Artemis' Pov
My eyes flutter open, looking out it's still dark and I frown, glancing at the ceiling with a blank look. The alarm clock beeps and I slowly turn to see it's five in the morning and I sigh. An arm tightens around my waist and I smile to myself, turning around slowly and gently so not to wake him.
The darkness in the room does nothing to deter me from seeing this perfect human in front of me. His slow steady breath caresses my face and I bury my face in his neck, breathing his scent deeply.
I look up, memorizing every inch of his face and my finger follows where my eye touches. From his slightly plum pink lips, to his pointed nose and lashes that are just to die for.
"Mate is so handsome." Red says also staring at him with an infatuated look and I nod my head. He really is handsome and he belongs to me.
Staring at his sleepy face, my brows furrow and I feel my mood plummet at the thought of today. We are leaving the pack to finally end everything. I clench my fist, thinking about how much this war is really going to change everything but I have faith.
"We need to prepare before mate wakes up." Red adds with a growl, her canines flashing in a sneer and I glare coldly into the darkness, my eyes burning with extreme rage and blood lust, my enemies blood.
I slowly take his arm from my waist and he slightly groans, halting me in my actions. I stare at his face for awhile and his breathing evens once again before I sigh in relief. Getting out of the bed, I see his hand patting the space next to him with a frown and my eyes widen, quickly replacing the empty space with the pillow I used.
Storm immediately cuddles it and a satisfied smile appears on his face making me giggle at his actions. I stare at him, my eyes softening before I lean in, kissing his forehead.
The house is extremely quiet, my bare feet silent against the wooden floors and I walk out of the house. I raise my gaze to the sky, narrowing my eyes slightly at the moon. I know she's watching me but I ignore it and breath in the fresh chilly air.
My feet take me to the garage and I step inside. I fumble around the room, trying to find the ledger and a smile makes way to my lips when it opens with a click. The wall on my left separates and I walk in.
The light automatically switches on when I step inside, lightening up the small room. I continue to stare straight ahead of me, an unreadable expression on my face and I tiredly sigh.
Right ahead of me is something that has always held a special place in my heart and it's something I'm planning to use for the war and that is my mother's armor. Handcrafted by mother with her blood, and made with gold from the realms of the gods.
The gold armor had breast plates made with a silver and golden vines intertwining on it. On the left side of the breast plate was my mother's and the pack's emblem, the dark wolf with crowns and stars on its head and a howl to the moon in the dark night.
Her sword is equally by the side and I pick it up, tossing it around in my hands. It feels so light but the edges gleams sharply in the light. Her bow and arrows are there and I breath in deeply before taking all of them.
The air looks gloomy as if knowing that the events that are going to unfold next will change everything. I step out with the bow and arrows in the quiver sling over my shoulder and a melancholy look on my face as I stare at the sky.
"Its's time mother please lend me your strength and watch over my pack while I'm gone and father watch over I and Storm." I pray silently and walk back into the house.
The day breaks, the sun rises and howls are suddenly filled in the atmosphere. I stare out my window, my hand behind my back and eyes blazing fiercely. Red stretches out her body and I can feel her eagerness at what will happen.
"Alpha Jeremy is here with his warriors." Damien reports through the mindlink and I hum still staring at the horizon. He agreed to help and I can't help but smile at the little Alpha. Storm is awake and I can feel how nervous he is but there's something else that has never been present in him and that his intent to destroy everything around him.
"He feels so powerful." Red mutters, a wolfish grin on her face and I raise my brow not saying anything. He has truly changed and I'm happy that he is stronger than before.
My eyes narrow at the different scents in the pack, each of them eager and excited. There's no fear coming from them and that makes me pleased. I clench my fist, everything has to end once and for all.
I turn away from the window and walk out of the room at the same time Storm does and our gazes meet. My eyes soften and step forward wrapping my arms around his neck and his around my waist, pulling flush against his body.
"It's gonna be fine." He murmurs, kissing my head and I squeeze tighter just nodding my head. No words are said between us. We pull away and run straight for the training ground.
