The night of celebrations was over, and all that was left was the silence of grieving family members and the sounds of those who had lost something during the battle. The initial plan was for me and Alexander to leave straight after, but the Alpha had convinced me of the need to stay.

"Pack issues and all" he had said.

I had agreed, but only enough for him to sort everything out, which in my opinion was only a matter of a few days. We were leaving once the funeral was over. My decision making was interrupted by a soft knock on the opened door. I turned towards the noise and was met by the unexpected smile of the Beta.

"So... uhm... how are you?"

"I'm good". Why, in the name of all that is holy, can't I not be so awkward?

"I heard you took a few nasty injures in battle"

I had almost forgotten about them and, thanks to my fast healing properties, they should be goon soon.

"Yeah, but they are almost gone now"

Silence enveloped us for a few seconds before Liam's expression hardened and he started to speak:

"Look, there's something I've been meaning to ask you"

His voice was set, but still held a note of uncertainty. I stayed silent, knowing he would tell me when he was ready and not before. He continued soon after:

"Do you think I would be a good Alpha?"

My head shot up and my eyes met his once again: it was there that I saw a flicker of fear and nervousness. My voice came out as steady as always:

"I do not really know you, but from what I've seen and heard you're a great leader and you care about the future of this pack."

I noticed that my comment didn't really convince him that much, so, I told him a little bit about myself, before I became a part of the Original Protectors. As my left hand started tapping nervously on my leg, I told him about my life on the streets and my meeting with Master Koran. By the time I had finished tears were threatening to escape my eyes and my throat was burning up. As my tale drew to a close, I could see that Liam was now less insecure about his new position. I left him to contemplate this new information, after gaining his word that he would not tell anyone. I was quite sure he wouldn't, besides who would willingly break a Darken Oath and face a very painful death?

I went out, after grabbing an apple from the kitchen and made my way to the forest. I greeted the guards on patrol with a simple nod of my head and started walking further into the forest's depths. My thoughts turned then to my missing friends and the people who had died. I soon reached a beautiful waterfall and just transported myself to the hidden cave beyond. I wanted some peace and time to think of our next move. My mind though kept returning to Sarah and Alessia, to Caleb and Markus and to the Hope's. I once again hoped and prayed that Sarah had made it out in time and had survived the attack. I wondered where Alessia was, if she was still alive and if so, wherever she was safe and trying to contact me. Maybe it was just too dangerous to try, but I doubted that would have stopped her. So, maybe she was dead. This thought came rather suddenly and was unexpected. For the moment, I couldn't consider that possibility.

And Caleb... Caleb had been such a good friend, he had been there for me from the start, picking me up when I was at my lowest and holding me whilst I cried my heart out. he was the only reasonable one of the group, but he was also the most caring and lovable of all of us. He was the 'glue' that held us together, and we loved him for it. Shifters are known for their anger problems and brash behaviour but he wasn't like that. I don't think I had ever seen him angry. Then again, the only one who could relie him up was Markus. He was the prankster of the group and loved telling jokes at everyone's expense. We all knew he didn't mean it and never went too far, so we put up with it. It was amusing to watch all the fights between the two boys, even if they were the best of friends and would take a bullet for the other in a heartbeat.

My thoughts soon turned to the nice family who had taken me in and treated me with kindness and love. I hope they were in a better place, living the life and locking down on us. I hope they didn't blame me, I couldn't bear the grief. Maybe I should talk to a Necromancer; one of them will be able to set my mind at rest. I wanted to be able to give a plan when people are going to ask, I wanted to be able to reassure people that I knew what I was doing, that they had not suffered in vain, when in fact I was just as much in the dark as everyone else.

I screamed in rage and frustration, the sound bouncing off the walls and echoing past the watery curtain. I soon fell silent though and my mind, the only rationale part of me left, started going over plans and possibilities. Each one was as bad and useless as the next one. I fell asleep, dreaming of a future where I didn't always watch my back from the shadows lingering behind.

...

So Sorry about the delay. My computer and then my WIFI didn't work, but now I am back! Updates date is changing again to Friday!

See ya!