was the care-free jokester always making someone smile. I miss her wavy blonde hair that I always ruffled and those forest green eyes that were brighter than any star in the sky. She had so much to offer this world and I'll never see her again. I know she wouldn't want me to be sad and gloomy, but I can't help it.

We were still in Ethereal territory and all throughout their grounds there were tents set up harboring aeteri that were now freed.

Back home, Kevin has been prepping rooms and trying to turn other parts of the facility into more liveable areas for the aeteri that will be coming home with us. Not all of them will. Some have decided to stay with the Ethereals since they already have aeteri quarters built here and Garret has decided to let some become polarians with him. Normally, polarians don't just take in anyone but he decided to try and change their ways.

Packs throughout the country heard of what Erin has done for not only the aeteri but for all of us and has decided to give the aeteri a chance at life within a pack if they would like. Erin made this possible, she changed life for the supernaturals forever.

I was sitting outside on the balcony of our guest house, looking over the vast forest numbly. The sun was just coming up when in the trees, I noticed two figures coming towards me slowly. I jumped off of the balcony, making my way towards them, knowing who it was before I even got there.

"We free you and then you go MIA for two weeks and now you're here? You didn't even stay long enough to attend Erin's funeral." I snapped. I was pissed. She knowingly let Erin do what she did, being in my exact position and knowing what it's like, angers me. Beside her was a child who was also freed from Vinco, though I learned he wasn't there for that long. I'm unsure about what his abilities are though I know he isn't the infamous telepathy that aided her.

The child was no more than nine years old. He's way more mature than his age and is loyal to no one other than Xenna. Dark skin, curly hair, and a scar clean cut across his left cheekbone that lets you know he has been through what many of us have despite his age. His name is Evander.

Xenna knew what Erin was going to do and she let it happen. She didn't tell anyone. She allowed a sixteen-year-old to make a decision that got her killed and I will never forgive her for that.

"Erin was always part of the plan, Athena. If she didn't do what she did, we wouldn't be here and the RA's would have been successful with their plan."

I grit my teeth and looked away from her. I wanted to hurt her, to push my loss and my pain into her, but I refrained.

"Uniting the wolves and the aeteri was necessary and she made that happen. I will always be thankful for that child. She was a strong girl and very brave." She said

I looked up at her, "Why was uniting us and the wolves necessary?"

"Athena, there are so many other supernatural species out there. Some in this world and some that are not. Not everyone in the universe wants us to be here. We aren't all there is and throughout the years there will be many events that will take place and we need to unite not just wolves and aeteri, but everyone. Though it will take a lot of time." She told me.

Other species? I never doubted there were others, but it wasn't something I constantly thought about either. Now knowing we'll all need to unite one day for whatever reason is alarming.

"More fighting?" I asked. I'm not ready to lose more people, not yet.

"A bit, but nothing you can't handle. A new generation arises and will be like nothing the world's ever seen, so rest easy. You can enjoy all life has to offer you. I've seen your future and it's a good one, so don't take it for granted." She tells me with a smile.