Avenge

The last couple of days I have stayed to myself. I needed it really. Slowly going through all my memories trying to deal with everything that is affecting me.

I miss my pack but this is what is for the best. They need someone who can truly lead them right now. If I cannot take care of myself, how can I possibly protect them?

The cool morning air nips at my skin as I strip my clothes to shift. Aella needs to run and feel her paws hitting the earth. It has been a while since she has been able to. I can feel her excitement as I let the pain ripple through my body.

Was not long before we were now in her majestic form. I decided to slip to the back and give her control to run free and watch from the sidelines.

She was running like it was her first time. I can feel her joy as we darted through the trees. The wind blowing through her fur gave her a sense of joy and happiness. It was a feeling of freedom from all the pain we were going through.

We came to the edge of the tree line to a small clearing in the woods. Aella took her time checking for any danger that could be lurking. No matter where we are there is still a possibility of danger. Can never be too careful.

The sun was beginning to peer through the trees as it was rising slowly to the sky. There was a silhouette of someone sitting in the field. Aella’s ears perked up and she lowered herself to the ground trying to stay hidden.

The light began to get brighter and we were both waiting to see who it was because they never moved, not once. Aella did not feel any danger, but still felt a bit on edge.

“Good morning, Ciana.” A deep voice says loudly.

Aella threw her head up at the sound of the voice. It sent chills through our body. Zion. What was he doing out here?

“You can come closer; I will not bite.” He says.

Aella sauntered over and sat near him with some distance between us. That is when we both noticed it.

'Lilly Evans- Born April 14th, 1986, Died May 23rd, 2004. Loving sister, daughter, and friend.'

It was a headstone. So sad, only eighteen years old.

“She was my first mate,” Zion spoke softly.

My heart sank a bit. I remember the story Bryce told me.

“She was murdered the same day we met.” His voice was filled with sadness as he spoke.

Aella and I stayed there and wanted to hear whatever he decided to tell us.

“She was full of life. She was the Alpha's daughter next to our pack. When our bond snapped into place it was magical. No other words to describe it. We went to talk. To get to know each other you could say. I brought her here. We sat here for hours talking about our pasts, memories, and what we wanted to do with the future.” He says with a slight smile as he recalls his memories.

“Then we were ambushed. So many wolves I couldn’t keep track. We both fought like hell trying to keep them fended off. We would kill one rogue only for three more to take it’s place. No matter how hard we fought, we were drowning in rogues.” I could hear the pain in his voice.

“Then, they ran. They had us beat but they left. When I turned I saw her lying there motionless. My heart sank and I felt like I could not breathe. I crawled my battered body to her side and she was gone.” Tears began welling in his eyes as he relived the horrible memory.

“I could not save her. I failed her. As a mate, I was to protect her. I did the one thing she was counting on me to do and I lost her.” He says in defeat.

“Then I went into a depression. I beat myself up every single day. It should have been me who died that day. It took years for my family and Bryce to get through to me. To make me understand. I did not want to understand because no matter what I was the cause of her death. Because of who I am.” He got silent as he took deep breaths.

“I had a lot of people looking up to me. People who needed me. I had to deal with the pain and be a leader. That guilt will always be there but there is nothing I can do to bring her back. To change what happened. Their memories live on but so do we.” He said looking Aella in the eyes knowing I was watching and listening.

“Now I deal with the death of my parents at the hands of Ethan Black. Murdered. Cold-blooded murder. I do not know exactly what happened that night your wolf came. The pain is different for everyone. We all handle it differently. What you had to witness and go through, I cannot even imagine.” He says caringly.

We cannot let ourselves drown in the sorrow. Remember Ciana, you are not the only person to go through pain at his hands. It is about more than just you. Only you can come to that realization.” He then stood up and walked away.

I stayed there now at the forefront of our minds. I stared at the headstone. His words flowed through my mind. His emotions stained my heart. A beaming bright blue glow appeared beside the headstone. I closed my eyes from the brightness. When I reopened I gasped in shock.

“Hello Ciana, my name is Lily. We need to have a talk.”