And Then There Were Four (Lilith Carrie)

Chapter 212: Coming to Terms

The next two days played out as they should have. My brother finally returned to normal and Trixie had the mate back she had longed for her entire life. Seeing them together and back to how they were supposed to have been was a touching sight. I was glad that they had each other, and for once, I could see that Trixie was beginning to look like her normal self, which also pleased me.

The only thing I didn't care for was the fact that no matter how much I tried to find a way to help Damian, it wasn't going to happen. Instead, I watched him grow sicker by the minute, trying to spend whatever time he could with his granddaughter. While hoping and praying that things wouldn't have to end the way they were.

Standing by the back door of the main house, I looked out across the grassy field, watching Damian, who I had never truly been close with, play with my niece. Even my mother, who stood nearby laughing cheerfully with James as she too watched them, seemed to act as if Damian wasn't dying.

As if everything was normal.

I didn't understand how they could be so calm about everything, while I stood here in fear of what the future was going to hold.

“He looks good right now, doesn't he?" Talon replied as he came to my side, wrapping an arm around my shoulder as he pulled me close, kissing the top of my head.

“I don't understand how you can all be so calm about everything. He's dying and everyone just acts like it's a normal day."

“Would you rather us be moping around and mourning the fact that he was going to be passing instead of letting him enjoy the last days that he has?" he asked me, causing me to pull away and look at him with confusion.

He had a point, but no matter how much he was right about what he was saying, I couldn't help but feel regret. Regret that I was so hard on him when I was growing up. Regret that I pushed him away, and acted as if he was weak for doing what he did all those years ago. He gave up being Alpha, and I had always looked at him differently for that.

Even though, when I was growing up, I didn't know the truth.

Truth that I now understand… though it was too late to fix how I acted in the past.

“It just isn't fair," I said softly, my eyes brimming with tears as I glanced back at Damian, “He is still so young, he shouldn't be dying."

“Do not let yourself be full of regret, Cassie. He has lived his life and he understands that with every gift there are consequences. Fate gave him a second chance of life, and it's obvious that fate now believes he is needed elsewhere. Who knows, perhaps he is needed with you in Asgard."

Turning back to Talon, I furrowed my brows in confusion. “What are you talking about?"

of replying, he simply shrugged his shoulders and gave me a wide grin. “I recently had a conversation with Silas and Finn…" he said, pausing for a moment before carrying on. “Your time here has come to an end, and when you leave tonight to go back to

I gasped, shaking my head in disbelief. “No… it isn't his time. It doesn't work like that. I can't just take

his illness. It's time for him to find peace, Cassie. He is needed in Asgard with you.

ready to go, though. I don't think I'll ever be ready to go back," I whispered under my breath. “If I go back, there's no

as he stared at me. “Well, of course we'll see each other again. This isn't the end, Cassie. We will all end up in Asgard with you, just at different times. Remember, time there moves slower. You never know

he was right. I had missed out so much on my time with my

don't know if I can be the person they want me

his chest as he smoothed down my hair, hushing me like I had when I was a child. “It's okay, Castor. You're so much stronger than

am?" I sniffled as I buried my face against his chest, taking in the earthy smell of my father. A scent that I never wanted to forget. If I was ever to be a daddy's girl, I was glad Talon filled the role

the one I had

me what you would become. Now, I wasn't one to believe in those kinds of things, but over time, I realized that it was the fate's way

looked up into his eyes with confusion, and saw his own tears lingering on the corners of his eyes. “What do you mean you needed to

his face. “The point is that you were always meant to be who you are, and I'm so proud to have been able to be a

Which I suppose was fitting, considering I was leaving to go back to Asgard in a few hours, but it didn't stop me from feeling

after I leave? I need to be here

care of this pack long before you were born. The pack isn't your responsibility, nor is it protecting

sigh because he knew I

just leave and believe everything would

up for discussion. You have to go back tonight… we will manage everything here, and I'm sure now that he is back to normal, Trixie isn't going to let him out of

been back to his old self, Trixie hadn't left his side. In

thought that made me cringe in disgust

“Still, doesn't mean that I like how this is

while before had started to dissipate. I felt the pressure less within my gut when it came to the thought of leaving, and turning to look over my shoulder, I spotted Silas and Finn and

me… they were the reason why