XXVI

When she opened her eyes, she found herself in her cottage, on her soft bed. Confused, she stood up and opened her bedroom door. Everything was the same. Her plants looked healthy and well-taken care of, the kitchen was spotless, except for a still warm cup of tea. Selene furrowed her eyebrows. Did I make it and don't remember? The sound of chopping wood could be heard from outside. Stepping on her porch, she saw the back of a man she thought she would never see again.

„Father?" Turning around, Soren looked at her with a wide smile.

„Hi flower." Selene sprinted into his arms, almost making him fall backwards. They laughed. Suddenly, Selene took some steps back.

„Father, how are you here?"

„Oh Selene.." Soren watched her with sorrowful eyes. „I'm sorry I left you like that, but know that I have been with you all this time. I.. I watched you fall in love, be happy again. You can not understand how proud I am of you." Selene started crying, too many emotions coming at once. She hugged him again.

„I missed you."

„I know flower. I missed you too." Putting a small distance between them, he grabbed her shoulders. „Selene, listen carefully. Darkness is coming. You have to be prepared. You have to protect them. You have to save them."

„What are you talking about?"

„Selene! You have to look inside them. Don't trust anyone."

„Look inside them..you mean to..."

„Look at their souls. Don't take everything you see for granted. It's a trick."

„Father, I don't understand."

„You will, flower, soon. Trust your instincts." She could see her surrounding fading.

„What's happening?" Soren looked in her eyes and held her hands tight.

„Know that I will always watch over you. I love you, Selene."

„I love you too father." The image before her blurred.

Gasping, her body jerked up and she found herself on a bed, again.

„Moon." Next to her, Maximus was trying to gain her attention. She looked at him and the memory of her father and her dream came back full force.

„Oh moon. What happened?" She jumped into his arms, sobbing. Maximus caressed her hair, whispering soothing words to her.

„I saw father, Maximus. He looked so real. He..he warned me something bad is going to happen."

„Shh, love. I'm here. We'll sort this out together." Maximus continued to hold her small body. She looked like a child in that moment and the King's heart screamed to comfort his beloved.

After she calmed down, they went to see Troy. Apparently, she slept for 24 hours straight. Probably because I used the power too much in 2 days.

Troy was laying in the hospital bed, looking pale. She rushed to him, enveloping her bonded one in a tight embrace. Troy felt releaved she was ok, not harmed.

„Luna."

„Troy, I'm so glad you are alive. I didn't know if I reached the pack in time. I thought..."

„I'm fine Selene. You saved my life."

„I found you both at the border. You were...holding him with your magic." She looked at Maximus.

„I know...I couldn't carry him back by myself."

„How did you manage to stay in control for so long, Luna? You told us you...lose yourself when..you know."

„I fought for it. I guess...our bond helped." She couldn't tell them how much it hurt to do it, but she would fight again if it meant saving his life.

„Thank you. I owe you my life."

„Don't worry Troy. I would do it again. Besides, I knew you couldn't die, but when you passed out, I lost all common sense. I had to get you back, fast."

„Hmm." Troy had a michivious look on his face. „Did I hear you swear, Luna?"

„What?"

„I thought I heard you say 'fuck'"

„Oh...well I.." Both men began laughing. Selene smiled too. They were making fun of her.

„Shut up." They spent a couple of hours in the hospital-like room, revealing what happened. At the memory of Clay's death, a deep silence set.

„I'll talk with his family." Maximus got up and left the room.

Alone, Troy opened his mouth, but closed it back fast.

„What is it?"

„The rogues...they were..different."

„Yes. They were concious."

„The last one...I think..but it's not possible." Selene knew what he was reffering to.

„Regret. It was regret."

„But how...I don't understand."

„Troy.. I think they are controlled."

„Controlled? How? By whom?"

„I don't know. However, I think it's all connected to them, to these rogues." For a moment, both said nothing. „I think something is coming...something very dark. We have to find out what is happening and stop it, before it's too late."