10. Skyfall

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IMPORTANT NOTE:

This chapter is the continuation of chapter 9.

PLEASE DO NOT COPY MY WORK! If I find any followers copying my work, I will immediately REPORT and MUTE you. Do NOT test my patience or take advantage of my friendliness. You have been warned.

This chapter is unedited so please excuse the grammatical errors. Enjoy!

____

Zuerien's POV

"Silver beams?"

John's eyebrows rose as he stared at me surprised after what I had told him.

"She used the words silver beams of light?"

I nodded, "She said the wall suddenly started to fire silver beams of light at her", I said, "She said it felt like some kind of really powerful energy"

"And she was the only one who could see it?"

Both I and Cole nodded again, "Worse, she was the only one at whom the silver beams were directed", I replied, "She told me that the silver energy flowed into her body, and as it did, it made her feel far more powerful"

John remained silent, his eyes deeply thoughtful as I continued, "And on putting two and two together, that also seemed to correlate exactly with the moment that I suddenly felt our mate bond strengthen considerably as I made my way to Rino"

John nodded, "And then all of a sudden, the mate bond went from being extremely strong to exceedingly weak, yes?"

I exhaled heavily, "That's right", I replied, "It came as a huge shock to me. For a second I almost felt like-like our bond had..."

Like it had severed completely.

I closed my eyes, running a hand through my hair. I found myself completely unable to get those last few words out of my mouth. It was as though every part of my being was screaming against the idea of even thinking about such a thing ever happening.

Even though after having spent our earlier time together intimately, our bond had strengthened again immensely, just the thought of how it had felt to suddenly not be able to feel the mate bond left me completely devastated on the inside.

And despite our mate bond reinforcing and improving itself drastically, the same could not yet be said about the rest of her aura. Suzzanah's essence, I knew, had never been very pronounced. Even for a human, she didn't have a very prominent or sizeable presence.

But what made Suzzanah unique was not the quantity of her presence, but the quality of it. It was an extremely pure and radiant aura. One that, even in its smallest measures, still stood out from that of the others.

And after what had happened today, it was that very presence that had been affected. From being a small yet extraordinary aura, it had gone to being nearly non-existent. And although I could tell that she was slowly recovering again, it still hurt to think of what had happened to her. Of what she had to been put through.

My hand involuntarily rose to rub my chest where a familiar ache had developed once again. It was the same kind of pain I felt every time a thought crossed my mind about...losing my Suzzanah.

Heart...

"And that's exactly the same time as when she said she willed the energy out of herself?" John asked.

"Yeah", I replied.

"But why did she do that?" he asked, "You told me the energy made her feel far stronger than before so what made her want to get rid of it? Did something seem off about it? Did she tell you anything?"

"She said...", I remembered the words Suzzanah had told me clearly, "She said that the more that energy flowed into her, the more she felt like it was destroying something else. Something important"

"Could she tell what that something important was?"

I shook my head, "No", I replied, "Or at least even if she did, she couldn't tell me about it before she fell asleep"

"I see", John nodded lightly, his brow creased in thought, "Before this so called 'silver energy' flowed into her, Suzzanah was fine, was she not? I mean did she have any trouble getting through the walls?"

I shook my head and Cole replied, "No, in fact she did better than us- both me and the Alpha. She crossed the first two mazes with ease"

"And how did she fair against the third wall?" he asked, "Did she look like she was in pain, or did she show any signs of finding it difficult to stay in close proximity of the wall before the energy began to fire at her?"

Both I and Cole thought hard about what John had asked me and came to one conclusion.

"No. She seemed alright", Cole replied, "I mean, sure, she was very really worried, about Rino and the Alpha and probably even me. She looked...terrified"

I felt a sharp pang in my chest at the thought of her having been afraid, and I grit my teeth, biting back the regret.

"In that moment, the Luna...she was a lot of things, but not weak", Cole said firmly, "Not incapacitated. In fact she was strong. Strong enough to stand on her own two feet even while being so close third wall. That's a hard thing for even the powerful Supernaturals to do. In my opinion, she was fine before those beams that none of us could see went shooting at her"

John frowned on hearing Cole's input, "That's odd", he said, rubbing his forehead, "Very odd"

He leaned back against his chair, "Its one thing if someone is weak at first, then gains some extra extra energy and gets stronger, and then grows weak again once the energy leaves them", he said.

"But in this case, someone who was strong enough already, went from becoming even stronger when the energy came, to growing incredibly weak once it left", he stated, "Which means...that the proportion of energy that left her body was much larger than the proportion her body accepted"

Anxiety flooded my veins as I bent forward, "What exactly do you think this energy was?" I asked John, "And what exactly did it take from her that it left her so...so incredibly debilitated?"

My fists clenched in anger and desperation, "It wasn't just her physical strength it took from her John", I grit out, "It was so more. So much more"

Cole's shoulders slumped, his features contorting is worry and John sighed, a heavy sadness painting his face.

"I know what you mean son", he said quietly, "I understand. We all do. Suzzanah may essentially be human, with a small presence, but her aura is powerful. She has the ability to lift spirits, to brighten up anyone's day by just being around. Having had the chance to spend time with her, we all have experienced the feeling of absolute revival that she brings to everyone. And now, we can all feel its absence, markedly"

Kai whimpered in the back of my mind and the ache in my chest grew, making it a little hard for me to breathe.

Heart...

"But the good thing is that aura, although very weak now, seems to slowly be regaining its vigor", John said, having stated the same point I myself had noticed earlier, "From the time that she was brought back to the hotel till she woke up, I could find an improvement in her condition. It was small, I agree, but it was still there. And I believe that's a very good sign. It shows that if she gets enough rest and nourishment, she will recover"

"Really John?" Cole asked eagerly, "You think she'll get back to normal then?"

John's brow furrowed, "I don't' think normal would be the term I'd use", he said, "The problem is she gave more than she received, and the excess that she gave away did not return to her. Which means that even after completely recovering, there may be a void in her aura created by what she lost"

My fingers clenched the armrest as fear and anxiety began to wage a war inside of me.

Please...

John, having noticed what was happening to me, immediately added, "All that being said, it isn't necessary that what she lost was will lead to there being a persisting disparity in her essence. We don't know exactly how much energy her body gave away, and if it wasn't that significant an amount, then she may as well be able to reproduce it and come out of this completely recuperated, as she has done time and time again"

"And what are the chances of that happening?" I asked.

"Had it been anyone else, I would have said about 30%", John replied, "But because its Suzzanah, who has managed to persevere in situations like these multiple times before, I think I can give her a good 50%"

"50% is good?" I asked shocked.

"Its not good, its miraculous!" John replied, "And with Suzzanah, it is possible. The dear one is, after all, unique. And she is strong, just like her mate"

No...

Suzzanah is stronger...

So much stronger...than I could ever be...

Taking a deep breath, I looked John in the eye.

"You didn't answer my earlier question", I said to him, biting back my dread, "What do you think that silver energy that the third wall fired at her was?"

John was silent for a long moment, his gaze never leaving mine as he probably searched for the best way in which to present his answer to me.

"In all honesty, I can't say I know what the energy fired at Suzzanah was", John said, and by the firm, unwavering tone of his voice, I knew he was being completely truthful to me, "But, I don't necessarily believe it was the third wall that was responsible for shooting that energy at her"

"What?" Cole cried out, his voice revealing the shock that painted my face, "You don't think it was because of the third wall?"