Everyone one is gathered and the number is quite huge. Who would have thought that witches, rogues and one of the strongest packs are going to be gathered.
Esme and Alec stand in front of the witches, Alex is in front of his pack, Jeremy leads his white wolves whilst Damien and Samaria represent my pack.
The training grounds are filled more than usual and excited murmur is in the air, everyone has a certain degree of bloodlust in their eyes and it makes me smile a bit.
"They are a lot." Storm points out staring at the huge crowd in front of us and I nod. From my peripheral vision, I see Ollie walks towards us with Sunny and Riley behind him. The playful look in his eyes has disappeared, leaving nothing but coldness and bloodlust in them.
He stops beside me and bows his head. "Alpha Storm, Alpha Artemis, we're ready."
I nod and my gaze lands on a sulking Riley and I chuckle, crouching down a bit to his height. "Don't pout Riley." I say smoothing out the frown on his face.
He glares at me and crosses his arms in front of him. "But I wanna go with you."
This makes me chuckle and I shake my head, wrapping my arms around him. "Not this time buddy because I have an important job for you."
He perks up immediately. "What?" He asks excitedly and I smile at him before ruffling his brown locks of curls on his head.
"You're in charge of my pack until I come back." I say and he frowns for a bit, looking as if he is deep in concentration before he straightens up, staring at me with a determined look.
"You can count on me Alpha Artemis and I promise not to fail you." He says and I grin. Guess Midnight fall pack has a new alpha.
"Good."
Riley runs to Storm who has been quiet the whole time and hugs him.
"Protect her." Riley demands with seriousness and Storm gazes intensely at me.
"With my life." He says and my breath hitches, my heart feeling uneasy all of a sudden. I will make sure nothing happens to him. Riley wiggles in his grip and Storm lets him down only for another body to collide with him.
"Come back little brother." Sunny whispers hugging him tightly and his face softens and gentle eyes look at his sister.
"I will." He replies, kissing her hair and tears fill her eyes as she pulls away and buries her face in Ollie's chest.
"Any news on Selena?" I mind link Ollie and he purses his lips, shaking his head and I sigh. I need her but I understand. Ollie and Sunny say their final goodbyes before Elizabeth leads them away but not before hugging Storm and I telling us to be careful.
She slaps the back of Ollie's head, ignoring his grumbled look and walks away but I saw the slight tearing in her eyes as she looked away from her son.
"I told you she's not my mother." Ollie grumbles, rubbing the back of his head begrudgingly.
"Of course she's not because a woman as beautiful as her cannot have a stupid and dumb child as you." Esme nonchalantly pipes up and Ollie whips his head around, glaring dangerously at her before its suddenly replaced with a smirk.
His gaze travels over her body in a taunting look and Esme scowls at him. Before he can make a sound, his lips are suddenly sealed and his eyes widen.
I sigh staring at the pair. "Esme please."
She scoffs before letting go and Ollie gasps, glaring at her. "Witch!"
"Bitch." Esme fires back and Storm chuckles at them. Ollie opens his mouth to retort but I narrow my eyes at him and he shuts up instantly.
If I didn't stop them, a war would have broken out and I would have quite a huge loss without even going for the actual thing. Storm grabs my hand, a small smile on his face and I smile back at him before facing the people in front of us.
"I'm not going to give a speech as you are aware of why you are here. All I want to say is don't die." And without waiting for a response I turn to face Esme. "Open the portal."
She nods, steps forward and with closed eyes starts chanting under her breath. The forest is quiet, every breath is held as we wait for what would happen. Esme lifts her hands up, her shoulders rising steadily with each breath she takes.
A small opening starts forming and it continues to grow larger and larger and larger with the inside looking like a dark abyss with no way to see the end of it. The trees rustles with the blowing of the turbulent wind. I see some of them trying to remain rooted to the ground as the portal enlarges even more, suddenly covering the whole training ground.
Esme turns to face me and with a slight nod of her head, I step forward with Storm by my side and gesture for the others to follow.
