For the first time in two weeks I walked out of the room by myself and headed confidently to where I could feel Athena was. I walked into the dining room making everything go silent. Sitting at the table was Mercy, Anon, Ashwini, Candy, the twins and who I was looking for Athena.

"Good morning." I bowed to them awkwardly suddenly feeling like this was a bad idea.

"How are you feeing Alpha?" Anon asked standing up. My heart beat quickened as he walked towards me but I controlled the urge to run.

"Stop." I held up my hand to him before his got too close while my other hand held onto the doorframe keeping me from running. I swallowed nervously. "I-I'm not great nor perfect, but I'm ready to get better. But, I'm sorry I don't think I can be really near anyone for a while, besides for Beatrice. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, I understand. I can feel what you have been through." Anon told me softly as he took a few steps back, which made me relax slightly.

I then turned my attention to Candy and the twins. "I want to sincerely apologise to you for what I did, for what I've done." I lowered my head to them gritting my teeth against the regret and guilt. "I'd like to offer compensation to the families of those I've hurt... And killed..."

"I don't like Nightwalker's, you obviously know that," Candy sighed leaning back in her seat with a frown. "But I understand what you went through and what made you do what you did. It wasn't you. I see that, Tora and Honey see that, but the one you need to say this to is the king. I forgive you even though I don't really like you."

Tora and Honey smiled at me. "We know you were being controlled, I mean you were awesome when you were on our side but the way you went crazy was... Well bloody crazy!" Tora laughed.

Honey hit his twin in the stomach with his elbow while he gave me a soft smile. "Ignore him and his talk, we forgive you too."

"Yeah, even though you went insane and what not, you did learn some crazy moves I'd love you to teach me." Mercy grinned from beside Ashwini.

Ashwini nodded her head quickly. "Same with me. I mean, you summoned a bloody dragon! That was both terrifying and awesome!" She exclaimed with bright eyes.

I smiled awkwardly. "Ah, yeah sure, I'll be sure to teach you when I'm not terrified of myself anymore. Um... I was wondering if I could speak to Athena... In private."

I looked at the little girl who sat quietly, not even looking at me, beside Mercy. She got up without a word and walked out of the dining room, never looking up away from the ground. She walked passed me without a glance and I had to grip onto the door frame tighter to stop my terrified trembling.

God she hates me... What am I going to do? My eyes sting and my throat felt like a lump grew inside it. With a quick parting bow to the others I followed the little girl I would plead to on my hands and knees to have her forgiveness.

Following a path out of the giant tree I found Athena sitting on the ledge of an amazing fountain that dribbled out water over life-like statues of fairy children playing in a secluded garden, which was full of stunning flowers and insects that I've never seen before.

I stopped a little ways away from the girl suddenly not know what to do or say.

"You scared me." Her voice was soft and the crack I heard in it was a knife slicing another scar into my already battered heart.

"I know..." I whispered back unwilling to let the tears out after so long of feeling nothing. "I'm so sorry Athena."

"I don't care what you did when you went missing, because like everyone said, it wasn't you. You're too good, too pure to have done all that. I was scared because you went missing, I was scared because I thought you were doing the same thing Sylvy did... I was scared because I thought the next time I was going to see you, would be when you were dead or dying. I wouldn't have been able to handle watching another person I love die." She was crying and shaking on the edge of the fountain, hugging herself like she was truly alone and she still hasn't looked at me.

I nervously walked over to sit beside her. Not touching, just close enough that I could feel her warmth coming from her skin to my own.

"And then the way you reacted in the bedroom and how silent you've been lately... It was worse seeing you so unresponsive than if I had watched you die."

"I'm never going to be the same Vaden as before... I'm scared and weak, but I will still do everything in my power to protect and give you a life worth living." I sighed softly and I looked at the little girl. I placed my hand palm up between us. "Did you know that it was at the mention of your name, that I nearly killed or even hurt you, that brought me back? You're so important to me Athena. So important that it doesn't matter what I go through your safety will always be my top concern, above others. Even if I'm terrified of myself at the moment, if you were in trouble I wouldn't waste a second questioning myself if it would save you. Athena... I need you to forgive me. For scaring you, for the way I've been acting, my selfishness, my weakness, and for nearly hurting you and breaking my promise of protecting you. Please Athena, will you forgive me and give me a chance to grow stronger so that I will never hurt you again?"

She looked at my hand and finally she looked up at me. I felt a weight a didn't know I was carrying lift from my heart as I saw acceptance in those stunning storm cloud eyes.

"I love you Vaden. You never needed to be forgiven, I was just afraid that I'd be left alone again, but I forgive you anyway because I know it's what you need and I want to see you heal." She gave me a soft smile before her little hand slipped into mine. "I love you."

I pulled her to me and wrapped my arms around her smaller body, happy beyond belief right at this moment. I placed a kiss onto the top of her head and breathed in the soap she used to wash her hair that morning.

