Aftermath

**Erick's POV**

It seemed like the ambulance had taken hours to arrive though, in reality, it was minutes. I rode with her knowing that Samuel and David were fully capable of leading the team. Nothing during the ride.

The repetitive sounds of the monitors beeping and the hiss of the blood pressure cuff filling and deflating. I zoned out as I held her hand. There was a flash of light and the medic in the jumpseat caring for Rhian was replaced with the Moon Goddess.

"How can you let her die? I succeeded Eliza is dead. I refuse my prophecy if I can't do it with her by my side. If Rhian doesn't survive I don't want to either. My life has no meaning without her by my side. She is my mate, what happened to the future you showed me. Our kids, our sweet adorable twins?" Once the words started I knew I wouldn't be able to stop.

It was a cathartic release of my emotions. Albeit confusing, she just sat there staring at me in silence. Letting me rant and rave, and blame her, I was angry with her, angry with the situation, angry with the world.

By the time I was finished I was sobbing and utterly distraught. The Goddess looked up, "are you done, my child?"

I didn`t answer just looked up and nodded.

"Her injuries are grave, Joel severed her spinal cord. At this point, it is entirely up to her whether she recovers or not. I have removed the wolfsbane from her body but she has to choose to come out of the darkness. Just be with her now."

** Rhian`s POV **

The last thing I remember was seeing Erick's eyes. He made it! Then my world went dark, the relief of seeing him drained the adrenaline that was keeping me awake.

I kept hearing or seeing flashes of my surroundings but it was almost as if I was no longer in my body. I saw Erick unlock my chains and run with my fragile body for help. I remember seeing him lying next to me begging and crying for me to keep fighting.

I tried getting through to him, tried speaking I just wanted to tell him I am fighting baby, but this hurts. I am trying my very best. Keep holding me your body feels warm and I feel so cold. He didn't answer so I knew I still wasn't getting through to him. I just closed my eyes and listened to his heartbeat.

The next time I woke I was in a lush green forest. There was a clearing and the moon was bright and glowing. It was peaceful serene. I looked down and I was wearing a sheer white dress it was thin and flowed with the gentle breeze. Erick where is Erick? He wouldn't have left my side?

Wait a minute, have I died? Were my injuries too much. No, No, No, I couldn't be dead I can't leave Erick. I fell to my knees sobbing. Even paradise would mean nothing without Erick with me.

"Now, now, sweet child. No need for tears. I brought you here, I didn't want you to experience the pain in your body right now." The Moon Goddess appeared lifting my face to see her standing in front of me. "They severely impacted your healing abilities and you are gravely wounded. I didn't wish for you to go through that."

"Thank you, Goddess, but does that mean I am dead? I don't want to leave Erick. I don't care about the physical pain. Nothing hurts worse than losing Erick."

She smiled, "My child, the choice is up to you. But, I must warn you, the path I have set for you and Erick is not going to be an easy one. You are destined to face many trials and tribulations together. I cannot promise all that are dear to you will survive."

I was confused, "What do you mean? I thought defeating Eliza was all Erick needed to do to fulfill the prophecy."

"That was all he needed to do in order to accept his prophecy. Unfortunately, I could not reveal the full scope of what he would be required to do. I knew no one would be willing to continually sacrifice themselves for the remainder of their existence. There will be good moments and great relationships but it will also be very difficult."

"It sounds like we have a choice in this?"

She nodded, "I am giving you the choice. If you decided to deny your true destiny I will send you back to your body. You will remain mortal, I have removed the wolfsbane from your body so you will heal over time. Eventually, you both will continue to grow old together.

You will have a family, a lot of pups. You will have a very happy life. Samuel will choose Erick to succeed him and become Alpha. Werewolves from near and far will come together and great progress in the unity of the species will occur.

However, your other option is to choose for both you and Erick to become immortal. Your lives will forever be spent defending the weak. You will help other creatures form unions of their own. Just as you received opposition in this circumstance you continue to face others.

You will have great moments of peace and joy, but, the tragedies you face will be innumerable. You will still have a large family, and they too will achieve great things. However, only you and Erick will be immortal. Eventually, you will outlive your children.

You will unite and achieve peace amongst a series of supernatural species. Creating a forming a great council over all mythical creatures and humans. A greater more prosperous world will evolve. A paradise for one and all."

I took a step back as I waved my hands, "I can't make that decision without Erick. It is his prophecy and should be his choice."

She responded, "You see, the reason the choice is yours is you have to choose your new role. Erick will always be an Alpha, whether it is over a pack or all packs. If you choose to be immortal you will become the Luna Goddess. People have incorrectly worded the prophecy for centuries now.

The original title was, 'The Goddesses Prophecy with the Alpha.' My child, while Erick is an integral aspect of the prophecy, it is actually your prophecy to fulfill. Your powers will become extensive and beyond your imagination. All Luna's now and the future will turn to you for guidance and strength.

You will have the right to strip a luna of her title if you deem her unworthy. You will be able to grant a luna with a second chance mate if she loses her alpha. You will give strength and direction to all lunas that seek your favor."

The more I listened the more I struggled to believe what she was telling me. "But Goddess, why me? What makes me so special that I should become a Goddess?"

She cupped my face in her hands and smiled. "My dear, you are intelligent, loyal, your heart will always seek justice. You are fair, kind, loving. Should I continue, because I can? I have watched you grow and adjust and adapt to great tragedies in your life.

I am sorry that I needed to put you through so much loss to prepare you for the difficulties that would await your future. I needed to know if you could handle the struggles without hardening your heart."

"I.. I... I don't know what to say. I do not feel worthy, but you say I am. So who am I to deny your wishes? Are you sure I am the one you want?"

"Yes child, I chose you."

"Well then, I accept. I still feel doubtful but I will do whatever I can to make you proud of me." I bowed my head to her.

Lifting my chin again, "I am already proud of you my sweet child. Now, go back to your mate. You will be fully healed." She took her hand and ran them over my eyes closing them as I collapsed into her arms.

**Erick's POV**

"We're losing her, grab more gauze we have to slow the bleeding," The medic yelled out at me pointing to a cabinet above my head. I fumbled and grabbed what he asked for. "Now, hold her up I need to pack these wounds on her back."

I did as he said while I internally begged and pleaded for her to come back to me. I heard her sputter and cough.

"What the hell," the medic shouted. "She is healing and quick."

"Erick, Erick are you there?" Rhian's voice came out weakly.

I rolled her back onto her back which was suddenly fully healed. "I am right here. I am not going anywhere. Are you ok? Please say you are ok. I love you Rhian, you can't leave me." I nearly smothered her as I engulfed her into my arms.

"Not so tight," she squeaked out. "I love you too. We need to talk about what just happened but first."

She turned her head to kiss me. Nothing else mattered at the moment but to kiss her back.