John shook his head, "Not a chance", he said surely, "Had it been a barrage thrown by the third wall, it would have surely have hit the two of you and Rino too, but it didn't. It completely exempted you all, didn't it?"

"Couldn't that just have something to do with the fact that the three of us are supernaturals whereas the Luna is human?" Cole asked, "Maybe the wall attacked her differently because she is different"

John smiled, "Yes, that could very well be a possibility", he said, "But I've never really heard of anyone or anything attacking a person with the intention of making them more powerful"

Both of us sucked in shocked breaths. John was right. Whatever that energy was had not hurt Suzzanah, but on the contrary, made her much stronger. It was only when she had willed the power out her that it had left her so terribly weak.

"So if not the wall, where do you think the energy came from?" Cole asked.

"I'm sure the two of you have figured that out already", John said and I grit my teeth..

Yeah. We did know. But at that moment, the both of us just wanted to hear it from the Alpha of Wisdom to confirm our suspicion, which, in any other scenario, would have seemed absolutely impossible.

"The Shadow Side", John uttered and my breath caught as he affirmed our doubt, "The only other possibility is that that silver energy came to her from the Shadow Side"

Cole's face contorted in disbelief, "But..."

...How?...

"I'm afraid how, what and why are a question I don't have a answer to just yet", John said pensively, "Exactly how did that energy cross over through the third wall? The final wall is strong enough to deflect even the most powerful of attacks, so exactly what kind of energy was this that the third wall didn't deem it dangerous at all and let it pass through, completely unhindered? What kind of attack was it that left the person on the receiving end of it stronger after the blow? And can such a thing even be considered 'an attack'? There are a lot of questions to consider here apart from the other blatantly obvious one which is...why was it directed solely at Suzzanah?"

I felt a headache coming as I closed my eyes and took deep breaths to keep calm. Yes, there were a lot of questions, and we didn't have answers to any of them, but one thing I did know for sure was that nothing that came from the Shadow Side could be a good thing.

Whether the wall deemed that silver barrage dangerous or not, I knew that if it was truly an energy that was born in the Shadow side, it couldn't be good news for us, even if it had momentarily made Suzzanah stronger.

And the fact that it was directed only at her was what was driving me insane on the inside. Why her? Why only Suzzanah?!

Why always my Suzzanah...

"If we can figure out what exactly that energy was, it would immensely help us in understanding why it could pass through and why it only targeted Suzzanah", John stated, "And possibly also why its departure left her so incapacitated. But since none of you saw or felt the energy, the only person who can help us figure out that answer would be Suzzanah"

"So we'll wait", Cole said, "Till the Queen is healthy enough and ready to talk about all this"

John nodded.

Even though I knew that this was about as far as the discussion on this particular matter could go without Suzzanah's input, one particular question kept nagging my mind, forcing me to ask it, even though I really didn't want to know the answer.

"John", I found myself saying, against my own will, "What exactly do you think was taken from Suzzanah when she willed that energy out of her?"

Cole's eyes turned worried immediately while John's gaze hardened, making my apprehension rise.

"Be honest, John", I told him firmly, "I want to hear the truth"

Liar.

John inhaled deeply as though preparing to say something he found particularly hard to get out.

"What Suzzanah lost not only left her physically and mentally drained, but also caused her fundamental aura to nearly disappear", John said staidly, "It tore away a piece of her that, although not necessarily large, was crucial enough to even create a temporary weakening of your mate bond. Such a thing is only ever possible, very rarely, upon rejection...or when your mate dies"

His last words made so much pain rise inside of me that I almost let out a constricted cry, unable to hold it in. My chest felt like it was on fire, my fingers were digging so hard into the armrest that I knew that it could break and shatter any second now.

John's face showed a deep grief, and both I and Cole understood why that was. He knew that feeling of utter hopelessness all too well, having lost his dearest mate many years ago.

"The mate bond is not something that operates in the physical or even mental realms", John continued, "Its deeper, much more...spiritual. Mates are the result of two souls being intertwined with each other for all eternity. Not distance, not hatred, not time, not even death can truly shatter a mate bond. Upon rejection and even the death of one's mate, there is only a temporary weakening of their bond till they reunite again, perhaps in another life, if they are blessed enough to be reincarnated"

John's leaned forward, voice grave, "And yet, for something to have led to the weakening of a mate bond while both the mates are healthy, united and alive, I can only think of one possible explanation to what she could have lost"

Cole swallowed hard and I held my breath for what John was going to say. And when he did, I literally felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest.

"She lost a fragment of her soul"

****

Suzzanah's POV

I woke up with a start, gasping for breath as my heart thundered wildly inside my chest. Beads of perspiration drenched my forehead and upper lip as I took deep breaths to try and calm myself.

"Found you...!"

I squeezed my eyes shut and shook my head, trying to shake away the extremely uncomfortable feeling those two words never failed to evoke inside of me.

Even in my most bleakest of moments, I could never forget the first time I had heard them.

Uttered by the lips of that man.

I shuddered, a cold sweat drenching my entire body. Those last two words haunt my being, still ringing in my ears, darkly, terrifyingly.

"Luna!"

I jerked at the sound of my title before my head whipped to the side of my bed. An unfamiliar woman stood by my side. She had blonde hair, and a pair of blue eyes that were looking down at me concernedly.

"Luna Queen, you're awake! Are you alright?" she asked, bending over me slightly.

Still panting for breath, I nodded at her, blinking away my daze. My lips parted to ask her who she was but I couldn't find my voice and my throat felt as dry as desert.

"Just a second, I'll pour you a glass of water", she said, hurriedly turning to do so.

I swallowed hard, still reeling from the powerful effect of that dream. It had been one of the most real virtual experiences I had ever had in my entire life.

So real...that it was unnerving.

"And may your dreams...tell you stories no one else can"

That's what Emily had said to me in my earlier dream.

So what exactly was it that this particular dream had told me?

"He's coming for you"

"Beware of him who comes with bloodied hands"

"He's coming for you!"

"You will be the end"

"Be strong"

Be strong.

"Here"

Although my heart lurched again at the sound of her voice, I managed to keep my face calm enough for her to not see that she had totally freaked me out once again. I glanced at the glass of water in her hands and licked my dry lips before looking back at her.

"W-Who- Who are you?" I managed to rasp out.

"My name is Laura, my Luna", she said, bowing her head to me, "I'm the Beta Female of the Ashford pack"

I blinked tiredly, "Beta female...", I said thoughtfully, "You're...Beta Darren's mate?" I asked and she nodded.

"Its an honor to meet you, my Luna", she said before extending the glass of water towards my lips.

She helped me raise my head and I hungrily gulped down the cool liquid. One I was done, I sighed heavily, still feeling out of breath from that dream.

"Thank you..."

"Its my pleasure", she replied, "How are you feeling?"

Honestly...I don't know...

"Okay...", I managed to rasp out, running a hand down my chest against which my heart was still hammering like crazy.

As I did, smooth cloth glided against my fingertips and I looked down to see that I was clothed again, in a long white shirt and what felt like a pair of shorts.

Zuerien.

Everything that had happened between us earlier flashed before my eyes and my hand went up to caress the skin in the crook of my neck.

Where I bore his mark.

As much as it came as a shock, I realized that I was still far too tired to even feel embarrassed or shy. And that was probably a good thing.

When my fingers grazed my mark, I felt it tingle softly reminding me a little of the fierce tingling I had felt in the crook of my shoulder in my dream, just before that beast was upon me.

Shuddering in memory of it, I drew my hand away from my neck only then noticing the brilliant thin golden band that was still hanging from my wrist.

