Chapter 182: Chapter 184

Chapter 96 – New Beginnings (A Long Chapter A)

Third Person POV

“Neron, I forgive you.”

The excited commotion from the pack house billowed through the open windows, carried by the waning summer air. Kiya drummed her fingers against her thigh while Neron looked heavenward at the sunset sky, fixated on the beauty of the lavender clouds. They waited for the response of the other, wondering who’d be the first to break the silence. Anxiety nipped at Kiya’s throat while Neron tried to find the words to speak. Both Onyx and Artemis sat tight in their minds, listening and watching in bated breaths at this much–needed

conversation.

The anticipation was palpable.

Neron inhaled an audible breath through his mouth and exhaled, clearing his throat as he stood straight off the wall he was leaning against. He turned his head to face the woman he loved, blinking once before asking a breathless, but forlorn “Why?”

“To heal. To let go. I’m not forgiving you for you, Neron. I’m doing this for myself. Kiya turned her body to face Neron, putting her back to the sun. “In the last five years of my life, I held onto so much hatred toward you, Raina, and so many others. It was exhausting. Now, I don’t feel it as much, at least toward you, How I look at it is that me forgiving you destroys any possibility of that hatred controlling me again. I don’t want to hate you anymore, Neron, nor have the chance to again.”

“You had every reason to, not that I blame you.” Neron stuffed his hand in his pocket, fiddling with an object he had yet to take out. “I understand where you’re coming from, but I’m still unsure how forgiving me would help you.”

“Acceptance.” Kiya watched Neron’s eyebrows lift, his confusion settling on his face. “I’m accepting that the past happened. No amount of prayer, or wishes, or avatar magic can change that. I was a victim of abuse; that’s it, that’s all. But, I’m not a victim anymore. We can’t change what happened yesterday or the day before that, but I’m changing my attitude toward the future.”

Neron shook his head. “I feel weird about it. I don’t know if I could put that feeling into words, but…”

Kiya reached her hand toward Neron’s and grasped it in her own, holding it like a delicate vase. “I’m not saying that you do or don’t deserve my forgiveness. But I’m doing this for myself because I need peace from all of this. I deserve peace. I’m kicking this ball out of my court because I don’t want it

anymore.”

Neron’s mouth fell open, but he swiftly closed it. His eyes dropped to their connected hands, unable to ignore the warmth radiating from Kiya’s palm. Orange sunshine hit the side of his face, and it also flooded the space In his heart as his fingers traced circles on her brown skin. “I’m sorry.” He muttered. “I’m just having a hard time accepting this.”

“I think it is because you have a lot of guilt to work through, Neron. Take it from someone with experience.” Kiya responded. “Some days can and will be harder than others, but would it make you feel a little better knowing that I’m not holding the past against you, anymore?”

“It feels like a drop of cool water in a sea of boiling water, but it is still something.” A mirthless smile tugged

at the corner of Neron’s lips. Kiya couldn’t find a reason to smile back, because she could feel his self–loathing from their touch. “I’m sorry that I’ve been such a downer, but, I’m so, so happy that you’re going to be better with your healing. That’s all I ask for that when you leave here; knowing that you’re going to be okay.”

Now, Kiya found a reason to smile back. “Thank you, Neron. I also want you to extend that same grace to me. I want to know that you’ll be okay too.”

“I will be, because Mom and Nuria will be at my side. My family is back, and I don’t feel as empty as I did. before.”

“I don’t know if Nuria still has that pranking streak in her again, but keep an eye on her for me, will you?”

Neron’s face brightened with his smile. I

f course! Given how Lyra and Nikolai acted when they saw Mom, don’t have any doubts that they’re welcomed at Garnet Moon. They do have to get used to this new world, however. Life is different now than it was thirteen years ago.”

“They’ll be fine. Your mom and sister are tough cookies.” Kiya grinned at the thought of the women. She fell into an abrupt silence, brushing her hair behind her ear and clearing her throat. “You know I care about you a lot, right?”

“Yes, I do.”

“And you know you muddle with my mind a lot too, right?”

“I didn’t know that. That was not my intention.” A flush crept up the Alpha’s cheeks. “But I think I know where this conversation is heading to, if my intuition is correct.”

