Chapter 61: Epilogue

RAYNE

They say the best place to start is at the beginning. That’s what I was thinking as I rummaged through my bag on my bed, making sure I had everything I needed for my trip.

I was about to embark on my first journey to the Western Lands. Excitement bubbled inside me, but there was a tiny part of me that was a little nervous.

I was an alpha. I shouldn’t be nervous. Alphas were fearless, at least on the outside. We were strong, confident, smart, and adaptable. We could handle anything that came our way and usually ended up on top. This was especially true for me. I was the heir to the ruler of the Northern Lands, his blood son, and the only other remaining male luna dog.

I had a legacy to uphold. The weight of it rested on my shoulders. I frowned as I zipped up my bag. The thought was both thrilling and frustrating.

I didn’t blame my parents for the position I was born into. I was proud to be their son. But sometimes, I craved an escape, even if it was just a small one.

The first taste of freedom came when my father let me be the communicator between him and the Western ruler, Merrick. It was a few weeks after our fight with the Golden Queen Faerie. Things had settled down, and I thought it was a good time to start exploring other lands.

My father and Merrick agreed to let me help handle things. I was proud of that.

The next taste of freedom came when I convinced my father to let me build and live in a small house outside the palace. My mother and sister, Selenia, weren’t thrilled about it, and neither was my father. But our Mage, Emelio, convinced them it would be good for me.

Rin had lived on his own for a year and done well. It was good for both of us to experience life outside the palace. It wouldn’t be forever, and I’d be close enough to return if needed. But it was another victory in my quest for freedom.

I had Rin to thank for that. He’d lived on his own before and he advocated for me. “I did fine out there, and I got to meet Aurora, so I don’t see where this will hurt anything. Rayne’s even going to stay closer than me and keep in contact. Just give him his chance,” he’d said.

With Rin’s help, I got what I wanted. I called the small den and the surrounding glen my new home. It wasn’t far from the palace, but it felt like my own little piece of heaven.

But as I stepped out into the cool autumn air, I felt like something was missing. The place felt lonely. I wondered if it was because Rin had a beta now.

I’d never tell Rin or Aurora, but I was a little envious. She was beautiful, and they were happy together. They argued sometimes, but their happiness never wavered.

They were meant for each other. It was clear how much they loved each other. I hadn’t thought much about love or having a beta before, but now I couldn’t stop thinking about it. What would it be like to have a woman to love and who loved me?

I also thought about the lust that came with it. I enjoyed that one time with Aurora more than I thought I would. It would be nice to have a woman to do it with whenever we wanted.

As a nearly grown male alpha, it was natural that I’d want these things, including eventually procreating with a suitable woman. I shook my head, pushing these thoughts to the back of my mind. I had a job to do.

I was at the edge of my glen when a mist swirled up in front of me. It cleared to reveal our Mage, Emelio. He bowed to me. I felt a pang of guilt when I saw his scars. My weakness had caused that. I vowed never to let it happen again. “Good morning, Lord Rayne. I trust you are ready to go?” he asked.

“I am. Do you think Lord Merrick will be expecting me this early, or should I wander around before our meeting?” I asked.

“I think Lord Merrick will be ready for you. He likes early meetings. But I’m sure he’d be happy to let you tour the Western Lands,” Emelio said.

“I’d like that,” I said. “Great. Let’s go.”

I stepped closer to him as the mist enveloped us. I was ready for my new adventure. Who knew what I’d find?

Only time would tell.