My eyes widened. The bracelet Zuerien had given me this morning.

The one embedded with the Gem Ignis that Oba Oyekan had given me before he left with Tony and Ginny.

I had almost forgotten I was even wearing this!

The bracelet felt warm against my skin, the amber stone seeming to glitter even in the dark.

I wonder...if I'll ever have to use that Gem...

Sighing I lowered my hand back to my side and looked around the dark room. The curtains were slightly open and through the window I could see that the sky had darkened. And I could hear the pitter-patter of rain drops hitting the window sill outside.

After having searched the entirety of the room, my eyes returned to Laura who was watching me attentively.

"Zuerien?" I asked.

"The Alpha King just stepped out for a little bit to speak with the Alpha of Wisdom", she told me, "I'll have him informed immediately that you are awake"

I shook my head, "No", I said, "That's alright"

She looked surprised by my refusal.

"A-as you wish. Are you hungry?" she asked me.

As though having desperately been waiting for that one question, my stomach decided to squawk its agreement as loudly as it could. Both I and Laura stared it wide-eyed and although I felt too fatigued to say anything, on the inside, I was mortified.

Laura smiled, "I shall have someone bring something up for you immediately", she said, "The healers said that there are no restrictions to your diet but did advice that you be given lots of fluids and protein. What would you like to have?"

I blinked at her question, "At this point, anything", I replied making her giggle softly.

"That's understandable", she said, "You haven't eaten in a while"

"Really?" I asked, looking around the dark room again for a clock, "What time is it?"

"Its 7:45 pm, my Luna", she replied, "Just the right time for an early dinner"

Whoa...I had been asleep for almost the whole day...!

"Unless you don't have any preferences, I ask the chefs to bring up their best right away", Laura said.

"Not yet"

With a grunt of effort, I pushed myself up onto my elbows, trying to sit up.

"Queen!" Laura immediately put an arm around my shoulders, helping me up, "Queen, what's the matter?"

"I want to get up", I said, struggling to do so.

"If there's something you need, I'll get it for you"

I shook my head, "I just want to walk a little"

Judging by my huffing and puffing face, Laura seemed to immediately deem that a bad idea, "My Luna, please. You need to rest"

"I think I've done enough of that", I said finally managing to sit upright before leaning back wearily against the headboard. Just the simple act of sitting up made me feel exhausted right down to my bones.

What in the world happened to me...?

"With all due respect, my Luna, please reconsider", Laura pleaded with me, "You're tired. You need to eat and get some more sleep"

I sighed heavily, "Perhaps, but I don't want to", I breathed out.

I don't want to dream again...just yet...

Groaning, I pushed myself off the bed and Laura came rushing to my side to help me. My sole touched the warm carpet and I took a deep breath before pushing myself up to my feet.

The minute I did, the world spun around me and I found myself at the verge of falling face-flat against the carpet had it not to been for Laura who immediately grabbed my shoulders and steadied me.

"MY QUEEN!" she cried out worriedly, "Please just lie back down. Your body is still too weak for you to be moving around"

"Maybe so but I know for a fact that I wont be doing much recovering in here", I replied, "It feels stuffy. I want some fresh air"

"Shall I call for a wheelchair"

I looked at her aghast, "Goodness no! I can walk", I said smiling at her, "I'm tired but not even that tired"

My head decided to spin right then and and I held on tightly to the table next to me. Okay, so maybe I lied, but I somehow had had enough of being in this room for now. I needed out.

And it would be on my own limbs if I could help it. Especially because Zuerien would drive himself crazy worrying if he saw me being wheeled in.

Despite being absolutely exhausted, I could still feel Zuerien's feelings through our mate bond. And although I could mostly only feel worry, I was still grateful to have that connection. It was reassuring.

And surely he too would be reassured if he saw me coming to him on my own two feet.

"Is Zuerien downstairs?" I asked Laura and she shook her head.

"The Alpha King is in one of the rooms down the corridor", she replied.

"Would you please take me to him?" I asked.

"Of course, if that is your wish", she replied, "Let me just get you something warm to put over yourself"

She rushed to the wardrobe before finding a knee length robe and putting it around my shoulders. It felt soft and warm against my skin and I snuggled into it, sighing in satisfaction.

"Thank you"

"Please, you don't have to thank me, my Luna", she replied with a smile, "It is my duty and honor to serve you", she said before slowly leading me to the door.

It felt so strange to be spoken to with so much respect and honor. I honestly didn't know if I could get used to it. But regardless, I really appreciated the help.

The minute she opened the room, the two men standing outside, whom I assumed were were guarding the door, spun around alert. And the minute they saw me, their eyes widened and their heads shot down as they bowed deeply.

"Luna Queen!" they chorused.

I felt my cheeks warm in both embarrassment and discomfort.

"Uh...please rise", I told them, using the same word Zuerien always did.

They did as they were told and stood in attention, as though waiting for order.

"The Luna Queen would like some fresh air", Laura said, "I shall escort her to the Alpha"

They both nodded in understanding before making way for us.

"Thank you", I said as we walked past them into the corridor.

As we walked, I recalled coming down this way this morning. It already seemed so long ago that I couldn't remember the room number, but I knew that Marco's room was further down the corridor from Zuerien and mine.

"Are Marco, Alpha Ashford and General Reginald back yet?" I asked Laura.

"No my Luna", she replied, "But they will be soon"

"And Luna Prophecy? Is she awake yet?"

"No, not yet", she said.

"Is she alright?" I asked concerned.

"Oh yes, she is, my Queen", Laura replied with a smile, "Not to worry. I believe the Luna of Time falls into long slumbers like these often, following her teleportations"

A soft laugh escaped my lips, "Yes, she does", I replied, "She reminds me a little of snow white, or sleeping beauty, minus her needing a prince on white horse to come kiss her awake"

Laura chuckled, "Yes, Luna Prophecy does seem like the kind of woman who doesn't really need a man in her life to provide any kind of support"

"I suppose", I replied thoughtfully, "But regardless, her mate will be a very lucky man"

And given her unexpected teleportations, infamous comas and voracious magical charades, probably also a very worried one, I mentally added, recalling how much trouble and unnecessary heartache I always ended up putting Zuerien through.

Maybe this was why people preferred to be single.

As we walked down the corridor, my eyes skimmed over the many many doors on either side of us. But when we were passing across one particular door, a sudden familiar essence washed over me and my feet froze in front of it.

This presence...

"Luna?" Laura said questioningly before looking at the door that I was staring at, the room numbers plated in gold.

1054

"This room..." I said, feeling the familiar presence growing inside me.

"Oh, this room?" she said, "This belongs to-"

"Rino..." I breathed out, his familiar aura washing over me in waves. And with it also, his overwhelming emotions.

Rino...

I took a step towards his room and Laura followed, "Master Rino is also still asleep, my Luna", she told me.

"He's awake", I said, knowing him all too well.

Laura looked at me surprised and I gently pulled away from her and walked to his door. Reaching out, I placed my hand on the cold wood, feeling his turbulent emotions coursing through my veins.

The sound of distant thunder echoed softly in the corridor and a knowing yet sad smile made its way to my lips.

Oh Rino...

After two soft knocks, I turned the doorknob and the door opened without resistance. Pushing it aside gently, I walked into the room which was dimly lit but not quite as dark as mine had been.

And yet, it was so much colder.

The minute I stepped inside, my eyes zeroed in on the lone figure who sat by the open window. He sat leaning against the wall behind him, a familiar black hoodie pulled over his head which was turned to look out the window at the grey-black sky.

