Athènia's POV
The party was in full swing as I watched the children play in the beautifully decorated garden. I held onto my aunt Athèna's arm.
Athènia: Aunt, how is life as a Luna?
Athèna: It's pleasant, my dear. I can help the pack members as much as I can, and while training to become Alpha, I can still advise my Liam on leading the pack. And then, of course, I have Miraille and Ronald.
Athènia: That's wonderful, Aunt. You're an Alpha, never forget that. And on top of that, you're my aunt.
Athèna: Oh, you flatter me. I'm only telling you the truth.
Naynah: Aunt, I—sorry, I didn't know you were together.
Athènia: It's fine, Nirah.
Naynah: Nirah!?
Athènia: Yes, from Athènirah.
I said as she looked uncomfortable. Well, we hadn't really spoken properly the last time.
Athèna: I'll leave you two for a moment.
My aunt hurried off.
Athènia: Listen, I know we didn't exactly start off on the right foot.
Naynah: That's an understatement.
Athènia: You did try to kill me over a man.
Naynah: And you kept everything hidden. We were supposed to trust each other.
Athènia: I know, but the goddess told me to keep it to myself. The longer our alliance lasted, the more I would learn about my wolf side and my vampire side—enough to defeat Im.
Naynah: For once, I know what it feels like to hide a secret from everyone.
Athènia: I've hidden several secrets from everyone.
Naynah: I hid the fact that I had already awakened my wolf at fourteen.
We laughed.
Athènia: You're not the only one.
Naynah: Fine, let's try to get to know each other, cousin.
She smiled.
Athènia: Okay, my dear little cousin.
Naynah: Don't call me little.
Athènia: I get why GT likes calling you "little cousin."
Naynah: So now you're taking it out on me.
Athènia: Not at all—I'm just applying it to you too.
We looked at each other and laughed again. She glanced out the window. I think our children were already getting along.
Athènia: I'm not surprised. It's the first time Jayden has agreed to stay with other children besides Iris, Max, Mariane, Madnah, and Lenah.
Naynah: You mean he doesn't usually play with others?
Athènia: Never. He just watches them and makes comments.
Naynah: Tell me—Jayden, isn't he Kemran's son?
Athènia: He is.
She looked at me in shock.
Naynah: Do you realize what that means for him?
Athènia: I know.
Naynah: But the TALOR family must have noticed his resemblance to Kemran.
Athènia: Let them. I don't care. Jayden will stay here no matter what. If they think some psychopath can come here and try to kill him, they're dead wrong.
Naynah: Wow. That's another way of saying you'll never let anyone take him.
Athènia: He's my son, after all.
Naynah: Come on, let's have a moms' night together.
Athènia: Okay, let's go. I'm sure the others will keep partying, and my three handsome Alphas will be there. We mothers can spend some time together. I'll call MJ, Lonia, and Harley.
Naynah: Perfect, let's go.
We went into the hall and walked toward MJ, Harley, and Lonia.
Athènia: Girls, how about a moms' night with us?
Mara: With pleasure.
Asher: And what about us?
Athènia: Are you deaf now? I said moms' night. Are you a woman?
Asher: No.
Athènia: Then bye. Keep an eye on everyone, especially the kids.
Jordan: Where am I supposed to sleep then?
Athènia: Wherever you want.
We were about to leave when I spotted Evera.
{Kora: Don't tell me you're going to invite that b***h too.}
Athènia: I will, because I want to.
{Kora: The b***h who slept with our mate, causing us so much pain.}
She growled.
Athènia: She didn't know we were mates back then. Didn't you see how much she regretted it when I rejected Kan?
She stayed silent.
Athènia: Exactly what I thought.
I walked up to her.
Athènia: Hey, Vera.
Evera: Supreme.
Athènia: Would you like to join us for a moms' night?
She was sweating—poor thing still felt guilty even now.
Evera: I-I don't know if that's… appropriate.
Athènia: Don't stress, it wasn't your fault. It was that idiot Kan's fault.
Evera: Okay… alright.
Athènia: Great.
{Kora: Fine, you're right. I'll make an effort not to kill her.}
Athènia: Thank you, Kora.
I took Evera's arm. Nirah gave her a strange look that made her uncomfortable.
Athènia: Let's go now.
We went upstairs in silence until we reached my room.
Naynah: It's beautiful.
Athènia: Thanks for the compliment.
They sat on the floor and took off their heels. I brought glasses and two bottles of wine on a tray.
Athènia: Drinks service!
Them: Yeah!
I set the tray down and poured wine into each glass. When I finished, we each took one.
Athènia: To our health.
Them: To us!
And so, our moms' night began. We talked, laughed, and hours later, we ended up falling asleep.
---
Author's POV
The sun had already risen. Around a large table sat leaders, clearly ready to sign the peace treaty. Athènia and her four council members entered.