Kiya’s expression softened, pressing her lips together. She crossed her arms under her bosom, exhaling a soft sigh as she soaked in Neron’s presence. This decision didn’t come lightly when she conversed with Artemis about it in her comatose state. Part of her reeled in shame, while the other stood in confidence.

“Kiya, it’s okay.” Artemis reassured her. “Tell him. He needs to know.”

“I just feel like I’m constantly in the way of you getting what you deserve, Artemis. You always have to wait for me.”

“And I’ll continue waiting until you’re ready, Kiki. Go on.”

Just like that, the shame dissipated into nothing. Reeling herself back into reality, Kiya blinked before speaking. “I know you’re my mate, and I’m aware of the bond we have with each other, despite it going through hell and back. And I know you love me, Neron, but…”

“You’re not ready for us to be mates.” Neron finished, his expression dulling.

Kiya nodded, nibbling at her bottom lip. “So much has happened between us and there is so much work I need to do for my own mental and emotional wellbeing. I’m not ready to jump into any sort of romantic relationship with anyone, especially not one as intense as a mate relationship.”

The words stung Neron’s heart, but he kept poker–face to mask the pain in his chest. “Believe it or not, Kiya, I’m on the same boat.” Neron chuckled softly when Kiya widened her eyes. “I don’t think I’m ready for a romantic relationship either, especially so soon after…”

“You didn’t deserve to get hurt like that by Odessa.” Kiya frowned. “I’m sorry you had to find out her betrayal

Chapter 9–New Beginnings Long Chapter

like that.”

Neron winced, scratching his upper arm. “Thank you for understanding, Kiya.”

“And I know how much Onyx loves Artemis.”

“Oh, I’m aware.” He winked. “But the puppy will have to wait just a little longer until I’m ready for that type of commitment.”

Onyx huffed in his mind. “Artemis is the only one for me, you know. I refuse to settle for less!”

“I know that, puppy.”

“And only she can call me puppy. It’s cute and endearing. You’re just condescending.”

“Perhaps, but you love me all the same.”

“Unfortunately.”

Neron shook his head in amusement, shutting down his mind–link before diverting his attention back to Kiya. “Whether or not you and I happen, I won’t stop loving you, Kiya. My vows to our Moon Goddess are absolute and I don’t plan on breaking them.”

Moon

“I don’t think I ever thanked you for all you’ve done for me.” Kiya fiddled with her fingers. “Zircon

for being my voice in situations where I

would listen to you before they would listen to me, so thank you

couldn’t be. I’m not deserving of your sacrifices.”

“You are, and you always will be, Kiya, and you won’t change my mind about that,”

“I guess not.” She smiled, glancing up at the sky. “It’s getting late, so why don’t we let Artemis and Onyx have one last run together before I head back home?”

+ for sure.”

Neron gave a lopsided grin, nodding. “You read my mind. They need it, for

The pair walked into the dense cak forest, separating toward two trees to strip out of their clothes and shift. The dissonance of bones breaking filled the air, and two huge wolves emerged from it shortly after. Onyx trotted up to Artemis and nuzzled her snout into his face, earning a quiet huff from the white wolf, Artemis reciprocated with a nuzzle on her own, extending her tongue and licking his face as payback from the first time they ran together. Onyx growled and tried to tackle her, but Artemis was nimble on her feet, jumping to the side before the black wolf could.

“Gotta be faster than that, puppy.” Artemis chuckled in her mind.

“One day, I’ll catch you, my angel.” Onyx laughed in his mind.

The two took off deep into the woods, swerving and hopping over logs side by side. It wasn’t a race or a competition; it was a shared moment of peace and longing between them. There was no need to show off superiority of any kind, but to enjoy one another’s company. Orange light peeked through the canopy and illuminated their path on the forest floor, marking their way to the distant sunset.

“If we are meant to be, Onyx…” Artemis muttered in her mind. “I’m sure we will find our way back to each other. Whether it be next week or a few years from now.”

Chapter 16–New Beginnings (Long Chapter

“Have you thought of a name for your pack yet?” Kiya asked Neron as they sat on the top steps of the pack house. The diamond–studded night sky stretched across Nevada without the company of the moon, but the comfort remained the same. It was almost time for Kiya and her family to depart back to Garnet Moon, but the mingling and joy hadn’t stopped. Instead, it moved to the front lawn as they watched Celeste and Nuria dive into conversation with drinks at hand.