"Do you wanna build a snowman....."
"Shut up Oliver."
Storm chuckles at the pout on Ollie's face and grabs my hand giving it a light squeeze. "I love you."
I smile, my eyes shining in the dark. "I love you too."
It sounds like there is an ocean and waves beating up on the shore as we walk through it. Everyone has their breath held and eyes alert.
"We're close." Esme mutters and as soon as she says that, a light appears on the other side.
"When we get closer to the edge, make sure you jump else you'll get sucked in." Esme warns. Just as she said, the edge was a huge gaping hole, with a whirlwind in it.
As ordered, we all jump going over to the other side and the view is beautiful. Too bad it might be stained with blood very soon. The portal shuts behind us and I inhale sharply, looking around the majestic green forest. The sky looks clearer and blue over hear, a bit far ahead, the sounds of gushing waterfalls is heard and I breath in sharply at the familiar smell, a small smile forming on my lips.
Up ahead is a hill and behind that hill is Dark forest. The sky there even looks dark and I sigh. Dark forest is not actually a forest but a huge deserted land that has so many bodies buried underneath and I would know because I was responsible for what happened to it.
A light pat on my shoulder pulls me out of my thoughts and I turn around to see a pair of grey worried eyes staring at me. "What's wrong?"
I shake my head, putting a slight smile before turning around to face the others. "We'll camp here and make our journey at the first light of dawn."
They all bow and start taking off their bags.
"Esme, Alec, Alex, Jeremy, Ollie, Damien and Samaria please follow me." I say, dragging Storm with me as we all walk a bit further into the forest. Looking around this place brings so much memories and I smile to myself. If I'm not wrong there should be a cabin ahead of us and my guess came true.
Storm stops at the sight of the cabin, his eyes widening and he turns to face me in shock. "This-this.." He stutters and I giggle nodding my head.
"Yup. This is the house my family and I used to visit anytime we come here." I say, sense of nostalgia creeping in my heart. The chair still looks the same and I can assume my brother has been taking care of the house since it looks exactly the same as centuries ago.
"Where is this place?" Alex speaks, looking around with a peaceful look on his face. The tension they had seems to have disappeared from their body and I know it's because of my mother's presence.
"Home." I utter and open the door. Looking around I can't help but smile again. Its still the same as before. The wooden chair placed right in front of the fireplace. On the left of the hallway is a door leading to the kitchen and and dinning room. Up the stairs has two bedrooms.
"It's beautiful." Storm murmurs and I smile nodding my head.
Esme turns to face me with a sad smile and I shrug.
"Why are we here?" Jeremy is the one to break the silence after them looking around the house and a serious expression takes over my face. On my way here, I decided to tell them of who I really am and I hope after this they would still be willing to help me.
"You might all want to sit for this." I say and open the door to the kitchen. The coffee brown dinning tables stretches out with six chairs around it. The other's sit with the exception of Alec, Damien and Samaria.
I look at everyone gathered around me, anticipation written on their face well on some of them anyway.
Storm squeezes my hand and the warmth of it spreads all over my body,
"I'm here." He mouths and that is enough to dispel any negative thoughts and nervousness around me and this makes me smile at him before taking deep breaths and facing them calmly.
"Some of you already know my true identity and the others don't." I begin and as expected Alex and Jeremy look confused.
"What do you mean?" Alex questions with slightly narrowed eyes.
"How well do you know the history of werewolves?" I ask and Alex furrows his brow.
"Enough to know we came from the moon goddess, Luna." He replies and I roll my eyes before looking at Jeremy who has a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Jeremy?"
He looks at me skeptically and answers unsurely. "Luna...."
I give him a pointed look and he sighs, shaking his head. "Our pack are direct descendants of Luna but we also know that she had a sister. That's all I know."
I smile nodding my head. "You're right Luna had a sister but to clarify Luna wasn't actually the first werewolf to exist but rather Leto."
They frown when I say this and I can only smile at them. This might be tough to explain.
