Chapter 160: Chapter 160

76. The Sounds of the Night SKYLA.

The moon has risen, but despite the silence of the night, everyone is awake in the Rossi mansion.

I can hear the quiet conversations, the deep discussions, the occasional shout.

Out here, I can also hear the sound of insects in the garden. The soft wind is blowing through the trees and the passing comments and commands of the guards and others around can be heard.

This feeling… it’s unexplainable…

I feel… content, sorrowful and…different.

I don’t even know how to explain it.

I’m sitting on the back steps, staring out into the night sky. I’ve done this so many times in my life, but today I feel like I’m no longer the Sky I once was…

My eyes sting and I tug at the sleeves of my long -sleeved top as I exhale slowly.

Some things just stay… changing you even.

I killed my given mate. It’s… an odd feeling…

I know I’m not a monster. I had to do what I had to and to break the hold Apophis had on him, and on this planet, I had to end him.

He didn’t care for me, and that was proven in those last moments. 2 He wasn’t bothered about me… but he was shocked that his brother helped kill him…

Royce is quieter, and I don’t blame him. I want to be there for him, and I will be, but he’s also being that rock for his family. Even Charlotte cried, despite refusing to let a sound escape her. 1 He’s with his mother right now, and she needs him.

She’s down on the firepower right now, and I know we will see that fiery warrior Luna again one day, but for now, she needs to heal… 2 I stare at the sky, resting my head against the door frame.

Life.

It’s painful, beautiful, terrifying, yet for those of us who get to live another day, it’s precious…

“Meow.”

I smile as Malevolent jumps into my lap, and I cuddle her tightly. 1 “Hey Mal…” I say, stroking her head as she purrs in approval.

At least on this journey of life, I’ll always have her and Royce.

I turn when I hear footsteps behind me, sensing Raihana before I see her.

She pauses when she spots me. She’s wearing an oversize cardigan over her tiny sports bra and shorts, her arms wrapped around herself.

“Sorry, I didn’t realise our lioness was out here.” She says with a small smile, about to leave when I stand up.

“You don’t need to leave.”

She turns back.

“Are you sure?”

She’s lost weight, and call me fucking crazy, but I feel her eyes have aged if that even makes sense.

I nod as I walk over to her, gently letting Malevolent down.

“I’m sorry… about Chris,” I say, ok I’m not a hugger but… I step forward, awkwardly hugging her.

She relaxes and wraps her arms around me, giving me a squeeze.

“Don’t be… I’m sure he’s in a good place.” She whispers, but I can sense the pain in her voice.

I move back slowly, “This all happened because of Aleric, Apophis and me…”

I don’t want to admit it, but this was a fight between Apophis, Aleric, Bastet, Me, Helios and Royce, and although I don’t want her to, if she did blame us, it would be justified.

He became a victim of our battle.

“No, it happened because of evil, greed, and selfishness. If we blame people for something they have no hand in, we will always be the losers. My prince was an Alpha, a warrior and a protector. He died for being a good person.

Surely Selene will welcome him and treat him well.” Her voice breaks and she looks away. “I talked to Uncle. I’m ready to bid him farewell. We are having his funeral tomorrow with the rest of those who have fallen.” 6 She turns her head away and I wrap my arms around her again. This time it isn’t hard.

“You are a queen, and I know it’s easier said than done… but you are a fighter,” I say softly.

She nods as she looks at me. “I am. I will take my place as the head of the Coven of England. It’s time I do my part and I know the workload will keep me busy and my mind off things.”

“So, you’ll move to the Coven?” I ask, my heart skipping a beat.

“I can teleport with ease, just a simple spell. The children need me. I can’t abandon them.” She says, “Plus, I don’t think I can survive. around witches…”

I nod. “Guess Heaven could use the witchy training too.”

“Yes, that’s very true. We do need to up it considering her powers already.

“And the pack. What have you decided?” I ask.

“Rayhan will head both until Tatum is ready to take his place,” she says, running her fingers through her hair as we step apart. “I’m proud of you Sky… I know killing someone is… I don’t know. I killed Sephora and I don’t regret it.”

