Epilogue
BASTIAN.
Dear Margaret Tudd,
It's been quite a few months since we last saw one another, and I thought I might catch you up on everything that's happened.
After the shield around Elyisum was taken down, I followed the girl with amethyst eyes back to her kingdom, and to this day, I would follow her to the ends of the world if she asked it of me.
The journey back from the Valley of Elysium was quieter, a stark contrast to the chaos that led us there. The tranquility of the landscapes was mirrored by the quiet contentment that settled between Daisy and me. I found my place beside her, and the stars that once seemed distant now shine just a bit brighter, right at the edge of our grasp.
Though it still took us three days to travel back up the mountain, the trip was far swifter and simpler than the descent. This time around, Alice had her wolf form, and Luke was able to tolerate the sunlight, not to mention the help of the magic gemstones you gifted us.
We all still carry them with pride and think of you often.
Still, we must have looked like a rather odd bunch. Alice and Matt were in their wolf forms, racing each other at every given opportunity, followed closely by Luke’s swarm of black bats, while Daisy and I brought up the rear. A golden-white wolf trotting side-by-side with a black wolf that moved like her shadow. At least no one was carrying an umbrella this time around.
When we arrived at Daisy's home, we were greeted with shouts and cheers. Daisy's mother rushed out to embrace her, her tear-streaked violet eyes resembling her daughter's as the two held each other tightly. I thought my mate had never looked happier, but then her gaze landed on her father. Tristan Lyall stood strong and proud without the slightest lingering trace of the dark plague.
I tried my best to fade into the background so Daisy could have her moment, but that lasted only about a minute before she dragged me forward and introduced me to everyone.
Along with her friends, Daisy spent the next few hours recounting our adventures in the Valley of Elysium. Alice practically yelled as she spun a tale of daring and adventure while Matt unceremoniously interrupted her with jokes, and Luke politely pointed out the facts and corrected them when the cousins got carried away.
Personally, I spent the rest of the day trying to remember the names of all these new faces that would become my family.
Iris Silas Lyall, the brave and gentle Luna of the Rovers, Princess of the Nightwalkers, and Queen of the Baneless. She hugged me tightly and insisted I would be a perfect addition to the Rover’s Pack of misfits and outcasts. Tristan Lyall, the calm yet commanding King of Rogues, shook my hand with a firm grip and a kind smile.
Nico Ryer, with his crooked grin, and his mate, Lucy, who talks with such eagerness that it’s impossible not to smile, even when I have no idea what she’s going on about half the time. It’s clear that Matt got his sense of humor from them.
Mark and Amara Hawthorne are both stern, stoic warriors, but the love in their hearts shines through when they look at each other or at their daughter, Alice. Marco Silas, Vanessa Massen, and their advisor Helena are the oldest in the group, but they are no less lively than the others.
It’s strange to think that for so long, the meaning of family felt lost on me. Alexander was never truly a father to me, and while the Ash and Blood Coven did their best to help raise me, they never treated me as one of their own. My mother lost herself to the promise of a perfect, happy family that never existed. But these people, with their misshapen pasts and their crooked odds and ends… they are real.
This home they’ve built by a lake is solid and true, and they fill it with banter, bad jokes, and unwavering loyalty. This family is bound not by blood or by duty but by unconditional love and devotion to one another. And when they welcomed me, they did so without judgment, without reservations nor apprehension.
At the next conclave, as thanks for our courage and heroism in saving the kingdoms from the plague, Matt, Alice, Luke, Daisy, and I were all given seats in the Nameless Alliance and named the Heroes of Elysium. Can you believe it?
We're damn heroes, Margaret!
As for my mother, Daisy and I eventually went back for her and brought her to the Rover's territory. Sorry we didn't get to stop by and visit you and Derek along the way, but traveling with my mother is a little bit like going on holiday with a ticking time bomb.
Needless to say, we managed to keep her from exploding. You'll be pleased to know that she's now living in a quiet cottage in the woods in the Rover's territory. The house belongs to Sophie, the Rover's Seer, and a rather sweet woman with an infinitely patient temper. The two women perfectly embodied the balance of light and dark, living together as friends and coexisting in harmony. It is my sincere hope that with Sophie's help, my mother can live out the rest of her days in peace. It might not be a perfect happily ever after, but it is as close to redemption and contentment as she can come. For us, I think, that is enough.
In other news, Queen Iris offered to name Daisy and me the Alpha and Luna of the Baneless Moon Pack. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted, but one glance from my mate set me straight. She insists that one day, we will be ready for the title, and when the time comes, we will take our throne and lead our people just as her parents did. But for now, we are young and brave and reckless. I think we deserve the chance to be just that. Daisy says she wants to keep having bad ideas, make mistakes, get into trouble with her friends, and let herself be a mess with her mate by her side. And to me, that sounds perfect.
Speaking of duty, I wanted to congratulate you on being named High Priestess of Elysium, a position which I am sure you will use to help lead the covens into an age of healing and rebirth. On that note, and on behalf of Queen Iris and King Tristan, I would like to officially extend my gratitude to the Covens of Elysium and offer you and your son a seat in the Namelss Council. When we left Elysium, you told us we would always be welcomed there, and it seems only fair that we return the favor. It would be an honor to have you and Derek join the Alliance. Gods know you're more qualified than I am, and they let me have a spot.
Anyhow, I digress. Daisy sends her regards, though I expect we'll be visiting you soon enough. My wolf is restless, and my mate's heart is just as wild. This world is big and brilliant, and together, I think we just might take it by storm. Keep an eye out and look up into the dark, dear witch. One of these days, you'll see our names written in the stars.
Best wishes,
Bastian Stone.
P.S. I've heard some rumors starting to spread around Silvertooth Peaks already, and I thought you could help me set the record straight. There have been whispers of a wicked witch who was defeated when a girl with amethyst eyes asked her name. But we both know the truth is never as simple as it sounds. Words are powerful things, and there is magic in a name. Just ask my mate's mother. One of these days, remind me to tell you the legend of Iris Lyall. It is a beautiful thing, this story I have become a part of. The story of the Nameless Luna… and the Nameless Luna's Daughter.