"What are you saying Artemis?" Alex speaks up looking at me strangely.
"In simple words, Leto is the first werewolf goddess and my mother." I drop the bomb watching their faces go through series of expressions before Alex burst out laughing.
From my side I see Storm narrow his eyes at him. "What's funny?" He grits out and Alex chuckles.
"This is. How can you expect-"
"I'm done with this." Esme snaps irritatingly and before we can ask what she means, she stretches out her hand, putting Alex and Jeremy in a deep trance. Their eyes are wide open with mouth hanging low as they stare into nothing.
"What is she doing?" Storm asks, staring at them in confusion and I shrug, leaning comfortably on the chair.
"Showing them the past."
No one speaks, the silence reigns heavily except for the sound of harsh breathing coming from the other two. It might seem like eternity for them as they see the past but it's only being ten minutes until Esme pulls away and they both drop, inhaling sharply as they try to catch their breath.
Their hair is matted to their sweaty forehead and Jeremy is the first to recover as he looks up, staring at me with terrified eyes.
He gulps, his lips tremble and eyes dart all over my face. "You-you.." He stutters, unable to speak and I only nod my head in response. Alex still looks like he is out of it and I look on helplessly.
"This is a lot to take but I need to know if you will be willing to stand by myside after showing you who I am."
They don't respond and a dejected sigh escapes me. I face Esme with a solemn look. "Take them home."
She gives me a blank look and turns to face them. "Sure."
"Wait!" Alex exclaims, finally seeming to regain his composure. "I did not expect that but that also doesn't mean I'm going to abandon you in time of need. You've helped me so it's only fair I help you."
"Really?" A smile finds way on my lips and he nods with a serious look.
Jeremy also smiles. "I just like you and knowing in a way you're like my great grand cousin. I would be happy to help."
I chuckle at his words and bow towards them. "Thanks so much."
"So what now?" Alex says, looking at me and the excited look is replaced with a serious and calm face.
"Now we-" I stop, pursing my lips as the other voice cuts me off. I should have known he would be here.
"Now we just calmly wait."
I raise my brow, ignoring the shocked gazes and suffocating aura and turn to face him.
"How did it go brother?"
He smiles, showing of those white pearly teeth but within that smile is a cold calculative gaze. "Their army is big and at sunset tomorrow they plan to attack."
"Mmm." I hum in response and turn back to address the elephant in room. "That is my brother."
Apollo doesn't give them a chance to even reply before he disappears once again.
"Typical." Esme grumbles and I sigh, rubbing my temples.
"This is a lot to take in, meeting two gods in one day but please let's just stay focused."
They all nod and the gloomy air returns again. I straighten up in my seat, link my fingers together and stare at all of them. "Tomorrow's war is different than what you might have experienced. I have already briefed you on your enemy but make no mistake."
"Damien I want you to gather all those skilled in swords and move to the east border. Do not engage until you get my order."
Damien curtly nods and I shift my gaze to Samaria.
"You're in charge of the archers. Stay inconspicuous, your home is up the trees. They might sense you and that is when Esme steps in. She would cloak you with a spell that will render it difficult for others to see you."
Samaria also nods.
"Where do you want us?" Alex questions.
"At the front. Jeremy I want you to bring just five of your people and hide the rest at the west."
He frowns at me. "Alpha Artemis, I know that you're powerful but won't you be defenseless if you don't have the skilled at the front with you?"
I smile at the concerned tone in his voice. "Don't worry. I still have on trick up my sleeve." I turn to face Esme and she waves me off.
"Don't worry the witches know what to do." She replies in a bored tone and Ollie scoffs at her.
"So full of yourself." He mutters and is replied with an icy glare.
"Ollie remain at the back, don't do anything stupid." I tell him and he throws his hands in the air, a look of pure disbelief on his face.
"Oh come on Artemis! Putting me at the back is like denying me the privilege of seeing what's his face." His whines and I only roll my eyes at him.
"Get some rest, we have a huge fight ahead of us."