“Yep. After some trial and error, I think I found a name that’ll fit.”

“Well, let’s hear it.”

“Onyx Moon.”

Kiya’s jaw went slack while Onyx released a confused bark in his human’s mind. Neron resisted the urge to laugh when Onyx became a blubbering mess, never hearing his wolf so flustered.

“What made you decide to name it after Onyx?”

“I love him.” A smile tugged at his lips. “He is my brother and has stuck with me through thick and thin. He never let me give up, even when I wanted to. We fight a lot, but Onyx has been a source of strength for me, even when you were kidnapped. It felt fitting to name my new pack after him.”

“B–b–but!” Onyx stammered. “Dummy, my name means black! You can’t see a new moon!”

“A new moon means new beginnings.”

Onyx felt silent after that, but not before sniffling. “Damn fool. Here you are, making me emotional.”

You’re welcome!”

“I like it. It rolls off the tongue well.” Neron’s attention was drawn back to the woman beside him. “New beginnings all around.”

“Indeed.” Suddenly, Neron perked up, as if he remembered something. “Oh, I almost forgot!” He dug a grey velvet box from his pockets and handed it to Kiya. “This is for you.”

Are you

you proposing?” Kiya burst into laughter when she watched Neron’s entire face flush red. “I’m joking! Anyway, what’s in here?” Once she opened the box, her mirth fell into delighted shock. She quickly took out the item and held it up to the moon. “My necklace! You found it! I thought I lost it for good after…”

“It suffered some damage due to rough–handling, but I went to a jewelry store to get it repaired, and it was like it had never been broken. Think of it as an early birthday present,”

“Thank you!” Kiya squealed, holding the jewelry to her heart. “Can you put it on me?” Like their date at the amusement park, Kiya held her hair up while Neron took the necklace from her hand and hooked it around. her neck. Once it was secure, Kiya let her hair down and played with the full moon pendant with her fingers.

“Right where it belongs.”

“Thank you again, Neron. I don’t know how I could repay you.”

Chapter 95–New Beginnings (Long Chapter 2)

“You can do so with a kiss.”

Both Kiya and Neron jumped at the newest addition to their conversation, which was Nuria grinning expectedly at the two, rapping her fingers against her soda can like an excited child. Her brother sighed with a headshake while her best friend rolled her eyes in amusement. “Oh, don’t mind me! Go on!”

“We’re not kissing, Nuria.” Neron reprimanded, earning a small pout from her.

“It doesn’t have to be on the lips! Maybe on the cheek, or if you’re daring enough, on the neck-”

“Not happening, Nuri.” Kiya poked her friend on the arm. “We’re just friends.”

“I didn’t risk my feathery ass plowing into your face so Nero can catch you for you two to end up as friends!” Nuria grumbled, shaking her arm. “But I understand why you’ve settled with that…”

“Oh yeah, speaking of.” Kiya suddenly stood up, crossing her arms. “What if Neron didn’t catch me, huh? My brain would’ve been all over the damn ground!”

“But, he did!” Nuria gave her friend a puppy–dog look. “I knew he would!”

“That was reckless, Nuria.” Neron rolled his eyes.

“Reckless is my middle name.” She shot a wink at Neron, who scoffed in response. “And I can’t believe it took you so long to figure out that I was Diana! I fucking ate croutons!”

“To be fair, my mind was preoccupied. And you didn’t make it clear enough for me, Nuria.”

“I thought I was clear when I was tapping my beak against my

wn damn picture! Goddess, you’re clueless.” Nuria shook her head before taking a sip of her soda. “The cola is much sweeter than what I last remember. Not that I’m complaining though.”

“Don’t drink too much. It’ll rot your teeth.”

“You’re not Mom. You can’t tell me what to do.”

“Ah, the joy of having siblings.” Kiya giggled at their interaction, warmth filling in her chest. The three of them were much older, but the spirit of their youth remained. Suddenly, honking filled the air, pulling their attention to the Garnet Moon crew preparing to pile into their van.

“Little Bit, are you coming?” Galen shouted, waving her down.

“I’ll be right there!” She shouted back, patting her thighs. “Well, it’s been real you two, but it’s time for me to head home.”