Athènia: Sorry for the delay.
Finn: It's fine, Supreme.
She sat down while her council stood behind her.
Athènia: As we know, the King of HARMONIE was crowned yesterday. And today is the day we sign the peace treaty between our races. To put it briefly, this treaty states that if any supernatural being needs help, we will be ready to assist—no matter the request. We will be bound by this treaty. Already, we are bound through hybrids; this treaty will be another bond that unites us.
She explained further details before proceeding to the signing. Afterward, she spoke again.
Athènia: Thank you so much for coming. If you wish to stay longer, we will gladly host you. For those who must leave, I wish you a safe journey home.
Them: Thank you, Supreme.
They left after shaking her hand. Faithilda held her hand warmly.
Faithilda: Thank you, my dear.
Athènia: It's nothing.
Faithilda: It's everything, my dear. Thanks to you, we now have a larger place than before.
Athènia: Truly, it's nothing, Grandmother.
Alex: Mom.
Faithilda: I'm coming, just a moment.
She placed her hand on Athènia's cheek.
Faithilda: My sweet child, you are a great leader. I hope with all my heart that your reign will be long.
Athènia: Thank you, Grandmother.
Faithilda turned to join her sons. When she spoke of a place, it was about MALO—the cursed town, which could no longer hold everyone. They asked Athènia if they could have the old island, HASRLAND. She agreed. They rebuilt it, turning it into MALO, the island of the cursed.
Kemran took Athènia's hand.
Athènia: Kan, you already know Jayden is your son, don't you?
Kemran: And?
Athènia: I'm giving you the right to see him until he chooses to see you himself. He's your son, and I told him the truth long ago.
Kemran: I should be happy.
Athènia: But know this—he will never become the Lord of Vampires. He will be the Supreme of HYBRIDIA.
Kemran: Thank you, still.
He nodded and left.
Athènia stood.
Garth: Lis, we did it.
Asher: The supernaturals are united now.
Mara: Our mission is complete.
Junior: The treaty will bind us together.
Athènia: Thank you all. Without you by my side, I couldn't have done it.
Junior: We're friends before anything else, Lis.
Athènia: And I'm grateful for that.
Mara: We should be the ones thanking you.
Asher: Because of you, hybrids have their rightful place among the supernaturals.
Garth: You're the one who unites us.
Athènia placed her hand forward.
Athènia: Against darkness.
Junior put his hand on hers.
Junior: A light shines.
Mara placed hers on his.
Mara: And with every defeat…
Asher placed his hand next.
Asher: A hope rises.
Garth: And the hybrids…
All together: Are the light of life. United, we are stronger.
They embraced, remembering everything they had been through.
Asher: Enough tears. We should get back to work.
Mara: Yes, yes, let's work.
She wiped her tears.
Junior: See you later, then.
They left as Athènia stepped onto the balcony. She looked over the city below. Someone touched her shoulder. She turned.
Athènia: Atlas…
She wiped her tears.
Atlas: Why is my favorite person crying?
Athènia: It's just… we finally united the supernaturals.
Atlas: I know. It's a huge change. But thank you, Lis. Thanks to you, I found my people again. You helped me grow. If you ever need an ally, remember—I will always be here.
She embraced him, and he held her tightly.
Atlas: If you ever doubt yourself—remember, you are the best, Lis.
He broke the hug, touched her shoulder, and left. Athènia turned back to the view and sighed.
Athènia: Dracos, Tevi… Look. The supernaturals are united. Look at the city where the hybrids are gathered. It's all thanks to you. Without your sacrifice, we wouldn't be here. If you hadn't guided me, I never would've defeated Im. I'll never forget you. I'll make sure the supernaturals remain united. I'll do my best to pass it on to future generations. This is only the beginning.
She closed her eyes, then looked up at the sky and smiled.
The scene shifted to a dark place. Water flowed, and a torch lit up by a waterfall inside a cave. A man in a cloak stood, hood covering his head—only his mouth visible. Strange runes glowed on the water.
Man: The supernaturals are now united, thanks to the hybrids. Each hybrid carries two bloodlines, bridging two worlds. Even if pureblood supernaturals remain divided, hybrids unite them naturally. The true union of the supernaturals lies in the hybrids. Each one binds different beings, and together they form a great alliance. A fourth power has been born—the strongest of all: the hybrids. Their union gave birth to HYBRIDIA. Against this power, all must bow. The four powers rule over the supernaturals: the witches, the werewolves, the vampires, and the hybrids. HARMONIE, SILVER MOON, NEVERKILLS, and HYBRIDIA are the pillars of peace. And this peace shall endure—until a new evil rises. This time, the young will have to prove themselves, for the fate of the supernatural world will rest in their hands.
The torch went out, leaving the cave in complete darkness.