"Thank you, Athena, I love you so much too." I hugged her tightly to me.

We stayed like that for I don't know how long before she broke the silence though she didn't break the embrace. "Vaden..."

"Mm?" I hummed.

"When I'm older, can you change me?" I leant back quickly and looked down at her in shock not having expecting such a request.

"Excuse me?" I asked just to make sure.

She blushed lightly but I saw her resolve firm within her eyes. "When I'm older, will you change me and then teach me. I want to be a Nightwalker."

"W-why on earth would you want to be a Nightwalker? After everything my kind has done to you, your family, Sylvia?" I asked just completely and utterly shocked.

She looked down at her fiddling fingers. "I know, but not all Nightwalkers are bad and... I know what I want and I want to be a Nightwalker. If I change my mind later, I will tell you, but right now I want you to change me when I'm older."

I shook my head in disbelief, but if that's what the girl wants and like she said she can always change her mind... But still, what a surprise.

"Alright Athena, we'll see what happens and you can make a true decision when you're older." I replied nervously. Truthfully I don't want to do it but ultimately it's her decision and hopefully she'll change her mind.

She smiled brightly and hugged me again, which I returned. "Oh thank you! Thank you!" She exclaimed brightly.

"Mmm... No problem, I guess." I grumbled noncommittally.

"I'm glad to see you two are back to being close again." I jumped lightly at the unexpected sound of Beatrice's voice coming from the entry way into the garden.

Athena pulled away from me and ran at Beatrice with a bright smile. In an easy swoop Beatrice picked up the girl and hugged her tightly, a loving smile on her own face. Watching the two hug and smile at each other was a stunning sight that made my insides wiggle with warmth. Family is what I think when I picture my love and the little girl I've sworn to protect being together. They're my family.

I stood up and walked to them feeling tired and drained, but happy. I placed a kiss to Athena's head and wrapped an arm around Beatrice's waist.

"My family." I whispered into Athena's hair.

"Always." Beatrice replied kissing my cheek. We stayed like that until Athena got squirmy in Beatrice's grip and we decided to get ready to go home. But I still have to face the King.

I stayed close to Beatrice and Athena and walked with my head down unwilling to chance a look up to possibly see hateful glares aimed at me, as we went through the capital and headed back to the ground where hoses were waiting to take us to the portal. Anon walked protectively in front of us and I can feel that he accepted that I couldn't be alone with him or close to him just yet until I could tame the terrifying images and feelings that arose randomly from my memories. I still craved blood like nothing else on this planet but I've decided that I will use my new insanity side that I can still feel boiling somewhere inside my mind to become a full time hunter for lady Aviva and only feed off of enemies.

Sadly, that will mean I'll have to leave the estate for a while with each mission I'd be given and won't be able to see anyone during that time. Which for the moment I'm okay with. It'll give me time to do some self searching and healing on my own to find my new self and to get stronger.

A squeeze on my hand from Athena had me looking towards her with a soft smile. She smiled back just as softly and I found comfort from the little action. "I can't wait to go back and tell Sian everything. I bet she'll be jealous of the adventure we had here."

"Did you and Sian become friends while I was away?" I asked her glad for the conversation which was taking my mind off of the expected encounter with the King.

"Yep, she showed me the ins and outs of the estate. I even saw other Nightwalker's but they always ignore us humans." She frowned before shrugging. "At least they're not cruel to us."

"Lady Aviva would never allow one of her people to be mistreated. The humans in the estate are workers, not slaves, they have rights and are even payed so if they were ever mistreated they can leave if they want to. Plus, lady Aviva would never tolerate one of her Hunters mistreating her workers." I told her confidently.

Athena nodded her head. "Will I become a hunter too when you change me?"

I looked away nervously already hating the prospect of my little girl having to do the things I will and have been through. "You can choose what you want to be when it happens. Though I'd very much prefer if you follow Beatrice and become an ambassador for lady Aviva. It'll mean you get to go to all different places and even different realms if you do." Plus, it's a lot safer, I added in my head.

"Oh! Yes that would be amazing! We'll have so many adventures!" She exclaimed brightly making me smile happily that I could possibly push her away from any violence. She's already seen too much of that already, she doesn't need anymore of it.

"I like that idea." Beatrice spoke up having been walking with Mercy behind us. "I wouldn't mind an assistant. I can teach you all that I know."

"Yes! Can we start when we get back?" Athena asked excitedly making everyone chuckle.

"Of course but there's no changing your mind if you start finding it boring." Beatrice warned but it made me happy to know that my two most important people will be safe, stuck in the library where I can always see them.

I little bit of happiness slightly dipped at the sight of lady Aviva, Georgia and the King standing near the painted horses. I swallowed nervously wondering if the King will stop me from going home. I relaxed slightly when Beatrice placed a hand to my back but I was still incredibly nervous.