A chilly wind blew in through the window, occasional lightening and thunder lighting up the dark night sky. And thick clouds poured down heavy rain like upturned buckets of water from the darkened heavens.

It was as though the sky was in mourning.

The kind of heart-wrenching mourning I had witnessed before.

He's feeling sad...

Smiling tenderly at my dear friend, I began to walk towards him. He seemed to be in deep thought, as he stared out the window somberly. He hadn't even realized that we had come in.

As I took one step after another closer to him, his feelings drenched my soul like the rain that was falling from the heavens. And my heart clenched inside of me.

So much despair.

What's wrong Rino...?

The more I walked towards him, the more his feelings seemed to grow. Guilt, regret, sadness, self-hatred and many other emotions that were so unlike him were now radiating off him in waves. His aura looked dull, his vibrant charisma subdued to nothingness.

Why bud...what's wrong?

As far as I could tell, his injuries seemed to be healed, because the immense pain that I could feel coming from him was not in any way physically, but entirely mental.

Being an over-thinker myself, I could quite easily tell when someone else was also doing so. And right now Rino was doing exactly that.

Beating himself up, no doubt

Now less than two meters away from him, I could see him much more clearly. Stray droplets of the heavy rain had drenched the front of his shirt, his face and his hair that fell over his forehead. He continued to stare blankly up at the sky, not even a hint of his usual cheerfulness peaking through.

And I realized I couldn't stand to see him like this. Not for a second longer.

"Rino...?" I breathed out softly and his body immediately tensed before his head whipped around, eyes wide in shock.

Dull brown eyes met, heavy with sorrow and painfully void. Brown eyes. No longer blue the way they were when he was close to his Luna's aura.

I bit back the urge rub my chest which ached at the sight of him. Instead I smiled at his perfectly healed face. He looked to be okay.

But he isn't really...

"Hey bud", I said taking a step closer to him when he continued to stare at me as though he couldn't believe that I was there.

And then, in a flash, his eyes filled with realization and relief, and as though lightening had struck him, he shot off the ledge he was sitting on and turned to face me.

"ANNA!" he cried out, and his body lurched towards me urgently, but then all of a sudden, he froze again, mid-motion.

I watched as his hands which had come up to reach for me stilled in the air, before slowly returning to his side. And his eyes which had just a second ago brimmed with overwhelming relief, darkened in a heartbeat.

A plethora of wild emotions swirled in brown orbs as he stared at me with wide eyes and when all those feelings had mingled, they left behind nothing but fathomless grief.

"Bud", I said with a smile, "Its so good to see that you're alright"

He didn't move, didn't speak. He just stared at me with those wide, shocked and terribly sad eyes that were making my worry intensify with every passing second.

"Rino?" I said gently.

His lips quivered as though he wanted to say something but then his jaw clenched and he remained mum.

My smile slowly fell, the ache in my chest intensifying. Whatever was going through Rino's head right now was breaking him badly on the inside. Quickly turning around, I found Laura standing by the door, watching us worriedly.

I smiled at her, "Laura, could you please give us a moment"

She nodded, "Of course", she said, bowing to me before leaving and closing the door behind her softly.

Once alone, I turned back to look at him. His eyes were still glued to my frame, but they were no longer wide in disbelief as they had been before. Now, they looked dull, glassy, nearly void- as though he had given up on the last ray of hope he had been hanging onto.

As though he had come to a conclusion in his chaotic mind that had left him completely numb on the inside.

Oh bud...

"Rino", I said softly with a smile, stepping forward, "How are you feeling?"

He stayed silent, watching me with broken eyes.

"I heard that the healers were able to heal you completely", I said, "It was such a relief to know"

I saw his fists clench by his side and he lowered his head.

"You shouldn't worry about me", he said in a voice that was so quiet and sorrowful that I almost didn't recognize it as his, "You really shouldn't...not about me..."

I tilted my head to the side, "How can I not?" I asked, "You did something really crazy today after all"

He flinched slightly, not looking me in the eye. Almost as though...he couldn't...

I looked at him tenderly, "You know, what you did today, that's probably one of the bravest things I've ever seen anyone do"

At that, his head shot up yet again, eyes wide once again as though he couldn't believe what I had said.

"Running right through the three border walls, never once wavering in your resolve and not letting anything get in your way, that takes a lot of courage", I said, "You should know, I'm very proud of you for having tried what you did Rino"

He exhaled a ragged breath, swallowing hard.

"I know it didn't work out but your efforts were so admirable", I said genuinely, "A little reckless- okay, very reckless but, that's who you are. You put your entire heart and soul into what's important to you. And that's probably why you're so...precious"

His lips parted but no words came out.

"You proved to everyone that you truly are worthy of being a Guardian Extraordinaire", I told him, looking up at him with pride, "Your Luna is very lucky"

In a flash immense pain shot across his face and I almost recoiled at the intensity of it as it seared through me like a bolt of electricity.

"Rino...?" I breathed out in shock and he shook his head, eyes filled with overwhelming guilt and sadness as he looked away.

"I'm no guardian", he breathed out, his voice heartbreakingly soft, "I'm not fit to protect anybody. To think...to think I couldn't even keep this from happening to my friends. To think...I caused it. I-...I..."

"Rino, this wasn't your fault", I told him firmly, "What you did was your duty and right as a Guardian Extraordinaire. Please don't blame yourself"

His gaze returned to mine and I stepped closer to him looking up into the eyes of this tired young man who held a special place in all our hearts. A man who had done everything in his power, even risked his own life to protect someone dear. And a man who didn't deserve the heavy burden that was weighing down on him at this very moment.

"Don't beat yourself up about something that you couldn't help, but be proud of your efforts and know that we'll get her back soon", I said, "And for whatever went wrong, its all in the past now"

Reaching out, I placed both hands on his shoulders and smiled up at him "We're all alright, and that's all that matters", I told him.

In that moment he was looking down at me as though I was holding his entire world in the palm of my hand. He looked like a lost child silently begging to know the way back to his haven. And all I wanted to do was welcome him home.

Releasing his shoulders, I took his hand in mine and gave it a squeeze. His eyes shot to where our hands were joined and I smiled.

"Its okay", I said affectionately, "Everything's okay"

Slowly he lifted our intertwined hands in front of him, staring at the back of my palm. And just when I thought I had gotten through to him, a breath so pained escaped his lips that it literally shattered something inside of me.

"No..." he breathed out in despair, "No...its not okay"

His eyes shot back up to mine, filled with agonizing guilt, "You're not okay"

My brow furrowed and I shook my head, "Rino I'm-"

"I knew", he cut me off, speaking softly, "I knew that what I was doing wasn't right. It was stupid, reckless, illogical! But I was so desperate. She was so close. My Luna. She... she was right there. I felt like if I got a just a little closer, I'd be able to see her, maybe even grab onto her"

His hand that held mine trembled as he spoke, "But in doing so...I can't believe...I can't believe I let you go"

Excruciating pain shot through me right down to my soul as his wide, bereaved eyes looked into mine.

"You're so cold. You're barely even there...", he breathed out brokenly, "I...I can barely even...sense you..."

His eyes glazed over as he looked into mine, "What have I done...", he whispered.

And I felt like my heart was torn out of chest when I watched his brown eyes well with glistening tears that he could no longer hold back.

"Sorry...", he gasped out, tears rolling down his face, his voice filled with so much despair that it broke as he spoke, "I'm so sorry...so sorry...!"

