Chapter 165 Chapter 165

Chapter 165 Chapter 165
Gabriel’s POV

We thought she wasn't going to be able to make it as the light was engulfing her, but she managed to do it. Suddenly a bright light exploded in front of everyone else and it seems like it affected everyone. We all fell to the ground, but we knew what happened. The moon immediately changed color and that influence stopped on all of us.

There was no need to tell us what was going on as we realized that we have won the war. Everyone else who were still fighting were still mad at each other, but it wasn't completely sure that everything was over until she stood up.

“It’s finally over. I don't know how I feel, but now I feel like I can't be controlled by them anymore,” she said happily.

I felt happy for her and hugged her. Paxton did the same thing.

There was silence after everything was over. It felt unreal, impossible to me, like everything that just happened was a dream, but it wasn't. It was our reality as we saw that the place was ruined and it was evidence of what had taken place here. It was hard to get everybody back to their senses and stop most of the people from fighting. Meanwhile, some are already dead in this farce.

I looked around for Carlota. I'm still outstanding while looking at everyone else. She was still glowing so much with the moon covering over her, but it was something that she could control now. However, she didn't look happy.

She was victorious after all and she was able to defeat the moon and handle the power, which means that she was still the chosen after all and she did everything she could to make everyone survive. But I understand how she felt right now. Everything that happened was because of her. If no one tried to awaken her powers in the first place, this wouldn't have happened.

Somehow I didn't feel afraid anymore. The feeling inside me now was more than fear or anything else. It was achievement and pride. There was also a lot of relief since it feels like this is all over.

I stepped toward her, slowly and carefully, like she might disappear if I moved too fast. My voice came out rough.

“Carlota…”

She turned to me. Her eyes were soft now. She didn't have that look she had earlier like she was going to devour everyone. She also didn't look like she was being used by the moon anymore and she had her old eyes. She was a woman who had torn fate apart and survived it.

“It’s over,” she said. “This nightmare is finally over and I can get out of here.”

The words hit me harder than any blow. I couldn't comprehend how she must have felt the entire time. Even though she was with me, I could tell that she was scared and unhappy.

I smiled before I could stop myself. This was actually the first time I was smiling so wide like this, which made me feel confused about myself too. But this was a time to be happy, so of course I would be happy.

“Then maybe,” I said quietly, “we can start something new.”

She studied my face like she was searching for something. Maybe a lot of doubt or fear or control, but I gave her none of it. She lifted her hand and touched my cheek.

The world vanished around us. Everyone around, the moon, the prophecy, the worries and everything else were no longer there. All of it faded until there was only her hand against my skin and the steady rhythm of her breathing.

I leaned into her touch without thinking. Her hands were actually so warm that I didn't want to leave her alone. I kept holding on to her and she only smiled at me.

“You're really hard to deal with, but that's what’s charming about you. I'm glad you were able to survive,” she said to me.

“Even if I didn't, I know you wouldn't give up because you are very passionate about everything and I would have gladly given my life to make you live,” I replied to her.

She pulled my face to look at her again. “But I'm not looking for someone who will die for me. I'm looking for someone who would live for me. I hope you understand the difference and don't even talk about dying again in front of me.”

I understood what she meant and nodded. “You're right. I wouldn't talk about that anymore. I promise you, from now on we would be happy together.”

....

PAXTON’S POV

After everything was done, I decided to look for them around as I didn't see them, but it was hard to find them anywhere. However, I found them later, standing near the edge of the clearing.

My eyes went straight to Carlota as I traced her body. Her hand was still in Gabriel’s. The sight hit me; it felt so sudden to me. It was annoying but not the way it used to. It was more like a bruise I already knew how to live with.

I used to be so jealous of seeing them together and now, it just felt so strange to me. I didn't think I would ever have this level of generosity in me, but here we are now.

I let out a breath and shook my head. “You’re both impossible,” I muttered.

Carlota turned toward me. There was no fear in her eyes anymore. She looked so calm and relieved, like she finally belonged to herself. Which was the truth because the moon wouldn't be bothering her anymore. She already ended those ties.

She stepped closer to me, leaving Gabriel’s side without drama or guilt. I didn't expect what she did next, but I was glad she did it. She suddenly hugged me so tight and didn't let go. I also didn't want to let her go as I looked at Gabriel.

He wasn't complaining. I mean, he wouldn't dare complain since he wasn't the only one who could be around her. I suddenly didn't feel like fighting him at all anymore. What's the use of fighting him anyway when we can just make do with it? She pulled away, looking at me with a smile, and I felt so good.

“You stood by me when everyone else ran,” she said softly. “That doesn’t disappear.”

Before I could answer, she pressed her hand to my chest, right over my heart. The contact grounded me. It felt so warm and real that I didn't want to let go.

“I don’t have to choose,” she said. “The bond didn’t make us rivals.” Her eyes lifted to mine. “It made us whole.”

For a moment, I couldn’t speak. All the anger I had carried, jealousy, all the times I told myself that I would lose her anyway, they loosened their grip.

I covered her hand with mine, feeling her pulse under my palm.

The corner of my mouth lifted despite myself. “Guess,” I said quietly, “I can live with that.”