"Are you all ready to go?" Lady Aviva asked looking at me mainly.

I nodded my head nervously. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in before I stepped forward towards the King and went down on one knee in front of him. "I-I want to sincerely apologise for what I've done." I stuttered out while looking at the ground. "To the families of those I hurt, I wish to give whatever compensation they want and deserve."

It was silent for a while, which made me sweat and tremble uncontrollably. "Many families have lost members during the war... But compensation has already been paid by the Orcs willingly becoming servants to those fairies and helping with the rebuilding and reforestation of our realm. All that I ask from you Vaden, is that you continue protecting my daughter and will come here again if we're ever in trouble once more."

I looked up at him in shock, only to see a soft smile on his handsome face. "Th-thank you, your highness, and I will come whenever you need me... Ah, at lady Aviva's command as well, and I will protect your daughter as well."

"Good, then stand up, I believe you have a portal to go through before night comes." The king happily said making me almost sag in relief.

I stood up with a glad sigh and soon enough we were waving goodbye to the King and his commanders, Candy and the twins. Athena rode with me and never stopped speaking the whole way. I was terribly tired and needed a good rest, but I had to wait until we got back to the estate.

We made it to the portal just as the sun was starting its decent from the middle of the sky. "You ready to go home?" Beatrice asked from beside me as we got off the horses at where we had arrived at the start of all this.

"Yes." I sighed finally we're able to leave this realm that would haunt me forever. I paused midstep, but only for a second. Has Enrique left this realm? Is he back in the mortal realm in his black castle thinking up ways to get back at me? I shivered at the thought. I need to get stronger.

"Candy!" I heard Georgia exclaim and I watched as the pink hared fairy desended from the sky, sword at hip, light armour over her chest, shins and arms, and a pack slung over her back between her wings. "What are you doing here?"

"I decided to come back with you. I didn't want you to go all those years ago because ei didn't trust these Nightwalkers, but I was too young to leave, so I've decided to come now as extra protection to you princess."

I looked at lady Aviva worriedly but she didn't seem to mind as she stood beside her mate with a nonchalant expression. "Whatever, it's not like we don't have the room."

"She also doesn't want admit that the more people protecting her mate the better she feels." Beatrice whispered to me with a giggle and getting a glare from her sister who had heard her.

"Let's go." Lady Aviva said and was about to go through the portal but I stopped her.

"Please wait my lady." I asked of her softly. "I might not be all that great right now but I still know my position of a guard to you when we're not at the estate. Please allow me to go first in case there's any danger on the other side."

She looked surprised but a soft smile did grace her lips. "Very well then." She agreed with a nod and stepped back.

I looked at Anon. "Please bring up the rear after everyone has gone through. Athena stay with Beatrice alright?"

"Yes Alpha." Anon agreed with a nod.

"Okay." Athena agreed as she latched onto Beatrice's hand who smiled at the girl affectionately.

"Then I'm going through." I bowed to them all before stepping onto a little symbol that represented the portal on the ground.

Everything around me blurred before I was suddenly back in the mortal realm. I had no time to react before incredible pain raced through my torso.

"Well hello there blood sucker." A familiar red headed human smiled at me making me want to groan in annoyance.

"Seriously? Again? I thought I finally got rid of you last time." I huffed in annoyance while at the same time sending a warning to not come through the portal to Beatrice and Anon. I looked down to where her arm ran right through my stomach. How was that even possible?

She scowled at me before pulling out her arm showing me that her hands that I had cut off last time we fought were now made of what looked like some kind of metal. I realised they were Vojjor vishaferat (gods weapon) from the mana ruins on the palms. They moved like normal hands and it was very strange to look at.

I placed a hand to the gapping hole in my stomach and stumbled back slightly, my head dizzy from the sudden loss of blood. But I healed quicker than usual when I placed mana there.

Adelle scowled further as she saw my wound heal. "Next time I'll cut off your head."

I shook my head as I felt myself becoming excited. The same excitement I felt when I went insane, but this time I can control it, it scared me but right now it was needed.

I smiled at her while the edges of my vision started turning red then black. I saw shock grow on the human Hunters face and I realised there was a small army in the clearing, which must have been waiting for us to come through. I wonder how they knew we were coming through the portal today. Do we have a snitch in our midst? Whatever, it doesn't matter how they knew, they're all going to die anyway... that's definitely the insanity talking.

I sighed and looked at Adelle almost pityingly. "You already wasted your chance in killing me. So I suggest anyone that doesn't wish to die, leave now and I won't chase you."

"Hah! Like we're afraid of you! You're weak and pathetic!" Adelle shouted while she pointed a black metal finger at me. "I'm going to kill you once and for all."

I almost laughed as I felt both dark mana and pure mana rise from the ground around me while I released qoy from his sheath at my side. "I'd like to see you try."

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