He features crumbled in grief as he breathed out,

"Anna...!"

Reaching up I threw my arms around him and pulled him into a tight hug. He buried his face in my neck and gasped for breath as his tears continued to fall.

"I'm sorry Ann-...I'm so sorry...", he repeated between pants as I held him close patting his head gently, holding back tears of my own.

Rino's body trembled and shook, his sorrow and guilt unimaginable deep. Outside, the sky got darker, the clouds got thicker and the rain got heavier, all mirroring Rino's overflowing emotions of despair.

"I'm sorry...!"

"Shhh its okay. Its okay bud", I whispered softly, patting his back, "Just let it all out. Everything's gonna be okay"

"The Wolfa...!" Rino cried out brokenly and his intense worry and fear that something had happened to Zuerien flooded my system.

"Zuerien's alright", I said gently, "His injuries have healed completely"

And before Rino could say anything else, I added, "And he's not mad. He understands now. He isn't blaming you either"

"I...", he gasped between sobs, "I..."

"I know", I said, "I understand Rino. And its okay. This isn't your fault"

"But Anna-!"

Pulling away I cupped his tear-streaked face, "Rino, whatever happened to me was my own doing", I told him, looking him straight in the eye, "Whatever is wrong with me right now is because I willed it to be this way. It was my choice"

He looked down at me with misty eyes, brow furrowing in incomprehension.

"Its not your fault", I repeated firmly, "It was my decision. And...I don't regret a thing"

"W-why...?" he asked in confusion, "I don't understand...why? What happened?"

I sighed deeply, "I had a choice", I told him, "To either accept the limitless amounts of power that suddenly came shooting at me, or to let it go. And I chose the latter because..."

Because I know...that in doing so...I managed to protect something...precious....

"Because it felt like the right thing to do", I finished, "And that's what left me like this"

He closed his eyes and exhaled a ragged breath, swallowing hard, "Anna..."

"Shh, its okay", I told him gently, placing my hands on his shoulders, "Bud, you trust me, don't you?"

His brown eyes found mine, and he sniffed before nodding.

I smiled, "Then believe in me", I told him, "I'm going to be okay"

I thumped my chest proudly with my palm and grinned at him, "Hey! I'm the Luna Queen", I said, "Your Wolfa's mate, remember? I'm stronger than this"

My words made him smile, despite his grief, and he nodded, his gratitude slowly seeping into my blood, "Yeah. Yeah you are", he rasped.

"Good. Now, no more tears", I said, rubbing the moisture away from his face, "We don't need those anymore. As it is, there is too much water around here already"

This time he laughed, nodding again, before rubbing his eyes with his sleeves. I could tell that his sadness had not completely left him, but he was feeling just a tad bit better after having let out all his bottled up emotions.

Once he had wiped his face he looked back down at me- his eyes tired and nose red yet heart seeming somewhat lighter.

"Can I get a smile?" I asked and he smiled warmly down at me.

"Atta wizard! There's the Rino I know!" I said happily, "I missed you, bud"

I took his hand in mine again and squeezed it encouragingly. He squeezed back.

"Thank you, Anna", he whispered, his eyes still sad and yet relieved at the same time.

I tilted my head to the side, "Whatever for, bud?" I asked and he smiled affectionately.

"For being you", he replied quietly, "Just for being you"

Smiling I pulled him into a tight side-hug, "Thank you too, Rino", I said wholeheartedly, "For coming back to us"

Then pulling away, I grabbed his hand again, "Now come on. Let's go grab something to eat. I'm famished. Aren't you hungry?"

He thought about it for a little while and said, "A little bit"

"Good! We can eat together", I said cheerfully, somehow feeling more energized now that Rino too was feeling better, "But before that, lets go see your Wolfa and let him know that we're okay"

Rino's body went stiff, hesitation flooding his eyes, "Anna...I-"

"You don't have to feel guilty or ashamed, Rino", I told him confidently, "Zuerien understands why you did what you did. It'll be okay. God knows that werewolf loves you too much to stay mad at you"

A small smile graced his lips. It was still unsure sad and unsure, but it was hopeful at the same time. And I knew for certain, that Rino was going to be okay.

Outside, the rain continued to fall, but was now just a drizzle that seemed to be marking the end of the sky's tears.

It would be clear again soon.

Smiling contentedly, I tugged Rino along to the door, "Come on bud", I said eagerly.

"Lets go cheer up some werewolves"

****

"What do you mean they aren't here?" I asked a very surprised looking Alpha Penson.

"Uh, I mean that the Alpha and Cole left here a short while ago", Alpha Penson said, his eyes darting between me and Rino as he walked to us, "Of course they wouldn't have left in such a haste had he known that you'd both come sauntering in here just minutes after he left"

Quickly coming up to us, he thanked Laura who had brought us to him, telling her he would take it from here. Once she had left, he put an arm around my shoulder and a hand on Rino's back and began leading us to the sofa, "Lets have the both of you sit down now, shall we?"

He sat us both down next to each other and the Alpha first looked at Rino.

"Where did they go?" I asked Alpha Penson.

"Cole and Zuerien went to meet with a few members of the League of Magic who are currently here", he told us, "They were the ones who provided us with the healers who helped heal both your wounds"

"Oh!" I said, "So they're still in the hotel?"

Alpha Penson nodded before looking at Rino, "Rino, when did you wake up?"

"Just now", Rino replied, "Like about fifteen minutes ago"

"How are you feeling?"

Rino didn't reply immediately, but after a little thought, said, "Better"

Alpha Penson's eyes narrowed slightly, noticing the lack of enthusiasm immediately, "Are you sure?"

Rino nodded quietly, giving him a small smile.

"That's good to know. What about you Suzzanah?" he asked.

"I feel much better too", I replied with a smile.

Alpha Penson knelt in front of me, "Okay, lets have a look at you", he said, looking up at my face.

His eyes roamed my face, studying each feature carefully, "You still look very tired", he said, "But I have to agree, you do look a little better than earlier today", he smiled back, "That's a relief"

I nodded, "I'm sure I'll be alright very soon", I said.

"Your optimism is as heartwarming as always, dear one", he told me and patted my cheek affectionately with the palm of his hand.

I noticed that his hand lingered for a short while against my cheek before he pulled away, his eyes flashing momentarily with a strange realization that made his smile falter slightly.

I titled my head to the side, "What's wrong?" I asked.

He inhaled deeply, "Nothing I can be certain of just yet", he replied making my brow furrow in confusion.

"Will Anna really be okay, John?" Rino asked worriedly.

Alpha Penson stared at me for a few more seconds before nodding, "Yes", he replied, "I do believe so. But it will take some time for you to completely recover"

"Alpha, what exactly is wrong with me?" I asked, desperate to know now.

What exactly had happened to me that I had temporarily lost the ability to even feel a connection with my mate! And for some reason everyone was saying that they couldn't sense my presence at all. Not to mention, I felt more tired that I ever had in my entire life.

I had figured out by now that whatever had happened had something to do with that silver bands of energy that had come shooting at me. The energy I had rejected.

But what exactly had it done to me? What was it that it took from me?

"Before I tell you that, I would like to hear what exactly happened in full detail from you, dear one", Alpha Penson said, "And Rino, there is a lot I want to ask you too"

We both exchanged glances before nodding at him.

"Very well, before we begin, since the Alpha doesn't know about the both of you being awake, I think we should let him and Cole know", he said, "Suzzanah, are you able to use mindlink?"

I nodded.

