CHAPTER 77 Farewell

Fire

It's been two weeks since the encounter at Pink Meadow and Drew and I have settled into the mansion which is now our new home.

Grandma Ling, despite her age, healed quickly and took it upon herself to become my mentor. Everyday, I practiced on a new spell, mastering each spell rather quickly. She, along with the other priestesses, believe I will become a powerful priestess when it is time to face our enemies.

My aunt has begun building a production site for weapons against rogue vampires and wolves. Soon, all of us will have guns to help us combat the former Viscount and Kai Long when we find them. We speculate that they have teamed up against us and are planning their revenge.

"It will take them some time before they wage war," my aunt said. "Right now, I have vampires looking for them. By the way, Isabella's father has gone missing. We believe he is now in league with the former Viscount, Dominic Modesto."

"Luke and Mason have already alerted my pack in the United Kingdom to obtain any information on the whereabouts of Dominic Modesto, Kai Long and Michael Anderson. If there are leads, I told them to follow them," I told my aunt. "All we have to do is follow missing humans. The vampires need to feed and killing humans out right in the open will leave a trail. I'm hoping they will make a mistake, but I highly doubt they will. They are so adept at hiding." I paused, looking up at the ceiling of the East Coven Stronghold's parlor room. "How about if I go and search for them? You know I'm a great tracker."

"I'm the great tracker, Fire. I have contacts all over the world," my aunt corrected me. "Don't worry. There is no place where I can not see. If there's a camera, facial recognition will find something. I've already told my people to inform me if anyone comes looking for a new identity and are willing to pay for papers and passports." She placed her shoulders around mine and led me toward the massive hallways of the castle where numerous large paintings hung. We stopped in front of the painting the former Eldest Damon had painted of Ying Yue. She did look like me, but she was obviously more girly.

"You know, Fire, what you should do is focus on having a family. I'm itching to be a grandma," my aunt murmured, reaching out and fixing the painting. I angled my head to see if it was still crooked.

"I don't think it's the right time, Aunt Tabby. I'm still adjusting to life here... as a Luna and a priestess, but most importantly as the Vampire Queen's assistant," I quipped. "Maybe after a few years."

"Are you sure waiting is the best decision, Fire? Women during my time tried as early as possible to give their husband an heir," my aunt said, leading me to the next painting which wasa depiction of the golden-eyed wolf.

"I'm sure  Aunt Tabby. I mean, it can't hurt to wait a couple of years, can it?" I asked.

"I wouldn't know, sweetie," she smiled, looking up at the pregnant silhouette of the daughter of Lupa who was cradling her protruding belly with her hands. "It's just two years anyway. I don't think it should be a problem. Now, come on. You need to start earning your keep."

I giggled and followed her to her office where the Eldest and the Duke were waiting for us.

Jade Long, after hearing of her father's treachery, left the territory without Drew's permission. We can only assume she is with her father, now that she has gone rogue.

Katherine, the Duke's daughter, decided to go to school to be among her peers. After living a rather secluded life in the Philippines, she wanted to live freely and experience life with young people her age. My aunt set her up in London where she's preparing to enter university. It was the least my aunt could do for Katherine since she was the one who killed the Vampire King.

After touring China, Alexander, the High Elder and Elder Drache announced it was time for them to leave. We all drove to Beijing to bid them farewell.

I gave Alexander a tight hug. He was like a brother to me.

While I was in his arms, I suddenly saw an image of him smiling brightly at two children, a young girl and a young boy, who were running towards him. Behind the children was a tall young woman with pale blonde hair, almost like white. Her sweet voice was telling the children to wait for her.

The light around Alexander and his family glowed like gold. It was so beautiful... I extended my hand and reached out to touch it. But I stopped midway, interrupted by a voice in my head.

"He and his companion must forget, Fire. They will remember when it is time."

"Fire, everything okay?" Alexander asked while gently shaking me awake. "Your eyes... they turned white. I thought you turned into a zombie. It was really creepy."

"I'm sorry. I-I just had a vision," I said, trying to explain.

"Oh yeah? Was it a happy vision or a sad vision? Did you see me with my mate? Will I be able to find her?" Alexander asked me all the questions so fast that I couldn't butt in to answer, so I giggled instead.

"You'll be able to find your fated mate, Alexander, and the vision I had was a happy one. You will definitely find her when the time is right. As for now, sorry bud, you'll have to wait," I said.

He nodded his head, a hopeful expression on his face.

"It won't hurt if I try to find her... maybe find a clue as to who she is. I still have a couple more months before I need to head back to Washington State. I don't want to waste it. Mark, you and I will be heading to France," he said. Mark nodded his head.

"You are always welcome to come back, Alexander," Drew said. "You are my bestfriend and will always be my bestfriend. I hope when Fire gives birth to our eldest, you'll come and visit."

Eeeek! I'll be casting a spell to make Alexander and Mark forget. Oh well, I guess the childhood and college memories of them together will be good enough.

Wait... that meant Alexander would forget about me too. If not all, most of it.

I suddenly felt sad. I would be losing a good friend.

"You must listen to the Moon Goddess, Fire," Nirvana said. "Alexander has a path to follow, so does his mate. You will meet again when the time is right."

"It isn't fair," I argued. "He's a part of my life, of our lives. I don't want him to forget about me."

"But you must. When circumstances align themselves, you will meet again and your families will become one," Nirvana replied.

*Our families will become one*? What could that possibly mean?

I heaved a sigh and grudgingly agreed to wipe what had transpired over the course of a month from Alexander's mind. I had to trust the Moon Goddess. It just didn't want to lose a friend.

"So this means goodbye, then," I mumbled, trying to fight the tears. "Alexander, I hope when you see me, you won't treat me any different."

He laughed as he picked up his carry-on. "Fire, I would never treat you any different. You and I, we are pals," he said, grinning. "When I see you again, I have a feeling I will be with my fated mate." I nodded my head. "It will be so exciting for our families to meet."

"Of course, Alexander," I said, forcing myself to smile at him. "I know I will love her the same way as I love you. You take care of yourself. Try and remember everything I taught you. See you, Alexander."

I placed a loving hand on his cheek and my fingers began to glow blue, the blue light flashing towards Mark. When they wake up from sleeping, they will not remember a thing about the vampires.

If I still grace their memories, I will be utterly grateful.

"Luna Fire, I hope to see you soon, but I have a feeling we won't," the High Elder said. "If I pass before the time is right, look to the Perfumer for guidance."

I hugged him tightly. I also had a feeling it would be the last time I ever see him. "I'll be here, High Elder, if ever you need me."

We watched them board their planes. Mark and Alexander onto Alexander's private jet while the High Elder and Elder Drache boarded Elder Drache's plane.

When the planes took off, I began to cry. Drew wrapped his arms around me, puzzled at my reaction.

"We can always visit them, Fire. Wipe your tears. We'll see them again."

I wanted to tell him that we wouldn't.