Athènia's POV
I looked around at everyone as they accepted me, happiness flooding through me that they could be so understanding.
Athènia: Rise.
They all stood, while the others only lifted their heads.
Athènia: Thank you for your support. I'll do my best to protect you and give you everything you need.
They all nodded in agreement.
Junior: Lissss…
He pulled me into his arms.
Junior: I missed you, idiot.
He let go and looked at me, and I smiled at him.
Athènia: So, are we continuing the coronation ceremony?
I teased, mocking him playfully.
Junior: Absolutely not!? I never wanted to be crowned anyway.
Nevine: Don't be ridiculous.
He said as he stepped closer.
Athènia: Dear King, I am the Supreme, and he is a hybrid who accepted to serve under my command.
I said, noticing Fabellia's satisfied smile. How foolish.
Nevine: Athènia, Junior is the eldest.
Athènia: And I am older than him, yet I wasn't prepared to become Queen, dear King.
I mocked him again.
Nevine: Athènia, I am your father.
He sighed heavily.
Athènia: Congratulations. The father of a disappointment. I know everything you did in the past—you deserved death. But the gods decided to let you live and granted you the second daughter of the royal family to ever hold powers.
They all looked shocked, while Iris smiled at me.
Iris: So…eul.
Everyone gasped at hearing her speak.
Fabellia: She—she said her first word!
Iris stretched out her hands and floated toward me, as usual leaving them stunned. I caught her in my arms.
Athènia: Hello, little sister, you've grown so much.
She laughed, clapping her hands.
Athènia: You're truly cute and strong. Stay confident, and never let anyone break you.
Her laughter grew louder, Junior chuckled, and soon everyone joined in.
Athènia: So please excuse us, but there will be no coronation today. We'll see each other again in ten years.
Zelda: It will still be here?
Athènia: I'll send you the location three months before the coronation. You may leave now. Thank you for coming nonetheless.
They bowed slightly before returning to their things in the mess.
Lily: Athènia.
Athènia: Grandmother.
I handed Iris back to her mother and embraced my grandmother.
Josinel: How are you, little one?
Athènia: I'm fine, Grandfather.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Dracos's family.
Athènia: Excuse me, I have something to resolve.
I walked toward the Silvers family.
Athènia: Grandmother Faithilda.
She turned to me as her sons curiously looked on.
Faithilda: What did you just call me, my dear?
Athènia: Grandmother.
I sighed, lowering my gaze, fighting back tears.
Athènia: I'm sorry. I couldn't save Uncle Dracos.
Their breathing hitched.
Man 1: You must be joking. My brother can't be dead.
Athènia: Uncle Alex, it's the truth. Im killed him.
That was Alex, the second son, Dracos's younger brother.
Man 2: Impossible! Im said he would release him after twenty-five years.
Athènia: And those twenty-five years already ended, Uncle Chris. Im came to the island and gave him an ultimatum, but as you know better than I do, Master Dracos would rather die.
Finally, I raised my eyes and saw their tears. Grandmother Faithilda clutched her chest, sobbing, while Uncle Chris held her.
Faithilda: My boy…
Athènia: Grandmother, I'm sorry to announce his death like this. But he left something for you.
I used my teleportation power and held a box in my hands.
Athènia: This box… he left it for you.
Faithilda: Alex…
Alex: Yes, Mother.
He took the box from me.
Alex: And his powers? Did Im take them?
Athènia: He… gave them to me.
Alex passed the box to Grandmother, who opened it. Inside was a family photo of them with their father and Dracos. She touched the frame before noticing an envelope. She handed the photo to Uncle Chris, and Alex took the box back. Grandmother opened the envelope and unfolded the letter.
Faithilda (reading):
Mother, if you're reading this, it means I'm dead. If you received this from Athènia, it means she defeated Im. For years, I knew I had to die. I died for everyone's freedom. Athènia is the chosen one who will restore peace among the supernaturals, even though their differences will always make them fight. Do not blame her for my death—it was necessary for her to fulfill her destiny. Mother, brothers, I love you deeply. I wish I could have said this in person, but that won't happen. Athènia is family—she is your granddaughter, Mother. Our ancestors share the same father, though one's line came through a woman. Above all, trust her always. Boys, protect her if danger arises. Don't forget—I love you.
I bit my lips to keep from crying. Tears streamed down their faces. Grandmother Faithilda pulled me into her arms, and I hugged her back.
Faithilda: Thank you, my child.
Athènia: You're welcome, Grandmother. If you need anything, call me. But I still have something left to do.