"Can you mindlink the Alpha please"

"Okay", I said and immediately closed my eyes to try and open a channel to Zuerien, since I found it easier to concentrate that way.

Zue-

SUZZANAH?!

He replied even before I could finish calling out his name.

You're awake?

I smiled, Yeah, I replied, I woke up just a short while ago.

How are you feeling? he asked and his worry instantly shot through me making me actually feel reassured seeing as I could still feel him.

I feel good, I replied, Much better than before

I almost heard him breathe a sigh of relief, Hang on Heart, I'm coming

W-Wait! Aren't you with those members of the Magic Council?

How did you know that?

Alpha Penson told me

Is John with you?

Yeah, I replied, And so is Rino

RINO IS AWAKE?!

Both his concern and relief washed over me in unison and I nodded, almost forgetting that he couldn't see me.

Yes he is

I should have known. Is that why its raining?

A sad smile made its way to my lips, Yeah...

Is he okay?

I opened my eyes and glanced at Rino who immediately blinked at me before tilting his head to the side questioningly.

He will be, I replied and he sighed.

Alright. Just stay in bed Heart. I'll be there immediately

Uh...I'm actually not in bed

There was a pause in the mindlink and I felt both Zuerien's shock and apprehension flood my veins.

Heart...he breathed out and I gulped.

I'm with Alpha Penson in the room you guys were in till a short while ago

WHY ARE YOU OUT OF BED?!

In cringed and my hand shot up to my ears as his loud cry echoed in my head.

Uh...

Heart, get back in bed immediately! You need to rest

I'm tired of resting

What is it with you and that bloody oxymoron?!

I'm feeling much better so don't worry, I said, If it makes you feel better, I'll lie down here

Heart!

I was hungry, I told him, And I was feeling too stuffy in that room so I came looking for you

I'm coming

WAIT! Finish your meeting. Don't leave those important people hanging!

I couldn't care less about anyone else right now

Zuerien! I'm really okay. Please finish whatever you went to do

We're nearly done anyway

I sighed, Very well then. Just don't...worry.

Not happening

I smiled knowingly, Well if you're coming anyway, bring food maybe?

There was another pause in the mindlink before he spoke again, his voice sounding lighter, What would you like?

Something...unhealthy

You just have to keep making these impossible requests of me, don't you?

French fries, I pleaded.

He sighed, I'm coming, he said smilingly and the mindlink ended.

When I blinked away the daze I saw both Alpha Penson and Rino smiling at me. I looked to either side of me before asking, "What?"

Alpha Penson shook his head, "Its nothing, dear one", he said, "We were just thinking you look even better just by talking to the Alpha"

This made me grin, "He said he'll bring fries"

"Fries!" Rino's face immediately brightened slightly and I chuckled, "Yup!"

"Well, its good to see that at least your appetites are healthy", Alpha Penson said with a smile as he got up before settling in the couch opposite to us, "Now, while we wait for them to get back, why don't you tell me what exactly happened in the woods. Suzzanah, you start"

I nodded. He listened carefully as I went on to tell him everything in as much detail as I could, concentrating specifically on whatever I could remember about the silver beams of energy, how they made me feel and how they left me drained after they had left my body. And I also told him about how I had had an inkling that by flowing into me, the energy was simultaneously weakening something else.

Something...important.

When I was done, Alpha Penson had that very same look of deep thought that I had seen him wearing numerous times before.

"And what happened once the energy left you?" he asked me, "Did you feel like that 'something important' had strengthened again?"

I nodded, "I did", I replied, "I know its a really strange and bizarre thing to say, and may not even be that big a deal but-"

"Oh but that's where you're wrong dear one", Alpha Penson said, "When it comes to something about you and your intuitions, its always a big deal"

He then turned to look at Rino who had been very silent the entire time that I had been speaking. When I followed his gaze to look at Rino I found him looking utterly confused, as though something was making no sense to him whatsoever.

"Rino?" Alpha Penson called out, "Is something the matter?"

Rino looked at him absently before scratching his head, "Its just...actually its about this feeling I had just a few minutes before I heard Anna's voice in my head via mindlink"

My eyebrows rose and Alpha Penson immediately bent forward, intrigued, "Oh? What feeling?"

Rino scrunched his face us trying to recollect the event, "Well, I can't exactly say because I was under a lot of heavy pressure being bombarded by that wall and everything", he told us, "But just for a brief moment, I felt like my Luna suddenly disappeared from the other side of the wall"

"What?" I said surprised.

"I don't know if I felt that way because I was too weakened by the wall's attacks", he said, "But I definitely did feel like her presence had completely vanished from the other side of the wall for a good 10 seconds at least. It actually made me panic even more thinking that she either went away, or that something happened to her. But then, after a short while, I felt her presence again, strongly"

Rino looked at me, "That was right about the time that you asked me to come back, Anna", he told me, "And when you said that in doing so, I'd actually be protecting her"

Alpha Penson's eyes widened and the memory came back to me like a bullet striking the middle of my head.

That's right. I did say that...

"What made you say that, Suzzanah?" Alpha Penson asked.

I thought about his question for a while, recalling everything I had felt as that energy had flowed into me. Every emotion. That ever increasing dread.

"I...honestly can't say for sure", I said, still thinking back to that moment, "But I felt like the closer Rino got to the wall, the more that energy had flowed into me and the more it was destroying something precious. I guess...in that moment, I just thought that it was possible that that could have been the Heart"

"Well the events in both your stories certainly do synchronize", Alpha Penson said, "The power flowed into you and Rino felt his Luna's presence fade on the other side of the wall. And when the power left you, he felt it restrengthen. So it is possible that whatever was exchanged was between you and the Heart"

Both I and Rino sat up attentively, "But what exactly was it that could have been exchanged between us?" I asked, "And why?"

"I'm afraid I can't say for sure right now", Alpha Penson replied before adding seriously, "But there is something you need to know, Suzzanah"

Something about his tone made my heart rate spike as though I had had a premonition that whatever he was going to tell me would be bad news.

"When you willed that power out of you, you ended up expelling more than just that silver energy", he told me. Leaning forward, he took my hand in his before adding, "I have a strong suspicion that when it left you, the silver energy may have severed and taken with it a small fraction of you soul"

"WHAT?!"

Both I and Rino shouted in horror.

I had lost...a fraction of my SOUL?!

"Are you serious?!" I cried out in absolute disbelief, dread washing over me.

"I'm afraid so", Alpha Penson replied, "It explains why not only your body, but your also your fundamental essence was weakened because of it, including your mate-bond"

"Oh God", Rino breathed out in shock.

I felt panic slowly seeping into my veins as my breath turned ragged and hand began to shake.

A part of my soul! I was missing a part of my soul!

No...

"Suzzanah, its alright! Calm down dear one", Alpha Penson said just as I was about to start hyperventilating.

I looked into his eyes, lips quivering, "I'm scared", I whispered.

"Its going to be okay Suzzanah", Alpha Penson told me gently, "What you lost I believe was a very small fragment of your soul. But the sudden unexpected loss must have disturbed your soul's stability and weakened it. It will take some time for your soul to recover and fill in the severed link, but once it does, I believe it should be back to normal"

I took deep breaths, trying to calm myself.

Its okay Suzzanah. It'll be okay, I told myself.

It was then that I remembered what Emily had said to me in an earlier dream.

"It's to be expected seeing as you so vehemently rejected all that power that came to you. And to top it off, you even gave away additional measures of life force. Your existence, at present, is quite bleak"

She had known.

