(Selene's POV)
On getting to the healer’s den, Damian demanded they stop everything to attend to Elara’s pup.
“Alpha….this is just a minor cut….we need to save Amara, come with me, she's dying.” The healer advised but he didn’t bulge.
“Save this pup instead…” He gestured to Elara’s pup, ignoring all warnings that Amara was going to die without his blood.
I was held down by his warriors from causing a scene, I could only wriggle and cry bitterly, begging him to see that Amara was going to die.
“I won't repeat myself again.” He said with finality. The healer obeyed and started attending to Elara’s pup.
My world blurred as I couldn’t fight them any longer even though I could hear Amara’s painful cries. I lifted my head to see Elara’s fake tears as she held on to Damian.
“Alpha….please, we have to save Amara now. She just needs your blood.“ The healer pleaded again.
“You can’t leave him….he hasn't woken up” Elara held him tighter, trembling.
And just one second later, we stopped hearing Amara’s cries. I broke free from the warriors’ hold, and started running towards the den when one of the apprentices rushed out, eyes wide.
“Amara is not breathing again!” she shouted.
Just like that the world went black.
~
“She’s getting conscious.” The voice was too close. I tried opening my eyes but couldn't.
“Selene…stay with me…” The voice came again.
I opened my eyes to the smell of herbs and the soft glow of firelight. My body ached, my head heavy, but the only word on my lips was, “Amara…”
I pushed myself up, ignoring the pain, and staggered toward the door. The healer rushed forward, holding me back.
“You can’t move,” she whispered. “You’ve been unconscious for three days.”
But I didn’t care, all I wanted was to see Amara.
“Where is Amara? Take me to her!”
“You need to rest first! You will hurt yourself Selene….listen to me!’ She begged.
I ignored her warnings and headed for the room Amara was in and the sight made me collapse.
It was Amara’s dead body. Her body was full of scars, like she didn't want to die.
A scream tore from my throat as my heart shattered into pieces. This couldn't be happening. I had lost everything—Lok, and now Amara, all because of Damian.
“Alpha said he had to look after Elara and her pup, that's why he isn't here…. “
“I am so sorry Selene….I really tried saving her…I” Tears swelled in her eyes.
“No…” I screamed. Anger, pain, betrayal—everything crashed inside me.
Images of Damian’s hands on Lok’s throat burned in my mind. He killed Lok for Elara. And now… Amara too is dead and Elara’s pup gets to live?
“Damian, I won't forgive you.” I vowed, clutching Amara’s lifeless body to my chest.
My heart shattered, leaving only emptiness.
With that I left the healer’s den with Amara’s body in my hand, turning deaf ears to the condolences. I carried Amara’s lifeless body through the forest. The moon hid behind clouds, as if even it refused to witness this pain.
I wanted to scream, but no sound came.
At the edge of the sacred clearing, I laid her down gently. My fingers traced her face one last time. “I’m so sorry, Amara… they also took you from me,” I whispered, my voice breaking.
“I failed you and your brother.” I sniffed back the tears.
Then I lit the fire and the flames ate her up. For the last time I saw her memories; I saw her smile and innocence in the fire, I saw her pain and hope, I her tears and laughter. I saw everything I lost.
I watched until nothing remained but ashes. My hands trembled as I gathered them inside the urn.
“Damian, you are going to pay for causing me so much pain. You will pay for this betrayal.” I held the urn to my forehead.
A mother’s pain can collapse the world. I would hunt Damian and Elara. I would make him feel what he took from me. I would make them beg for death.
“Accept my condolences…” A voice came.
The voice was low, calm, yet heavy with power and familiarity. I didn’t turn back, but I could sense him approaching.
“Losing both pups at two years intervals must have taken a toll on you.”
I turned to face him, my tears now dried but my eyes blood shot. Luther, Damian's older brother, stood in front of me with his eyes never leaving me.
“Selene…” His voice became softer as he closed the gap between us. My heart skipped and memories flooded —the time I had mistaken him for Damian, that brief, stolen kiss, that heat between us, that confession he made.
“You read my messages after all…” I chuckled dryly.
“I am sorry…I just couldn't watch you go through this pain alone.” He said, reaching for my face.
I took two steps backwards not wanting to have anything to do with anything associated with Damian but on second thought, Damian and Luther were sworn enemies – his greatest rival.
“Help me destroy Damian and I will mate with you in exchange.” I stated, holding his gaze.
I wasn’t the kind Selene anymore, not after this. I would burn the whole world down just to destroy Damian and Elara. And no, Damian wouldn't recover from this, two lives for two lives!