Nuria pulled Ki

into a hug at lightning speed, burying her face in the crook of her neck. “I don’t want you to go. I just got you back…”

“You can always text or call me, Nuria, or drop by for a visit.”

Her head perked up at the possibilities before grinning. “Oh yeah. Neron, you need to buy Mom and I cell phones, like the fancy one I’ve seen Lyra hold.”

Beginnings LX Long Chapter 5)

“Something tells me that the biggest investment. I’ll make is not in the new land, but in you and Mom.” Neron chuckled, rising to his feet. “I will soon, I promise.”

The trio walked from the stairs to the crowd near the piling van. Celeste’s blue eyes brightened up at her favorite children, embracing Kiya into a tight hug. Kiya’s eyes fluttered close when she took in Celeste’s sweet scent, her childhood memories of her bubbling to the surface. She felt a tender kiss on her forehead and two hands holding either side of her face, cradling her like a mother to her baby.

“You be good, kjære.” Celeste whispered, caressing her cheeks. “Call anytime you want to talk. Your mother and I will arrange for days where we can come and visit, granted if we aren’t too busy with moving.”

“You’re welcome at any time, Aunt Celeste,”

“Ah, ah! Auntie Essie.” Celeste corrected, pinching Kiya’s nose with a chortle. “Don’t you dare act formal with

me.”

Kiya blink

blinked in shock before nodding, her mouth twitching to a smile. “Okay, Auntie Essie.” The Alpha family watched with smiles as Kiya said her goodbyes to the Betas and Gammas, having the misfortune of prying a clingy Adonis off her legs. Raina promised to send pictures of her daughter once she was born, and Valerian remained cordial with simple nods and curt responses. Kiya had the niggling feeling that he still held some dislike for her after the Lady Sanguine fiasco, but decided not to hold it against him. Lorelai delivered the same promise of pictures after her child is born, as she was reaching the end of her pregnancy, Kwame wished the avatar luck as she embarks on her journey wherever it may take her.

“Don’t be a stranger.” Kwame remarked with a chuckle.

“I’ll do my best to not be.” Kiya replied.

As Kiya walked toward the family van, pale light hit the corner of her eyes, pulling her attention to the lit window on the third floor of the Zircon Moon pack house. Her biological mother stood in her view, watching

activity below. Their eyes locked momentarily, the world freezing around them. Kiya waited for a response; a wave or some gesture to see if the miniscule speck of hope at the bottom of her heart rejoices at the possibility of change or the chance of Ashley recognizing her as her child.

But that hope was stomped out when the older woman pulled the curtains closed, walking away from her view. Kiya simply shrugged, content with Ashley and Steven, never rising to the occasion as her parents.

She was better off without them.

A warm hand gripped her shoulder, turning her away from the window. Neron’s eyes found that window, and Kiya couldn’t help but smirk at his grimace. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I am now.” She answered.

“Your family is waiting for you.”

Her true family. Kiya’s eyes darted from the van to Neron, to Celeste and Nuria behind him. The revival of her traumas filled her initial departure from Zircon Moon, but now her departure was full of comfort and joy. Her heart thudded against her ribcage to the beat of hope for the future, and her hands held the key to possibility and prosperity.

Chapter 96–New Beginnings (Long Chapter)

“Let’s keep in touch, Neron. Keep me updated with the new pack.”

on your Doo

“It’ll be the first thing on my to–do list.”

“Then, there isn’t much else left to say.” Kiya rocked back and forth on her heels, scrambling to find something to say to break the silence. “You’re going to do great, Neron. I know you will.”

“And the same with you, Kiya. Once I establish Onyx Moon officially, you’re always welcome to visit.”

This wasn’t a goodbye because Kiya knew she’ll see him and his family again. Comfort nestled in Neron’s chest, knowing that the love of his life will be alright without him, as she always was. He had a lot of work to do, but Kiya’s well–wishes lessened the load.

A tight hug shared between them solidified the pathways both were about to walk on. Separate direction, different obstacles they must overcome, but if fate allows their paths to cross, it will happen. Neron pressed a sweet kiss on Kiya’s forehead, inhaling her scent for the last time while Kiya sighed with content, committing his sandalwood scent to memory. Beneath the surface of their flesh, the electricity of their bond came to life, sparkling under their connection. Like a wound, it needed time to heal, but the link between their hearts was alive and breathing-

“I’ll make you proud, Kiya.” Neron vowed, “just you wait.”

