It's only been a week since the battle ended and the chaos and resentment has finally dulled to a silent hum. It will take time, but eventually everyone will move on. Lady will only be a scary story we tell our kids around campfires.

Windsor proposed an alliance between the Fide and Bellator Clan. Alaric still has a few years left of being a rambunctious warrior before he has to take the reins as the leader of the Fide Clan.

The Bellator Clan is buzzing with pride since Luke has replaced his mother on the throne. He has already started several humanity projects, one dedicated to rebuilding the lost homes in the war, in both the Fide and Bellator Clans. Another is dedicated to burying the deceased, including Lady, warriors and the Immunis.

It pains me to acknowledge the remaining number of the Immunis, dwindling from 250 to barely 40. Luke and I met each one and discussed where they wanted to live and what they could do as an occupation. Some have decided to leave, and others are staying with the Bellator in an attempt to make it work. They are tired of running and want a home. We are working on integrated them into their chosen clan.

I finally met Madeline. She was hooked onto Izzy's arm and melted into her chest. She is sweet and kind, so delicate that I'm afraid that if I raise my voice, she'll break. She spoke in whispers and complimented me, saying how beautiful and strong I was, and how lucky she is to meet me. I gave her a hug and she took me in completely and adoringly. I can see why Izzy loves her, and that's why I encouraged her to stay at the Fide Clan with James. That is their home and I must learn to be okay with not seeing my sister and James every day. They're the only ones left from the group I escaped Stratis City with, it'll hurt me to see them go, but it's for the best.

I don't know where to live, with the rest of my remaining family? Or with the rest of the Immunis? To see Alaric every day, or Luke?

I slide down the side of a mossy, cracked building as my fingertips run in the cool pond. Bioluminescence shooting neon blue as it slowly spreads to the rest of the water. The fireflies dance above the pond as the three buildings lean on each other for support. I smile as I remember meeting the hooded figure here almost every night, slowly and blindly falling in love with Luke.

"So have you decided yet?" Luke asks sitting beside me, also running his hand through the water.

"No," I mumble and take off my shoes, lowering my feet into the pond, "I don't know where to go. I can't abandon the Fide Clan and Alaric after all they've done for me, but I fought so hard to get back here to you and the Immunis. On top of that Izzy is with Madeline and James with the Fide, I won't get to see them every day if I stay."

I wade away from Luke as he takes off his shoes and joins me in the water. "I understand," he clears his throat, "what do you want to do?"

"I don't know, I'm the archer in Alaric's small assassination group, I can't leave them either. The Immunis, they're strong. They don't need me anymore," My heart settles as I realize my decision, but it doesn't make it any easier to say.

"But I do," Luke blurts, stopping in his tracks.

I stop and turn around, "But... I hurt you."

A few fireflies collect in his hair and his eyes hold desperation and plead, "And I hurt you too. We've made mistakes, but that doesn't mean we can't forgive them." He slowly approaches me as the bioluminescence surrounds us like a cloud.

"Don't you think we should move on?" I swallow my confusion and try to clear my head.

"I'm scared to move on because it means I accept our fate as strangers," Luke takes my hands in his, "and I'd rather be heartbroken than forget about you."

Tears well in my eyes and I let one of his hands go and pull his forehead to mine. "Luke, I've made my decision to live in the Fide Clan. I'm needed there."

Luke shuts his eyes and whispers, "I'm still in love with you." His hand cups my cheek and I fall into his touch. I feel the pressure of my heart swelling as a tear strays down my cheek.

"I'm still in love with you too."

It's the first time I said it and I don't think it'll be the last, but I can't be with Luke yet.

I shut my eyes one last time before pulling my forehead away from his. "But I'm tired of hurting people I love. I can't go into a relationship when I still resent who I am. How am I supposed to love you completely if I can't love myself?"

Luke looks down and away from me to cover up his fragility.

"I don't need you to wait for me," I say raising Luke's chin, so his tawny brown eyes stare into mine, "but if you do, in time I can love you properly."

Luke sighs and pulls me into a hug and I rest my head on his shoulder. He kisses my temple and brushes through my hair with his hands, "I'll wait."

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As Luke and I head back to the rest of the group I work to keep my eyes ahead of me, so they won't drift to Luke's unguarded profile. We weave through the trees and moss buildings before Alaric comes into view. His hand scratches his scruff before he turns to the both of us.

"There you guys are," he approaches and squeezes the paper in his hand. "I have some bad news..."

Luke and I share a glance before turning back to Alaric. "How bad?" I ask.

"Bad enough to kill what remains of the human race." Alaric retorts and passes the note to Luke which he shows me. I lean in, and peer at the paper which says;

14:00 hours
Neighbouring Sanguis Clan has begun to prefect another disease to exterminate the human race.
More detailed report when we return.

Alaric shifts uncomfortably, "My group of spies have just returned, and there's evidence that Sanguis has created a mutated version of the Hollow, called H2L4. It's supposed to kill off anyone without the cure, so every except themselves."

"That's insane," I look up from the paper as my brows furrow.

"That's not the worst part." Alaric shares a look of anticipation with Luke. "According to my sources, they're nearly complete."

I back away from the men and take a breath of air. Just when you think the war has ended, another has begun. At what point do we drop our weapons? What is the cost of peace? I turn back around and cross my arms.

"Let's put an end to this," I growl.