"Just relax dear one. It'll be okay", Alpha Penson told me comfortingly and I nodded, trying to calm my wildly racing heart.

"But I don't understand. How could this have happened John?" Rino asked, still pale-faced from shock, "And why?"

"Like I said, we won't know for sure until we figure out what that silver energy was", Alpha Penson said, "But if whatever it was was exchanged between you and the Luna of Hearts then we can be sure it wasn't anything bad. That's a relief considering the fact that the Alpha, Cole and I were worried that if the silver beams came at you from the Shadow Side, they could have been composed of harmful energy"

"Wait. Would the Luna of Hearts be alright?!" I exclaimed worriedly, my panic shooting to its zenith once again, "If the exchange took place between the two of us then-"

"I'm sure that she's fine, seeing as the energy eventually went back to her", Alpha Penson replied, "And Rino felt her essence strengthen again so there's really nothing to worry about"

I sighed in relief and Alpha Penson looked at a very traumatized looking Rino.

"Rino, tell us how you knew that your Luna was on the other side of the wall", Alpha Penson said.

"I-I...I felt the presence of a clear stream", he replied, "And somehow I had a very strong feeling that following that presence would lead me to Anna. But instead it lead me to the wall. And the closer I got to the wall, the more powerful that feeling became till I could sense my Luna's presence from across it vividly"

"Could you sense how close she was to the walls on the opposite side?" Alpha Penson asked.

"She didn't feel like she was too close", Rino replied, "Definitely not as close as we were to the third wall. But she was definitely somewhere near the perimeter of the walls. Maybe somewhere near the first wall on the shadow side"

"I see", Alpha Penson said, letting the information sink in.

"John..." Rino said quietly, "I think...I think that was Karina"

Both I and Alpha Penson looked at him surprised.

"You do?" I asked.

"And why is that, Rino?" Alpha Penson asked.

"Her presence...it felt a lot like Anna's", Rino replied.

Alpha Penson nodded pensively, "Now that you mention it, most of us have also been strongly supporting the idea of it being Karina, Rino", he said, "And although it isn't necessary for sisters to have the same presence, the chance of it being Karina is still the most likely possibility"

"But since she really is on the Shadow side...how will we recover her?" Rino asked.

"Well...lets just say that we have been working on a plan for that", Alpha Penson said, "One that still needs some affirmation before we can implement it"

"What kind of affirmation?" I asked.

Alpha Penson looked at me, his eyes thoughtful, "We need to conduct a test and see if it works. If it does...we will be able to get Karina to cross over to our side with ease"

"Really?!" I exclaimed and Rino's face lit up.

Alpha Penson nodded, "Yes, but there is a problem"

"What?" we asked together.

"That test is...how do I put it, not possible anymore"

"WHAT?!"

Alpha Penson sighed, leaning back into the couch while I and Rino stared at him in disbelief.

"Why isn't it possible?" Rino asked.

"Because the Alpha is strongly against it", he replied, "And now, so are most of the rest of us"

"Why?" I asked desperately, "And what exactly is this test?!"

Alpha Penson stared at me for a long moment but just as he was about to reply, the door was thrown open and a power shot through it like a two ton tank.

"HEART!"

Zuerien's voice immediately made me jump in my seat and before I could even turn towards him, I was lifted off the couch and into his arms. Intense tingles tore through my body as it pressed into his and he buried his face in my neck.

His heavenly scent surrounded me in an instant and I smiled before hugging back.

"You will never enter a room quietly, like a normal person, will you?" I asked.

He placed a kiss in the crook of my neck making more tingles explode through me before pulling away to look at me, "Are you okay heart?" he asked worriedly, eyes scanning my face.

I nodded, "I told you, I feel better", I replied cheerfully.

He scanned my features for a few more seconds before exhaling heavily, "You look better too", he breathed out in relief before hugging me once more, "Thank God"

I tightened my grip around him before looking over his shoulder at Cole who was pulling away after giving Rino a hug. When he looked at me I smiled at him and waved hi to which he smiled back warmly.

When Zuerien put me down, I quickly turned to Cole, "Cole! How are you feeling", I asked as he walked to me.

"I'm perfectly alright, Luna", he said as I went in to give him a hug too, "How are you?"

"Okay", I replied and pulled away to smile at him.

For a minute I thought he looked uncertain, almost puzzled about something but before I could make anything of it his eyes cleared and he smiled back at me, "I'm so glad to know"

Almost immediately afterwards, I was pulled back into my mate's arms and pressed into his chest possessively. I was confused at first but then I remembered what they had told me earlier about werewolves being extra-proprietorial right after marking and mating with their mates.

I quickly wrapped an arm around Zuerien's waist and leaned into him as he leaned down to kiss the top of my head.

Then with me still tightly in his hold, he turned around to face Rino who had been standing quietly behind Cole all this time.

"Rino", Zuerien said making Rino look up from the floor at him.

Zuerien frowned confused, "What's wrong? Are you awake?"

I gaped at his question. Wasn't that supposed to be 'Are you okay?'!

"Huh? Oh, yeah", Rino nodded, "I'm awake"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah", Rino replied before asking concernedly, "How are you feeling?"

Zuerien eyebrows rose, "As a matter of fact, very pissed off!"

Rino cringed under Zuerien's gaze, and I sensed his guilt rising again as he prepared himself to face Zuerien's rage regarding his rash actions from this morning.

"Who the hell told you you could get out of bed?!"

Rino's eyes went wide in surprise at Zuerien's question and I, Cole and Alpha Penson smiled at each other knowingly.

Rino blinked in confusion, "W-What?"

"You heard me. Why are you not in bed?!" Zuerien demanded before turning around, "And why the hell are you roaming the hotel barely dressed, Suzzanah?!"

A horrified gasp escaped my lips as I involuntarily pulled my robe tighter around me. Was my attire really that bad? I was dressed in a long enough robe.

But well...I suppose if you didn't know that I was wearing clothes underneath this, I would seem to be roaming around in only a robe, which was...disturbing.

Zuerien sighed exasperatedly, "I swear, what the hell am I going to do with you two rebellious adolescents?!"

"Hey!" I exclaimed disapprovingly but when Zuerien shot me a sharp look, my eyes went wide and mouth snapped shut before I quickly looked down at the floor again.

Ai yai yai

So much for making him feel relieved! After seeing the two of us up and about, instead of feeling reassured, Zuerien looked even more worried than he had been before! And a little bit mad too. This didn't work out as planned.

"Come here Rino"

Rino gulped looking at Cole who smiled and nodded at him.

Then he began walking towards us, extra-extra-slowly. His feet literally went 'Left-Together-Right-Together' and a vein popped out on Zuerien's forehead as he grunted in irritation.

"Today, Rino"

"Right", Rino said absently, still staring at his feet.

And when he finally reached us and looked up at Zuerien, Zuerien raised his hand and slapped the side of his head.

OW!" Rino cried out rubbing his head with his hand before looking at Zuerien shocked.

"That was for running off and causing all the trouble you did this morning", Zuerien told him sternly.

Rino's face fell and he looked down at his feet, "Sorry", he whispered guiltily.

Zuerien sighed before placing a hand on top of Rino's head making him look back up at him.

"And this is for coming back", Zuerien said before ruffling Rino's hair gently.

My heart warmed at the sight and Rino's eyes welled with hope.

"Don't ever go running off like that alone again, you hear me kid?" Zuerien said firmly and Rino nodded, still staring at him wide-eyed.