“You already have.”

Kiya raised her hand and curled a finger, gesturing Neron to come closer. Arching an eyebrow, the Alpha bent down, lowering himself to her height. Red exploded on his cheeks when Kiya rose on the tips of her toes and planted a gentle kiss on his forehead, reciprocating. She stifled a giggle when she saw his face, turning away to head toward the family van.

“See you on the flip side.” Kiya announced before opening the side door of the van and hopping into her seat. A consonance of farewells from both packs followed the van as it rolled off Zircon Moon territory for the last time, the black vehicle disappearing amongst the shadowy oak trees. The Betas and Gammas retired into the pack house for the evening, except for the Alpha family who stood at their spots, breathing in relief.

“Don’t worry, Neron.” Nuria spoke, patting his shoulder. “She won’t be gone forever.”

“I know. I’ll be fine, Nuri.” Neron sighed, relishing in the night breeze lapping against his bare arms.

Celeste hummed, walking up to her son, and smoothed the hair cascading down his back. “Let us focus on the now. Did your father put our things in storage?”

“Yes, they should be in the closet in the basement.”

“I don’t see what the point is.” Nuria rolled her eyes as she and her family walked toward the front entrance. “It isn’t like we can fit into those clothes anymore.”

“You can’t, but I can. There are a couple of dresses I was fond of that I think I can fit into again.” Celeste mentioned.

“Mom, I don’t know about that. You’re more… fuller, now.”

Celeste thumped Nuria on the back of the head. Her confused whine enticed a gaggle of laughter from Neron

Chapter 96 New Beginnings & Long Chapter 6)

as he held the door open for his mom and sister to enter..

“What did I say?!” Nuria asked.

“Too much.” Neron shook his head as he closed the door behind him, melting at the sight of the reality in front of him. This was it. This was his family, and he’ll never take their moments for granted ever again.

Kiya retired to her bedroom after her family arrived back home, bidding everyone a good night. Sled at her eyes as she changed out of her clothes and into her pajamas, tossing them on the floor to deal with in the morning. She cracked her window open to let the cool breeze to fill her room. She half–expected for Diana to flutter in; one of the many things she’ll miss about her bird companion. After brushing her teeth, she trudged toward her vanity to brush her hair into two large braids before fishing her silk bonnet from a drawer.

“There you are.” She whispered, pulling out her favorite black bonnet. Before she set it on her head, she noticed a picture frame from the corner of her eye. It was the portrait Neron had drawn of her. Her heart warmed at the sight, tracing the delicate strokes of the paintbrush once she picked it up.

“You did good, Neron.”

Kiya rummaged through her closet for an adhesive hook and stuck it to the wall between her vanity mirror and her bedroom door. She carefully adjusted the picture frame to hook onto the hook and grinned when it stayed in place with no signs of slipping. Feeling satisfied, she slipped on her bonnet, shut off the lamps on her bedside tables, and shimmied underneath her blankets, pulling them up to her neck as she settled on her side.

Peaceful slumber greeted her the moment she closed her eyes.

Everything was going to be okay.

A couple of days passed by without incident.

Neron sat in his office with manilla folders placed in rows on his desk, each representing a seller of land in Oregon and Washington, while the green folders represented buyers for his property. He was so deep in reading the documents that he failed to hear the knocks on his office door until the person called out his name. Blinking, he set the folder down and permitted the person to enter.

“Hey, Neron.” Kwame entered with a piece of paper in his hand. “I gathered the list of providers for you. You’re committed to doing this?”

“Yes, I am.” Neron graciously took the paper his Gamma offered. “I gave Kiya’s suggestions some thought and believed it would be best to start now.” His eyes narrowed at the list. “Some of these names are highlighted in yellow. Why?”

“Those providers are werewolves. Thought it’d be good to have them on your list.”

“Ah, that makes sense.” Neron nodded. “Thank you, Kwame. You’re dismissed.”

“Good luck.” With that, Kwame left the Alpha alone in his office. Expelling a sharp sigh, Neron pulled his

Chapter 16 – New Beginnings 15. Long Chapter 51

phone out from his pocket, his eyes glued to the holy grail in his hand. He knew this was a step in the right direction, but Neron would be lying to himself if he said he wasn’t nervous. Spilling his life story and internal feelings to a stranger was horrifying, but if it worked for Kiya, it would work for him too, right?