They all nod and troop out of the room one by one. I turn to face Storm and he smiles, wrapping his arms around me in a hug. "You did good."
I sigh in relief, feeling the energy slowly draining out of me until I become nothing but a puddle. "It will be over soon and we can be together."
He hums in response, rubbing my back soothingly and I feel myself getting drowsy with each rub.
"Do you wanna have kids after this?" Storm suddenly blurts out and my eyes widen, pulling away quickly and staring at him in shock.
"What?" I blank out and he only smiles, rubbing my head.
"Kids Artemis, do you want to have kids?" He asks again, this time in a gentle and tender voice and my breath hitches at grey eyes melting into softness as he stares at me.
Red howls happily in my mind and I imagine a little Storm and me running around in the house. Grey eyes resembling their dad and violet eyes like mine or maybe a mixture of both.
"You're grinning so wide it's a bit blinding." Storm's teasing voice snaps me out of my thoughts and I dumbly pat my face making him chuckle. He pecks my lips and leans a bit to whisper in my ear.
"How about we start the process?"
All rational thoughts disappear when I hear the seductive tone which he uttered those words and with a blushing face, I nod, giggling when he lifts me up.
"Off we go then!" He yells happily, running up the stairs and our laughs and moans fill the entire house.
Storm's Pov
"Come."
I frown to myself, what is that?
"Come child."
My frown deepens and I open my eyes, looking out the window to see it's still dark but something seems to be calling me out, drawing me to the darkness.
"Come Storm, follow the sound of my voice." The ethereal voice whispers and having no control over my body, I move towards the sound of the voice. I look back and nearly scream when I still see my body there with Artemis wrapped in my arms.
Am I dead? Am I a ghost? My chest tightens and sweat forms on my forehead, my breathing a little heavy and with wide scared eyes, I clutch my chest tightly trying to calm myself.
I can't be dead. It's not possible. Wait did the sex kill me?
I freeze and my mind goes blank.
"Can you stop freaking out and just---forget it."Â The once soothing, gentle voice snaps in irritation.
Before I can ask what it means, I suddenly find myself  in a whole new place. It looks different than what I expected. The large ball room has marble floors and a crystal glass chandelier hanging at the top.
A mystic air swallows the room creating this enchanting mood that seems to bring out a certain calming effect.
Two large pillars are on each side of the room and up ahead looks to be throne. At the top of the throne is the moon and my jaw drops at the sight.
How can the moon be in a room?
Beside the moon is a single star that seems to be orbiting around it. The star's light shines brightly than the moon and lights up the entire place. I can even say that the star is the only light here because the other lights cannot even compare to it.
Staring intently at it makes my eyes tear up a bit and I blink looking away immediately.
"Storm." The same ethereal voice calls and that's when I notice the figure sitting majestically on the sliver throne.
"Step forward." Her voice lures me and in a trance, I walk dazedly towards her. Anticipation and excitement bubbles within me with every step I take and I quicken my steps but nothing could have prepared me for what I saw.
She definitely takes the term 'out of the world' to a whole new level. Her dark hair like silk seems to float around her. A fair white smooth skin without any blemish shows under the silk dress. Her feet are bare with her legs crossed over the other as she sits on the throne with an air of confidence, beauty and royalty.
Her long slender fingers tap repeatedly on her lap and I raise my eyes only for me to choke on nothing as I stare at her. A charming smile plays on her lips, a smile that can leave anyone breathless. Black obsidian eyes stare at me with tiny lights twinkling in it. Such an ethereal being.
"Storm." She calls out in a motherly tone and I gulp, feeling speechless in front of her. Her voice sounds like the calming sound of the ocean and it leaves me wanting to hear more.
She laughs at my dazed look and stands up. I visibly shrink when I notice how tall she is. The dress with a golden vine belt around her mid stomach flows towards her feet. With every step she takes, a light reflects on it and I can't help but stare at her.
At this point I don't need anyone to tell me exactly who she is because the moment she smiles and those two indents appear on her cheek, I'm reminded of Artemis.