I approached the Delmal and Stalor families, who were apologizing. Finally, I stopped before Kemran.
Kemran: Athènia.
Athènia: We meet again, Kan.
I said calmly.
{Kora: This is the moment. Reject him.}
Athènia: You know why I stand before you, don't you?
Kemran: Of course.
Athènia: We cannot be together. Your legal wife is Evera, and you know what I must do.
Kemran: I've known it for a long time, and I'm ready. Go on.
I could see the confusion in the others' eyes, though my close ones and Naynah understood.
Athènia: Very well.
I cleared my throat.
Athènia: I, Athènia Nancella Lisiane Gronds, reject you, Kemran Kan Talor, as my mate.
I braced myself for pain that never came. But Kemran doubled over, groaning as he endured the agony. I had thought he wouldn't feel it.
{Kora: You are his mate above him. Of course he suffers, just as wolves do.}
Of course. He straightened eventually, catching his breath.
Kemran: I, Kemran Kan Talor, accept your rejection.
I gave him a compassionate smile.
Athènia: Thank you. Ten years from now then. And prepare yourselves for after the King's coronation. Be happy, you and Evera.
I saw Evera rush to his side, placing a worried hand on him. Who wouldn't? I turned away, heading toward my friends, until I was suddenly lifted.
Kévine: My niece, those idiots found you.
Asher: Nice way to greet us.
Athènia: They found me, and I'm fine.
Atlas: I'm glad you're safe.
Mara: And where the hell were you?
Atlas: In Atlantica, preparing for my people's arrival.
He smiled, and I returned it.
Atlas: I haven't forgotten the alliance.
Garth: Without warning us?
Atlas: My apologies.
Athènia: The good news is you're here. And two others have found their mates.
Asher: What do you mean?
Garth: Wait—JUNIOR IS REALLY YOUR MATE!?
He shouted.
Mara: You didn't have to yell like that, Garth.
I laughed at his reaction.
Junior: Yes, it's true.
Athènia: I told you so.
I teased, and silently added to Kora: In your face with your "just a dream."
{Kora: Oh, shut up. Leave me alone.}
I laughed again.
Garth: Little cousin, you're really strong.
Junior: Wait—why do you call her cousin but me cousin too?
Athènia: Grandfather, my King, allow me to introduce Kevine Peterson and his son Garth Peterson. He is Grandfather's eldest son and my King's eldest brother.
Everyone gasped in shock again.
Josinel: My son!?
Nevine: Big brother!?
Lily: The son of Léa…
Athènia: Exactly.
I turned to Uncle Kevine.
Athènia: Thank you, Uncle, for fighting with us.
Kévine: Anything for my beloved niece.
Athènia: I'm the only niece you know.
Junior: So, you're my uncle?
Kévine: Yes, nephew.
I stood, watching them, while Jiji pulled me into his arms.
Junior: Mom would have been so proud of you. I wish she were here.
Athènia: She's always been here.
I turned toward the stairway door as a radiant light appeared. My mother stood there.
Naylinah: Nancia.
Nevine: Nancia…
Our mother walked toward us.
Nancia: My dear children.
Junior: Mom!
He rushed into her arms.
Junior: Mom…
Nancia: I've always been here, Junior. Always. I'm proud of you both.
Her eyes met mine, full of emotion.
Nancia: I'm proud of you, my little girl.
She placed her hand on my cheek.
Athènia: Thank you, Mother.
Then another light appeared—an older man.
Kamran: Brother…
Karmil: Supreme Alpha Athènia, thank you for revealing the truth. Now I can rest in peace.
Mother joined our hands together.
Nancia: Always stay united. Don't let anything tear you apart. My time is over. I've finally found peace.
She turned to her sisters.
Nancia: Take care of yourselves. I'll look after Mother and Father.
Karmil: Kamran, take care of them.
Then both turned into light again, rising into the sky to become stars. I looked up. Uncle Dracos, Tevi, I did it. I defeated him. Your sacrifice was not in vain. Thank you—without you, none of this would be possible. Rest in peace now.
Junior: What's the plan?
Athènia: We leave this place.
I said firmly.
Hours later, everyone had left. Only we remained, standing on several ships, gazing at Hasrland. I cradled Jayden in my arms—I would never leave him alone on that island again. Mara and Junior stood beside me.
Asven: Supreme, we await your command.
Athènia: Burn it down.
Flaming arrows soared toward the island. We watched as the place was reduced to ashes. I smiled as the fire spread, ending Im's reign once and for all.