The Constant Star

Epilogue

TONIGHT is the ceremonial departure of Alpha Derek and the mass grave funeral of the pack members whom died during the war that took place three days ago. The bodies had been identified by their families and are all lined up in their caskets as we all gather in the cemetery lawn of a private property of the pack.

It was the full moon for this month and that is the exact reason why they chose this night for the ceremony. The werewolves oftentimes do all of their ceremonies during the full moon. It is just right to do it tonight to pay respect to the dead according to their culture and beliefs even in their death bed.

"How are you feeling?" Cnidus asked as we all look in front as the ceremony is about to start.

The Black Hole members are instructed to be in front with Amoux and Alpha Lefiya and that is why the three of us are all in front tonight, just doing what we were told to do.

"Empty."

Everyone that attended the funeral are wearing formal clothes, all in color black from head to toe. It was upon the request of Alpha Lefiya. Alpha Derek is a person who makes sure everything is organized and just by doing this, we know he would be happy about it.

"Under the light of the full moon, we are gathered here tonight to send our Alpha and our pack members to the afterlife. They all died fighting for what is right; they sacrificed themselves to make sure that we win the Lightning War and to ensure that Ecrivain would be a safe and a better place once again." Beta George said, starting up the ceremony.

Beta George, one of the alpha male's betas and Beta Connor, one of the alpha female's betas are the people in charge of the ceremonies. I've witnessed them do the same thing before whenever we bury a dead pack member when I was a child. I grew up witnessing how much they pay respect to every member of the pack. That's the same kind of respect I've always wanted to receive.

"We would like to call the attention of every family members of the fallen, please light up your lanterns as we continue this ceremony. As for the others, just keep your lanterns down until we instructed you to light them up." Beta Connor said as he first demonstrated to light up the lantern he is holding.

Everyone who attended tonight's funeral were given a lantern. There are two kinds of lanterns: the one for the family members which has a very intricate design and patterns while the other one is just a simple lantern that are usually used in the parks of which are given to the others that attended. I was given a special kind of lantern earlier. It was because they know my affiliation with the Alpha and how he treated me as his own son.

I borrowed a lighter from the others and lit up my lantern. After that, I focused my attention on the two betas in front as they continue with the essential process of the ceremony.

"As you slowly release the lantern you are holding, I want you to reminisce about all the encounters and memories you had with your loved one. I want you to go back to that moment and, be happy as you slowly accept that we need to let them go. Stare at the latern as it goes up and finally bid your farewell to them," Beta George said and slowly released his lantern.

I focused on mine and started going back to all the moments I spent time with him. He was an amazing person. He always teach me and Amoux about important things as we grow up. Those lessons helped me to be who I am today. He is basically one of the reasons why I became stronger than I used to be because he is always there when we needed him.

I slowly released the lantern and stared at it as it goes up slowly. I could feel how tears are coming out from my eyes. It is hard to say goodbye. I wasn't prepared for this. I never thought I will lose him in that battle. I can't believe that he was killed that fast. I still cannot accept it.

"Goodbye, dad..." I whispered and wiped my tears.

I wanted to walk away so bad because I couldn't take it. I maybe tough in the outside but I am too soft when it comes to situations like this. When a person is too special to me, I find it really hard to let them go when they need to.

"Now, light up all the lanterns and bid your goodbye to everyone we lost in the battle. Let's dedicate our victory to all the fallen brave warriors we had and finally release our lanterns." Alpha Connor said, concluding the ceremony.

Everybody released their lanterns and up into the sky, they all looked peaceful. It felt like having hope that everything will be alright soon. They say lanterns are usually released in the sky to let go of all the problems and worries we have. Upon the release of the lantern, we are being set free to whatever it is that makes us feel unhappy.

I guess we all needed that. We all needed to set ourselves free from all the pain and all the guilt we felt for losing our colleagues. But there is nothing we could do now, we could never bring them back no matter how hard we try. The only thing we could do is to let go and accept it. And believe that all will be alright in time.

I LEFT the cemetery the moment they started to enter the mausoleum to finally bury the Alpha to its tomb. I had nowhere to go. I wanted to be away from everyone for now. I just want a time for myself. I just want to breathe for now and process everything that just happened.

I was walking into the woods when I realized that there is a place I could go to. That please is a secret from everyone. I am sure no one is there right now. That would be my safest place to cast all the burdens and heartaches I am feeling. That would be the perfect place for me to show what I really feel without trying to redeem myself.

"I need a break," I said to myself as I pave the way to the hidden waterfalls.

It was dark and quiet. It was comforting for me to know that I am all alone and that I could finally take off the mask I've been wearing to hide what I truly feel. I am tired of pretending that I feel okay when I am not.

It took me a fifteen minute walk before I finally got to the place. Just like the very first time I went here, it was peaceful and hopeful. It was giving me the safety and protection I've always longed for.

"I missed myself, I hope I come back to being the normal Aegean Hale I've always been!" I shouted despite knowing there's no one else here that is listening to me.

Why would I even care if somebody's here? No one else knew about this place. I know that whatever I would say here, it would remain between me and this place.

My attention was caught when I heard a tweaking wood from behind. I looked back and saw someone hiding herself in a cloak and rushing to leave the place. The person is holding a familiar weapon and that's when I found out who she is. It was Glozelle.

I did not bother calling her and just went back to what I was doing. She is not the reason why I went here. I want a personal time with myself and I wouldn't be distracted. I stared at the water flowing down from above and made myself comfortable again.

"I was right all along," I said to myself, smiling.

I am happy that Glozelle chose who she wants to be and kept herself. She did not changed herself for anyone and I can say that I am the person who is very proud of her now—even if that decision of hers means hurting me.

I feel satisfied to know that she remains to be the person she's always been. At least I know that she is in good condition. I would never want her to experience any pain anymore. She's been the star that brightened up my life and the one that gave me direction when I was losing myself.

Now, it is about time to let her do what she wants and let her get what she truly deserves. Maybe, in the future, we will meet again and would be given the chance to grow and be stronger together again.

There's only one thing I am sure of for now. Even despite everything that may happen after this day and in the future, I will never get tired of acknowledging that she will remain to be the woman I Iove the most and the woman that shines brightly in the dark.

She will remain as the star that keeps me on track—the star that may be too far from me but with all its brilliance and elegance, she will forever be the only star that matters. The star that is fearless and brave, the star that will never be replaced and will always remain constant.

And yes...

Glozelle Collins is The Constant Star.