Page 28

Later that night we all sat in the living room, with mugs of hot chocolate in our hands. It was getting chilly now, winter season coming around. We sat on the carpet in a circle. Sophie urged we should play truth or dare. The first few rounds we all had a good laugh. It felt peaceful. Then the bottle landed on me while Amara had to ask. I chose truth,

"What do find yourself thinking more often these days?" She asked talking a sip from her mug.

"Well, I think–" Damon broke me off saying,

"Oh no! That usually ends up bad for other people." He grinned and I stuck my tongue out to him.

"– it's so different this time," I trace my fingers along the cup. Getting lost in the never ending thought process of mine.

"What is different, dear?" Amara looked at me urging me to continue. I shrugged then sighed.

"Just- well, everything. I mean all this queen deal. My meeting with Alexander, then the Luna Games, then this war with rouges, it feels like everything's going so fast."

"You feel things are going differently than you expected or wanted?" Sophie wrapped her arms around her knees, placing her head on top of her knees.

"I.." trailing off I looked at Damon and just like every time he understood me. He knows I find it difficult to share my thoughts mainly because I feel I'm putting burden on others. That becomes the main reason for me bottling things up and pushing myself away from the people around me. But I'm trying to change that, I know I've got people around me whom I can trust.

"Why does it feel different this time, Cassie?" Damon gave an encouraging look. Taking a deep breath I start,

"I mean, I met Alec in unusual circumstances rather than meeting in the royal ball. Then all of a sudden the Luna Games come up and there are people challenging me for duel. Then the whole issue with Victoria and the pack accepts me as their luna even before I can complete all rounds. Then the heat comes up yet no marking, then the rouge war and I have to act as the official yet unofficial queen without any mark or Luna ceremony. It feels like I've been thrown in obstacles one after another without getting the time to actually slow down. Alec and I went direct to the advanced level without starting from basic level. It's just... all too much." I run my fingers through my hair and a nervous laugh escapes me. I look up to see all of them looking at me with worry and I close my eyes.

This is why I don't share.

They all become worried and I feel at fault. I rest my head on top of my knees, placing my now cold mug on the floor beside me. After a while I feel arms wrapping around me. Sophie hugging me from my right while Amara hugs me from left. I lift my head and return their hugs. Looking at Damon I smile and he smiles back. My family, minus two people.

Alexander and Edgar.

Pulling back Amara starts off, "I know everything feels rushed right now but just a little time and it will come together. You and Alex are soulmates. You can start from basics or advance level but you both will bond the same way. Once he comes back, you guys can start all over again if you want to. As for the other things they don't matter more than you do. These things are from you not the other way around. We're all here for you my dear. Never forget that."

My heart warmed at her concern for me. "Thank you, Mom." I smiled, her eyes widened for a fraction of second before a huge smile stretched on her face. Damon broke the silence by saying we should continue the game.

That's how my night passed. With people who reminded me that blood does not determine who your family is. I had no blood relation with anyone of them, but they're the faces that come to mind when I think about the word family. So, I guess you're never always alone. Maybe for a short time but someone will come around and show you that you're not alone. For me it was my mate after Damon.

"Oh god!" Sophie stood up all of a sudden, her eyes wide and look of utter shock displayed on her face. My heart picked up speed as well.

" Sophie? What's wrong dear?" Amara got up as well and moved towards her. Damon pulled her closer and rubbed her arms in soothing manner.

"Alex and the army–" A loud sound of sad howl coming from outside stopped her in mid sentence and we all stilled. Dread filled my whole body and I clench my eyes shut.

No, no, no.

"Alexander and the army, they're...."