And then Zuerien smiled at him, "Good. Now cheer up", he said, "And for heaven's sake stop making it rain! Its annoying the hell out of me"

Rino's face lit up like a Christmas tree as the most brilliant smile I had ever seen on him stretched across his face.

"WOLFA!" he cried out happily before jumping on Zuerien and throwing his arms around him.

"ARGHH! For goodness sake!" Zuerien shouted in aggravation, still holding onto me for some reason.

"THANK YOU WOLFA!"

"Whatever for?!" Zuerien growled out, trying to get him off him.

"I missed you!"

"What?! You saw me a few hours ago!"

"I still missed you!"

"Alright Rino! I get it. Let me go already!"

Finally releasing Zuerien, Rino grinned up at Zuerien, "I'm so relieved! And happy!" he cried out, "Thank you Wolfa!"

He then turned to me, "Thank you Anna!" he exclaimed before pulling me into a tight hug.

I heard a chorus of horrified gasps emit from Alpha Penson and Cole before I was literally ripped out of his arms and into my mates.

"RINO! WHAT THE HELL DID I TELL YOU!"

Rino grinned, "You told me to make it stop raining!" he said obliviously and Zuerien squeezed his eyes shut in exasperation while I just blush-smiled awkwardly squirming in his arms trying to keep my robe in place.

"I'm on it!" Rino said and began to rush to the window when Alpha Penson stopped him.

"Actually, leave it be, Rino", he said hurriedly, "Let it drizzle through the rest of the night and if possible make it rain a little harder at times too and clear the clouds away slowly"

"What?" Both him and Zuerien said simultaneously.

"Why John?" Cole asked.

"Its not a good idea create sudden weather changes in shared territory", Alpha Penson said, "There aren't that many water elementals in Dublin. The Shadow People may grow suspicious"

"Oh! Oops", Rino said, scratching his head.

"Never mind the rain. Let it fall through the night and you can clear it up tomorrow", Alpha Penson said.

"Alright, then why don't you guys have a bite to eat now", Cole said and both I and Rino gasped happily.

Cole smiled at me, "Your order is served, Luna", he said and gestured towards the door.

The heavy sound of multiple footsteps hitting the carpet with heavy equipment echoed through the corridor and my shoulders slumped.

Oh no.

And the next thing I knew, the room we were in was turned into a french fry museum.

And guess who was expected to finish it all?

****

"When I said french fries, I meant like two packs, or three at most! I didn't mean a french fry exhibit!" I shouted, stuffing more fries into my mouth.

Zuerien shrugged swallowing one fry, "We ordered burgers and colas too Heart", he said, "I didn't want to order less. What if it wasn't enough?"

"So you bought two shops worth of potato fries and junk food?!"

"They were more than happy to take our order"

"Didn't they find it suspicious?!"

"Its fine. Its a werewolf franchise"

I sighed, "Looks like this will take care of my dinner"

"What? Absolutely not!" he exclaimed, "This is just a snack"

"A WHAT?!" I almost choked on my fries.

"The main course is on its way"

"But there's no place in the room to even keep it!"

"Hmm, you're right", Zuerien said looking around, "How about we move to the dining hall downstairs?"

Everyone agreed while I just gaped at them in horror, trying not to have a heart attack. These darn male supernaturals! Where were the females when you needed them?!

"H-Hey! Is Prophecy awake yet?" I asked.

"I don't think so", Cole replied reaching for another french fry, "But we should go check on her just in case she woke up unexpectedly like the two of you"

"Okay, let's go", Zuerien said, helping me up before putting his large coat around me.

I smiled and snuggled into his coat, breathing in his earthy scent. The tiredness from earlier had actually reduced considerably and even though I still felt dizzy on and off, I was feeling much better than I had been before, especially after eating.

Speaking of eating, after having had one large double-cheese burger with fries and a coke, I was already feeling quite full as we left the room to go down the corridor, and was sort of dreading eating more downstairs.

In my opinion I had actually eaten a lot already, given how I was used to eating rather small quantities, probably because we never had large meals growing up. And now that I did, I had to say, it could be both a blessing and a curse.

As we walked Zuerien told me that Prophecy's room was the one next to Marco's.

Speaking of Marco...

"Hey, why aren't Marco, Alpha Ashford and General Reginald back yet?" I asked.

"They had started to make their way back when Marco suddenly sensed something off in a particular spot and wanted to go check it out", Alpha Penson replied.

"Something off?"

"He thought he sensed a different unfamiliar kind of magic", the Alpha replied, "But they should be back soon enough"

We crossed mine and Zuerien's room, the guards standing outside bowed deeply. Laura had apparently gone downstairs to wait for her mate and Alpha.

As we passed Marco's room approaching Luna Prophecy's, I suddenly felt an intense chill run down my spine, causing my skin to prickle.

What was that?!

I wrapped my arms around myself, rubbing my arms up and down. Noticing this, Zuerien pulled me closer, putting an arm around my shoulders, his warmth immediately cocooning me.

As we reached the door, the guards stationed outside her room bowed to us before clearing the way.

Cole looked at me and smiled, "You know, if she's up, this could be your first official meeting Luna"

My heart skipped a beat and I smiled at the thought, "Oh yeah", I said, almost hoping she was awake.

Surely she wouldn't mind my attire. Prophecy was known to have a thing for the uh, unconventional.

Reaching first, Rino quickly twisted the door knob and pushed the door open.

"HEY PROFUSS-"

His voice got cut off just as I was about to ask him not to yell or he may jolt her awake. But when he sucked in a sharp breath and my eyes zeroed in on the scene before us, my heart stopped and breath caught in my lungs.

There she stood, her feet planted on the thin balcony railing, but one wrong movement away from a hundred and fifty feet drop in front of her.

Her hands were by her sides, blonde hair and white gown fluttering wildly in the wind and rain. Lightening struck the sky and her aura shone out as an iridescent eerie green glow around her as she stood like a ghost on the balustrade, ready to disappear into the dark night sky.

"PROPHECYYY!!!"

A bone-chilling scream escaped my lips as thundering bouts of shock tore through my veins like a flood-waters. Time seemed to slow as before my voice had even died in my throat, all the men dashed towards her, hands outstretched in terror and panic. My feet moved a second too late and before I had even reached the balcony, I knew I was too late.

Through the chaotic state my mind was in, I heard her chilling voice echo through mindlink.

He's coming for you

My body froze, blood running cold in my veins as I watched Zuerien desperately reach out to grab her.

And then, before my very eyes, she stepped off the railing and fell into the night.

****

A/N

3 updates in a week! Woo-hoo! I'm on a roll lolololol.

Hey guys!

I know I know, I'm evil. But you guys secretly love it XD

I worked super hard to finish this chapter yesterday but couldn't update it so I decided to do it today.

So,  did you like the chapter?

What's going to happen to Prophecy?

Who is coming for suzzanah?

What's up with his bloodied hands?

Lots of questions there.

I absolutely loved reading all your theories on the last update. My readers are super creative. I'm so proud! *wipes tears from eyes*

Also, from now on all my works will be called 'The BlaydeWorks' after my pen name May Blayde and also a very special character I hope to write about one day. Not in Unconditionally though ;)

Say, can you guys think of a readership name with the word 'Blayde' in it? You know, to call our little family here on wattpad. Comment your suggestions if you have any!

Also, if you liked today's chapter please please do VOTE, COMMENT and SHARE. It would mean the world to me.

All the very best to all those of my readers who are writing exams. I'm rooting for you guys.

Until next time,

All my love,

May