"Luna." I whisper breathlessly and she stops, staring down at me with amused eyes.
"You catch on fast." She says softly and I gulp looking at her. I wonder if Artemis was here would she look like this. Maybe she will and if possible she might look even more beautiful.
Luna steps around me and walks forward but stops, looks back at me and gestures for me to follow her. Staring at her back, I can't help but feel that all this might be a dream and that I'll wake up back in my apartment.
"It's not a dream Storm." She says chuckling at me. "Walk by my side."
I nod even though she can't see me and quicken my steps to catch up with her. A pleased smile appears on her face and I'm stunned into silence by how much that smile reminds me so much of Artemis.
As we walk, I realize that the place seems to get darker and darker until we reach a garden. My eyes widen and I stop in my tracks. The garden has a huge pond right in the middle, a thousand lights reflect in the water and this makes me look up only for the words to get stuck in my throat.
Stars are littered everywhere. You can hardly see the sky, it looks like a sky made out of stars and that enchanting view leaves me bewitched.
"Come closer Storm." Luna whispers softly and I break out my daze walking over to where she sits. She pats the space beside her and I purse my lips before sighing.
The place is so peaceful and calming that I feel every single worry disappearing.
"Peaceful isn't it?" She murmurs lightly brushing her fingers over the flowers and instantly they bloom, seeming much more brighter under the sky of stars.
"It is." I reply looking ahead. I wish Artemis was here with me but then I furrow my brows in confusion. Why am I here?
"You're wondering why you are here isn't it." She states and I press my lips into a thin line, nodding.
Luna sighs. "As you know Artemis is my niece and we particular don't see eye to eye." She lets out a soft chuckle and I'm momentarily stunned again by the sound. So enchanting.
"She blames me for her mother's death." She adds, staring off into the distance with a faraway look in her eyes.
"Isn't it your fault?" I blurt out and she whips her head to face me with a sharp gaze but I narrow my eyes at her not backing down.
She finally looks away. "I guess it is and I don't blame her. " She nitpicks the petals of the flower. "I was jealous of my sister and that jealously cost her life and mine as well. It was too late for me to change what I had done because by then Ares had already sent his army."
The guilt in her voice doesn't faze me and if more I feel angered but I take deep breaths to control myself before facing her with an indifferent look. "I know you didn't bring me here to talk about this."
She nods her head in agreement. "You're right. I didn't call you to hear this but I want to help you."
I frown, staring at her skeptically. "Help me?"
She nods and the gets up. My frown deepens at her actions and she stops beside the pond, dipping her hand into it and the most amazing thing happens. Right in her hand is a twinkling star, the light glows in her hand and she smiles fondly at it before looking up to face me with a serious look.
"I can feel the love you have for my niece and it pleases me that she gets to experience what her parents had." Her voice lowers the more she speaks. "My sister gave everything up to save her children and I blame myself for being a coward and not helping her when she needed me."
She continues to stare at the star with a fond look and that's when it hits me.
"Is that...?" I trail off and black obsidian eyes stare at me.
"Yes Storm, this is a piece of her mother's soul. In fact the stars you see is her soul scattered around. She choose to do this for her daughter so that when she looks at the sky, she'll never feel alone." She says softly and I look around in awe. I'm actually staring at Artemis' mother.
Luna walks closer to me. "This war, it's going to be difficult and I can assure you that Ares will not play fair and the consequences might be more on your side. "
"What can we do to win? I'm willing to do anything." I tell her with a determined gaze and Luna gives me a calm look, but I can see sadness reflecting in it and that makes me frown.
"Just tell me." I grit out impatiently and she sighs, giving me a small smile.
"Come closer." She says and I step forward. My eyes widen with each word she utters, the blood slowly draining from my face and my heart drops.
A/n: Hey guys! Super long chapter for you. Can anyone guess what Luna said?
We're left with a few chapters to go before it ends but I hope y'all enjoying it so far. Don't forget to leave a comment, vote and share if you want.
Peace out ;)