I heard that she put Mama Red into a deep slumber before she ended Sephora.

As for Sephora’s body… well, Delsanra burned it before anyone could see it. Whatever she did was dark, that much I know, but when Mama Mari had asked her, Dad had told her to drop it, saying it doesn’t matter.

“Yeah, I was thinking earlier that although he was evil… I did kill my mate,” I murmur.

“Did it hurt?” she asks quietly. “I know the pain it brings when a bond is broken, although I know you two had not completed the bond nor did you want him.”

I frown, shaking my head slowly.

“No. I just… it was like I felt something weak or brittle break inside of me. It’s weird but there was no gut-wrenching pain… Whatever was between us was already past the point of salvaging… It hurt seeing Royce like that though, hurt knowing he had to do that to not only his brother but his twin…”

She gives my upper arm a gentle squeeze. Things will get easier.

I hear footsteps and look up to see Heaven. standing there holding a mug of hot chocolate, with Uncle Liam beside her holding two mugs of steaming hot chocolate.

She’s in an oversized shirt and I feel like I’ve been punched in the neck when I realise it’s Chris’s. 5 “Hey baby,” Raihana says as she wraps her arms around her daughter.

I look away, trying to control my own pain. I can’t begin to imagine a world without Dad. 2 My eyes meet Uncle Liam, who smiles gently at “So, I thought the Rossi Princesses might also want some hot chocolate,” he says lightly, holding out a mug to me.

“Thanks,” I say, taking it from him.

Raihana smiles as Heaven moves back, sipping her hot chocolate and Liam offers her the other mug, giving her a warm smile. 4 “Thanks,” Raihana says.

“Any time.” He replies before excusing himself. 1 We sip our drinks silently as Heaven sits down on the steps once more, and I take a seat next to her, slinging my arm around her shoulders.

“I know I’m late… but I’m sorry for your loss…” I say quietly.

I had talked to Tatum earlier, but he’s become quieter and closed off. 2 I’ve never done this before. I’ve never experienced losing someone so close to me before.

I’m not afraid of death… but I’m afraid of the impact it leaves on those left behind.

“I’ll be right back,” Raihana says as she walks inside, leaving the two of us alone.

She’s giving us space.

“It’s fine… I’m fine.” She says quietly, staring at the grass in front of us.

“I’ve heard those words a lot, mostly from me… I’m not going to force you as these things happen at their own fucking time, but when you’re ready, let it out. Scream, shout, cry. Do whatever the fuck you want, but let it out.” I whisper. 4 She turns her head, looking into my eyes and I can see her pain, and for a moment I feel I’m suffocating in it before she turns away.

“My dad said to me… that no matter who hurts me, no matter if I’ve messed up, or if my heart is broken or hurting, that he’ll be there. That I’ll always have him, and I can come back to him. That he’ll always have my back…. He never told me what I should do if he is no longer around…” Her voice breaks before she lowers her head, her tears splashing into her hot. chocolate. 16 I take the mug from her shaking hands, not knowing what to say.

“That fool.” A voice says from behind us.

I turn to see Rayhan standing there.

He’s shirtless, and I can still see the soot on him, meaning he just got back now. He’s in a pair of black jeans as he walks over and sits down on the other side of Heaven.

He wraps his arms around her, kissing the top of her forehead.

“He forgot to tell you that if he’s not here, then I will be. I’ll always be here for you, Heaven. Just like I’ll be there for Sienna… I’ll be there for you I promise you that,” he says quietly as she hugs him back tight. 7 Thank God for that…

“Thank you, Uncle.” She whispers, before moving back and wrinkling her nose. “You smell of smoke.”

“I was searching the rubble…” He replies with a wry smile.

“How many?” I ask quietly.

Wanting to know how many died.

“Fifty-three… All missing persons are accounted for.”

We fall silent before Heaven tilts her head, glancing between us as she wipes her tears away.