“You can do this, Neron.” Onyx said. “It all starts with making that call.”

His wolf was right. He was committed to this decision, and he wouldn’t back down. Biting the bullet, he called the first number on his list and inquired about an intake session, crossing names off his list until he found someone he felt comfortable with.

The following day, Neron drove into Carson City, parking his car in the lot in front of the office building where his provider was in. With the help of the front desk clerk, he took the elevator up to the eleventh floor, Inhaling and exhaling to calm the bundle of nerves forming in the pit of his stomach.

“You can do this.” He told himself. A ‘ding‘ signaled his arrival and once the doors slid open, the glass doors, reading the bold black words presented to him.

Dr. Andreas Nilsen, Clinical Psychologist, PsyD

he walked

up to

Pushing down his fear, he opened the door and spoke with the receptionist in the office about his appointment. After confirming his identity, he sat in one of the waiting chairs, waiting for Andreas to come out to greet him. The minute he waited felt like an eternity, his leg taking on life as it bounced rapidly beside him.

Neron resisted the urge to vomit. He had never been this afraid before.

Dr. Nilsen came out and greeted him, both men shaking hands. The walk to his private office was quick, and before Neron knew it, the intake interview had begun. He filled out the forms requiring his insurance to the clause of confidentiality. It took three minutes to complete the forms. Now it was time to talk.

pen

“It is not every day where I get an Alpha as my client.” Dr. Andreas chuckled, grabbing his notepad and from the top of his desk. “So, Neron, it is your turn to do the talking. You guide the conversation in this room, and I follow along. There are no expectations nor any pressures. Is that alright with you?”

Neron nodded, folding his hands on his lap. “Um… I never done this before, so I apologize in advance if I seem… weird.”

“Weird doesn’t exist in my office. It is normal to feel hesitant, especially since this is your first time in therapy. Why don’t we start with what you get out of our sessions?”

“What I want is… Neron sucked in a strong, unsteady breath, expelling slowly to push all his troubles out of his body. Dr. Andreas sat up in his chair, waiting patiently as he watched his newest client gather himself. Already, the Alpha felt safe and comfortable, but his nerves couldn’t relax. Neron started mulling his words over, thinking of the best way was to answer the question.

“I want to feel… okay.” He explained. “There is so much I’m holding in, and so much about myself that I don’t understand. I guess I’m also trying to find out who I really am as a person. I… I want to be the best version of myself for everyone I love… and start liking myself. I want to heal, doc.”

A vision played out behind Neron’s eyes when he fluttered them close, plunging him into a spacious world of light laid before him, bare, but he wasn’t alone. A small figure emerged from the distance, walking toward him

Chapter 16 – New Beginnings (Long Chapter)

with caution in their footsteps. The closer they got, the clearer the image became before him.

It was him, but many years younger.

Neron’s inner child.

Child and adult stared at one another in deafening silence. Neron kneeled to his inner child’s height, resting a hand on his shoulder, blinking back the flood of tears ready to flow down his cheeks.

“We got this, buddy.” He sniffled. “We’re in this together.”

inner child leaped into his arms, melting to his embrace like he was desperate for warmth in the middle of a blizzard. Neron hugged back, just as tight, sighing in content on finally having to meet the hurt child resting in his heart, allowing for his tears to fall.

There were many wounds that needed to heal: on the heart, the mind, and the soul. They must take the time to heal.

But, as the dawn breaks from the dusk, from the ashes, a new life will emerge.

The journey had just begun.

A/N: Unhinged has officially ended. If you made it to this end, thank you for giving this story a chance and supporting me throughout the book’s adventure! Your support means a lot and your kind words motivates me daily. There will be a third book, which I am currently working on! We shall see what lies ahead for both Kiya and Neron.

Be on the lookout for the title of the third book: Unbreakable.

Once again, thank you so much and I hope to see you in the third and final installment of the Moonlight Avatar Series!

– Marii Solaria

POST COMMENT

Chapter Comments

Tai Tây

I don’t understand kiya, she just love draging n draging in a relationship, if you can’t accept let moon god let him have second mate, then you can be lonely forever, too draging! must learn to hate in love

VIEW I COMMENT