“This is a first,” she says as she takes a tissue from her pocket and blows her nose.

“What is?” Rayhan asks.

“Skyla, not taking pictures of you to sell.” She states, making my eyes open. 4 “Excuse me? What pictures?” Rayhan asks, cocking a brow.

Oh SHIT. 3 I gulp down my hot chocolate in one go, letting the liquid burn my throat and jump up.

“The ones she sells at the academy of you. She makes a lot of money.” Heaven says, now smiling in amusement, 2 “Well…. It’s late goodnight!” I exclaim as Rayhan narrows his eyes.

Heaven giggles and I guess if it means her smiling costs me that secret coming to light, I’m fine with it.

“Whoa not so fast missy,” Rayhan says.

“Hey, you were the most sought-after Rossi, so you know I sold some candid shots of you, but I think I can pimp out Leo now!” Say, running to the door before Rayhan can even get up. 3 I’m way fucking faster, but I’m not looking where I am going and knock straight into Ahren, who chuckles.

“Only Leo is smart enough to know if you are trying to take a picture of him,” he quips in slyly. 13 This fucker.

“Ahren Azor Rafael Rossi.” 4 We both freeze at the dangerous tone in Rayhan’s voice. It sends a shiver down my spine, and I slowly turn, seeing his eyes blazing bottle green as they fix on their son. 1 “Dad.” Ahren counters bravely.

Oh, he’s screwed…

I want to escape, but I’m not sure if I should leave Ahren alone…

“Care to share what you were doing on that battlefield?” Rayhan asks quietly. 3 Ahren looks away, his playful demeanour vanishing.

“Helping.” He replies quietly as Heaven and I exchange looks.

“I made it clear you were not to be there. Obey the rules I set for you Ahren.” Rayhan says, don’t want to have to warn you again, but if you break another rule, I will not go so easy on you. Do I make myself clear?” 3 Ahren doesn’t reply, and a low growl leaves Rayhan’s lips. 2 “I’m serious Ahren, you could have died. I don’t want anything to happen to you. Do you understand?”

Ahren looks off towards the trees and I can tell Rayhan is getting angrier.

“Oi…” I mutter, nudging him.

He looks at his dad and tilts his head.

“I understand your point of view, but I don’t agree with it, so I’m being respectful by staying quiet.” 2 I flinch as Rayhan’s aura rages around him.

Shit, this kid’s got spunk. 1 “Go to your room, and if I find out that you have left, I swear you will regret it,” Rayhan says, trying to control his anger.

“If you find out.” Ahren whispers ever so quietly, I don’t think Rayhan could have heard. s When he doesn’t react, I know he hasn’t.

Ahren turns and heads inside, and I look at Heaven and Rayhan.

“Night guys,” I say as Rayhan puts his arm around Heaven again.

“I want to see those pictures, Skyla.” 2 “No!” I say before I dart inside. I rush up the stairs and stop when I see Mama and Dad.

Mama is holding some towels and Dad is smoking a cigarette as he leans over her.

“Ahem.” I clear my throat, king their moment.

They look up, and I smirk as I saunter over to them.

There’s not much I want to say… but…

“Skyla…” Mama says, seeing the expression on my face.

I hug them both, one arm around each of their shoulders as I close my eyes, their combined scents calming me.

“I’m sorry. Sorry for always being so damn difficult… I love you both so fucking much and I just want you to know… Although I never said it, I need you guys, I always have. I fucking appreciate all the shit you’ve done for me. I’m sorry for making things hard for you.” I whisper. 5 It’s not so hard anymore… it’s not so embarrassing to say those words…

“We love you too, Angel,” Mama says, hugging me tightly.

Dad rubs the back of my head and kisses my forehead.

“And don’t apologise. You were meant to be difficult. I mean, you are fucking Lucifer incarnate.” He says, making me and Mama laugh. 2 I think I can finally say I got my shit together.

A/N: Hey everyone, just a quick note, there are still a few chapters left, it’s not over until you see the words ‘the end’ at the end of the epilogue!